My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage

Chapter 54:

Though puzzled by Kristopher’s motives, Carrie quickly adapted to the situation, playing her part in his apparent charade. Admiring the roses, she responded warmly, “Yes, these are my favorite.”

Reflecting on the past two years, she acknowledged that, despite everything, Kristopher had provided her with a measure of material comfort, far surpassing what the Campbell family had offered. With this stark contrast in mind, Carrie couldn’t bear the thought of Yara viewing her as something to ridicule. Acting wasn’t just a talent for her. It was a necessity for her survival and success in their cutthroat circle.

With her most dazzling smile, Carrie approached Kristopher, gently looping her arm through his, and cooed in a syrupy tone that made her own flesh crawl, “Thank you, sweetheart.” It was the first time Kristopher had ever heard her use such a sugary-sweet voice, and it visibly threw him off. His body tensed, and a look of complexity washed over his face as he turned his gaze toward her.

At that instant, Kristopher developed a deep appreciation for Carrie’s theatrical prowess. Yet, he remained silent, only shooting an impatient look toward Yara.

Yara, attempting to maintain composure, forced a smile and said, “Mr. Norris, please don’t get the wrong idea. I merely caught a snippet of your conversation about a divorce… I assumed there were some troubles in your relationship.”

With a fond look at Carrie, Kristopher let out a laugh and responded, “Oh, it’s nothing more than a lovers’ quarrel. Miss Campbell, instead of speculating about the stability of others’ marriages, perhaps it would be wiser to concentrate on your own academic endeavors. Despite sharing half the genes, your appearance and intellect don’t seem to measure up to even half of what Carrie possesses.”

Kristopher’s reputation for his forthrightness was no secret; he spared no one’s feelings, regardless of their status or connection to him, including a distant acquaintance like Yara. His words clearly cut deep, and despite her usual resilience, Yara found herself unable to remain any longer.

With a sharp, smoldering look of resentment, she glanced at Carrie and stormed away. Carrie watched Yara leave, her expression turning frosty as she faced Kristopher.

“Mr. Norris, did you come here just to revel in my distress? You’ve seen enough. I’d prefer it if you left now.”

Kristopher’s face clouded with confusion, his eyebrows knitting together. “Why must you speak to me in such a manner?”

Carrie parted her lips to retort, but considering he had just done her a favor, she bit back her sharper reply.

Sensing the shift, Kristopher’s voice grew gentler. “There’s a family event at the Norris estate tomorrow. I couldn’t reach you by phone, so I decided to come here directly to fetch you.”

A scornful laugh bubbled up inside Carrie, but she suppressed it. Apparently, Kristopher had thought of her only now, conveniently because he needed her as his wife for the occasion.

Turning her head away, she murmured, “We’re divorcing, Kristopher. It’s not a secret that can be kept indefinitely. It would be wise to inform your family sooner rather than later. After all, our marriage was nothing more than a contract for a year.”

The terms of their agreement had expired. They were supposed to have gone their own ways by now. Last year, entangled in her own complications, and Kristopher, likely overwhelmed with his commitments, neither had initiated the separation. Now, as Carrie reconciled with the facade of their relationship, she acknowledged the futility in holding onto something so insubstantial. This bitter acceptance caused a faint ache in her heart.

As shadows of concern crossed Kristopher’s face, he remembered Melany’s expressed wishes. Despite the tension, he spoke with restrained patience. “Grandma caught wind of your accident in the fire and also saw the headlines about me and Lise this morning. She’s quite upset. Let’s go back and set things straight. She shouldn’t have to worry over our affairs.”

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