hapter 26 Kiss Her
Cristofer approached with deliberate, straight–backed strides, then settled into a seat across from her, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
“Maryanne, how did you develop such an interest in antiques, and instantly spot the fake blue and white porcelain? And when exactly did you meet Leandro?” He began, his voice deceptively calm.
His posture was relaxed, almost casual, yet beneath the surface, a tempest of anger raged.
“Mr. Jimenez, we are no longer married, and these things are none of your concern,” Maryanne replied, her tone cool and detached. He had been the man she loved most, yet he had inflicted the deepest wounds.
When she first arrived here, she was a broken woman, scarred. Cristofer’s presence had been a balm, his gentle, kind demeanor helping her slowly accept Timothy’s death.
But then… he had shattered that fragile peace.
Maryanne’s eyes drifted downward, catching the scent of his familiar presence. It made her heart ache, a sharp, familiar pain.
This man had betrayed her!
“Maryanne, I suddenly feel like I hardly know you,” Cristofer murmured, his lips curling into a bright, unsettling smile.
Maryanne scoffed, meeting his gaze head–on, unblinking, staring into eyes that held only coldness and distance, “Mr. Jimenez, you’re already a complete stranger to me.”
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Chapter 26 Kiss Her
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It struck a chord, shattering the fragile control Cristofer had maintained. He heard the distinct snap of his restraint breaking.
He lunged, pulling her into his arms, his hands clamping around her
waist.
He paused, noticing the unfamiliar softness, the slight thickening of her waist.
“You’ve gained weight.”
Maryanne recoiled, forcing his hands away. Panic flared–fear he might harm the baby within her, and fear he might sense its presence.
“Get away from me,” she hissed, struggling against his hold. She could fight, but Cristofer’s strength overwhelmed her. She held back, terrified of endangering the baby.
Ignoring her struggles, Cristofer dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers.
Maryanne’s eyes widened, pure revulsion washing over her.
The thought of his lips on Latoya sent a wave of nausea through her.
She shoved him away with all her might.
“Ugh…” The force sent her stumbling, and she landed hard on the floor, retching painfully.
Cristofer’s handsome features contorted into a mask of fury. “Maryanne, you…”
She felt disgusted by him!
Maryanne looked up, her gaze sharp and indifferent, fixing him with cold eyes. “Cristofer, we are divorced. Please, show some self–respect.
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Chapter 26 Kiss Her
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I find you utterly repulsive after you’ve kissed another woman. Stay away from me from now on…”
“Ugh…” Before she could finish, another wave of nausea overwhelmed her.
Maryanne scrambled to her feet and ran out, heading for the restroom. Cristofer’s dark eyes blazed with anger, his expression unreadable.
He slowly brought his thumb to his lips, where he had kissed her, his eyes growing darker still.
“Ugh…” Maryanne retched in the bathroom, tears streaming down her face. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and went to the sink to rinse out her mouth.
Seeing her pale, sallow face reflected in the mirror, she paused. Was this really her?
Her eyes were lifeless, dull, and devoid of expression–just like the “clumsy beauty” Esteban had described.
Maryanne took a step back and shook her head slightly.
“This isn’t me,” she whispered softly to herself,
Had she changed into this after Timothy’s death?
Esteban hadn’t mentioned it, and she’d never considered that something might be wrong with her.
But hearing Esteban’s words had brought this aspect of herself into sharp focus.
Still dazed, Maryanne walked out and bumped into Latoya, who was searching for Cristofer.
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Chapter 26 Kiss Her
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“Maryanne, what are you doing here?”
Since Cristofer wasn’t around, Latoya felt no need to be polite.
Maryanne found it strange that Latoya would question her presence in a public restroom.
“Ms. Nielsen, this is a public facility.”
She meant that anyone could be here.
Latoya’s expression soured. If Cristofer hadn’t come looking for Maryanne, then where had he gone?
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