Chapter 46:
Inside the car, the air thickened. Gerard cleared his throat. “Sir, you’re really not going to stop her?”
Kristian’s jaw tightened. “Why would I?”
“Because once she walks out that door,” Gerard said carefully, “she’s not coming back.”
Years of loyalty compelled him to speak plainly, even if it risked Kristian’s wrath.
“Know your place,” Kristian snapped.
Yet his gaze drifted to Freya—composed, efficient, utterly unshaken. Something sharp twisted in his chest.
Before he could dissect the feeling, he shoved the car door open and followed her.
Freya, surprised the movers had arrived in advance, explained to them, “I’ll be done packing in half an hour. Sorry for the wait.”
“No problem,” one of them replied politely.
Turning away, she headed toward the house—only to find Kristian standing in her path.
“You’re leaving?” His voice was flat, but his eyes burned into hers.
“Obviously.”
“Why now?”
She blinked. “Why not now?”
“The divorce isn’t finalized for thirty days.” He crossed his arms, the picture of detached rationality. “You could stay.”
“I’d rather not.” She sidestepped him. “I’ve arranged a new place. No point dragging this out.”
Ꮮ𝚊𝓽𝑒𝔰𝓉 сհ𝒂ⲣ𝔱𝖊𝓇𝓼 g𝖆ⅼ𝓷օⱱ𝖊𝗅𝘀[．]𝗰𝗼𝗺
Kristian opened his mouth—then closed it. What could he say? Stay?
Wait? The words turned to ash on his tongue.
Freya didn’t linger. Every second in this villa choked her.
True to her word, thirty minutes later, the movers hauled her life away in cardboard and leather. They worked efficiently, carrying her belongings out one by one.
Gerard adjusted his glasses, murmuring, “Sir, she’s really going.”
Kristian’s laugh was razor-thin. “I have eyes.”
“You won’t get another chance.”
Silence.
“Can you actually live with that?” Gerard pressed.
Instead of answering, Kristian shifted the conversation, loosening the knot in his chest. “How’s the situation with Ashley? Has the suspect’s motive been confirmed? Have the police reached a conclusion?”
Gerard pursed his lips.
“If it’s still unresolved, focus on that,” Kristian added, his tone clipped, as if shutting down any further discussion.
“Sir,” Gerard said.
“Speak,” Kristian replied.
Gerard hesitated, but then, in a rare moment, ignored the warning signs flashing in his mind. “I have a question.”
Kristian glanced at him, signaling him to go on.
.
.
.