She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 42

Chapter 42 Do You Perceive Me As Easily Manipulated

Ashley fished her phone from beneath the pillow, her eyes fixed on the number that had remained silent for nearly a month. Her pulse quickened as a shiver crawled down her spine.

Though her finger lingered over the hang-up button, the thought of potential repercussions compelled her to. answer with evident anxiety.

"Hello..." Her voice quavered in the stillness.

"Why did it take you so long to answer?" The voice, though gentle, made her breath hitch in her throat.

Ashley trembled visibly, her words colliding with one another. "I was in the bathroom and didn't hear it."

"How are things progressing?" the man inquired.

"They have thirteen days remaining in their waiting period before the divorce becomes final," Ashley explained. "After that, they'll receive the divorce decree."

"Are you certain Kristian will marry you after his divorce?" The man spoke unhurriedly, almost pleasantly, yet his tone instilled an involuntary dread within her.

"Yes, I'm certain." Ashley gulped audibly, beads of perspiration glistening on her forehead. "He's already informed his family. Once he obtains the divorce decree, he'll marry me."

"Alright," the man responded, displaying no interest in extending the conversation. "Remember to adhere to the plan after your marriage. Should you harbor any ulterior motives, you understand the consequences."

Ashley's heart fluttered anxiously as another chill raced down her spine.

Just as he prepared to disconnect, a realization struck her, and she summoned the courage to interject, "Wait

a second!"

Silence stretched across the line.

Her phone-clutching hand grew slick with cold perspiration. "Was it you who orchestrated the car accident and arranged for someone to assault me?" She bit her lip, her heart pounding against her ribcage.

The man neither confirmed nor denied the accusation, simply stating, "I prefer to handle matters personally." Ashley's mind emptied completely, her curled fingers scarcely able to maintain their grip on the device.

After the call terminated, her phone slipped from her grasp, and her strength evaporated, leaving her collapsed

on the sofa.

It wasn't him, nor was it Freya. Then who could it possibly be?

004

15:43

She remained motionless for thirty full minutes before recovering her composure. Suddenly remembering something crucial, she retrieved her phone and erased the call record between them.

sat transfixed, a single thought consuming

Never!

Kristian contemplated Ashley's words, set aside his tasks, and

characteristic smile illuminating his features.

the desk,"

must be

Kristian halted mid-stride.

parted with evident annoyance. "If they were truly urgent, why

silent. He was merely

this

with curiosity. "Gerard, what did the boss communicate to you? He seemed

the inquirer and recounted Kristian's

trio of

he truly express

he experiencing conflict with his

they're

attention pivoted toward

divorce clasped her hand

replied. Though outwardly composed, their conjecture startled him internally.

affairs."

divorce, the entire office would learn

discretion regarding professional matters, their

all others.

sigh before returning

30.1%

16:02

a m

III O

<

You Perceive Me As

the company headquarters to Freya's apartment consumed over an

time he arrived at her doorstep,

the door's rhythmic knocking, she

more.

considerable surprise, Kristian stood

you here?" Freya's antipathy toward both him and

Kristian stated, attempting to enter

his path, tapping the door twice with her knuckles.

door?"

surveyed the surroundings, noting nothing

"What words?" he inquired.

permitted." Freya's crimson lips articulated each syllable with