Chapter 200
Colton had never thought he would be the kind of man who begged. Yet here he was–day after day, trailing after Nadia like a shadow no one wanted.\
It started the moment he was discharged from the hospital. He showed up at her exhibitions–in–progress, her errands, even outside her favorite café. Every time she caught sight of him, her expression didn’t even flicker–no shock, no pity, not even anger. Just… nothing.”
“Nadia, please,” he called once, following her down the quiet street that led to her art studio. “Just talk to me. One minute- that’s all I’m asking.“\
She didn’t break stride. Her hands were full of brushes and small jars of paint, her gaze fixed forward like he didn’t exist.” Inside the studio, she slipped on an apron, her movements deliberate. Colton stood at the doorway, watching her mix colors. on a palette, her hair falling over one shoulder.
“I know I messed up,” he said, voice cracking. “I know I hurt you more than anyone ever should. But I can’t undo it unless you give me a chance-”
Her brush touched the canvas, soft, precise strokes filling in the petals of a flower. She didn’t even glance at him.
It was worse than shouting. Worse than slamming a door in his face. The silence was absolute, impenetrable.
Scott entered then, carrying two takeaway coffees. He walked straight to Nadia, kissed her cheek, murmured something that made her lips curve into a faint smile. Colton felt the blow like a physical hit.
His chest burned. That used to be him–walking in, making her smile, feeling like he was part of her world. Now he was just an intruder.
www
Scott caught Colton’s presence immediately, his lips curling into a smirk. “You’re still here?” he asked casually, handing Nadia her coffee. “Persistent, isn’t he?”
Nadia didn’t look at Colton. “Some people don’t know when to give up.”
E
Scott chuckled, his arm sliding around her waist. “Maybe we should help him understand.” Before Colton could react, Scott tilted Nadia’s chin and kissed her–slow, deliberate, unhurried. She kissed him back, her hand resting on his chest, the intimacy in their movements leaving no doubt that it wasn’t for show.
But then, when they pulled apart, Scott glanced at Colton over Nadia’s shoulder, clearly pleased to see the tightening of Colton’s jaw.”
Nadia’s laugh was low, almost amused, as she leaned into Scott. “Think he gets it now?“”
Scott shrugged. “Let’s make sure.” He kissed her again, deeper this time, until she melted against him.”
Colton stood frozen, rage and helplessness swirling inside him. He had no right to pull her away. No power to stop them. By the time he stumbled out of the studio, his hands were trembling so hard he could barely hold his phone. He called his lawyer.”
“There has to be something I can do,” Colton said hoarsely. “She’s she’s my wife. She can’t just–“{
“She’s not your wife anymore,” the lawyer interrupted. “The divorce is finalized, Mr. Colton. And from what I’ve heard, she’s already married to Scott Lancaster. There’s nothing you can do about it.”}
Colton hung up without saying goodbye, his mind spiraling. He had lost her–and this time, there truly was no way back. But- he just didn’t want to stop!!
The preparations for her upcoming gallery opening continued around him, assistants and decorators moving in and out, hanging frames, arranging stands. Colton stayed outside, leaning against the wall, his hands curling into fists. He had no place here. Not anymore.
By the end of the week, desperation twisted into something else–resolve. He caught Nathan alone in the parking lot outside the studio.
“Nathan-”
The older man froze, his eyes instantly hard. “What the hell do you want?“!
Colton swallowed “Please. I just need you to talk to her for me. Help me get through to her.”
Nathan’s laugh was sharp, humorless. “Help you? After everything you did to her? You think I’d ever let you near my sister again?”
Colton’s voice strained. “I’m not asking for myself. I’m asking because… I need to make it right. I don’t even know where to
start E
Nathan stepped closer, his gaze cutting like glass. “You start by staying the hell away from her. You don’t get to ruin her twice.”
But Colton shook his head, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. “I can’t. I can’t walk away. She’s… she’s all I’ve got left.“&
2/2 BOUN
Nathan’s mouth twisted in something between pity and contempt. “Then I guess you’ve got nothing.“”
He turned to leave, but Colton’s voice stopped him.
“Please, Nathan. I’m begging you. Just help me-”
But Colton shook his head, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. “I can’t. I can’t walk away. She’s… she’s all I’ve got left.”
Nathan’s mouth twisted into something between pity and contempt. “Then I guess you’ve got nothing.“”
Colton’s jaw tightened. “Please, Nathan. I’m begging you. Just help me-“}
Nathan’s laugh was sharp, humorless. “Help you? After everything you did to her? You must have lost your damn mind.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping, each word deliberate. “If you truly loved her, you’d leave. Walk away. Let her be happy without you. But you won’t, will you? Because deep down, it’s not about her happiness–it’s about your pride.”
Colton swallowed hard, the sting of those words cutting deeper than he wanted to admit. “That’s not true.“}
Nathan shook his head slowly. “Then prove me wrong. Leave. For once in your life, do the right thing for her, not for yourself.“}
And just like that, Nathan turned his back and walked away, leaving Colton standing in the cold air, chest tight, the echo of his footsteps fading into the distance.\
Was that really the case? Should he leave her? Should he accept that the chapter was closed for good?
He let out a long, heavy sigh, running a hand over his face. The answer didn’t come.
Bolton finally turned toward the street, heading for his car, the decision gnawing at him with every step. He drove aimlessly for a while, the city blurring past his windows, until he was nearly home.
That was when his phone buzzed on the passenger seat.
A message.”
His hands gripped the wheel tighter as he read the words:
Something happened to Maureen on her way to school.
The world seemed to tilt, his heart lurching into his throat.
