She Took The House The Car And My Heart novel 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.

Afterward, she sat transfixed, a single thought consuming her consciousness. Kristian must never discover this.

Never!

After concluding their conversation, Kristian contemplated Ashley’s words, set aside his tasks, and departed to locate Freya.

Gerard approached with additional paperwork, his characteristic smile illuminating his features. “Sir, several documents require your signature…”

“Place them on the desk,” Kristian directed,

“They’re urgent and must be signed immediately,” Gerard persisted.

Kristian halted mid–stride.

His gaze turned frigid, and his thin lips parted with evident annoyance. “If they were truly urgent, why didn’t you present them earlier? Why delay until now?”

Gerard fell silent. He was merely fulfilling his duties as messenger.

“Let them wait and learn from this experience,” Kristian declared dismissively before exiting.

Shortly after his departure, a figure emerged from the shadows, approaching Gerard with curiosity. “Gerard, what did the boss communicate to you? He seemed rather displeased.”

Gerard glanced at the inquirer and recounted Kristian’s words verbatim.

The trio of onlookers registered shock.

“Did he truly express that?”

“Is he experiencing conflict with his wife?”

“I believe they’re proceeding with divorce.”

Gerard’s attention pivoted toward the trio.

The perceptive group members exchanged glances, while the woman who had mentioned divorce clasped her hand over her mouth in astonishment. “No way! Did my speculation hit the mark?”

“Our boss and his wife maintain an excellent relationship,” Gerard replied. Though outwardly composed, their conjecture startled him internally. “And I must remind you to refrain from investigating the boss’s personal

affairs.”

Should these individuals discover Kristian and Freya’s impending divorce, the entire office would learn of it by tomorrow’s dawn.

While they exercised discretion regarding professional matters, their capacity for disseminating gossip exceeded

all others.

Gerard released a silent sigh before returning to his responsibilities.

30.1%

16:02

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Chapter 42 Do You Perceive Me As Easily Manipulated

Kristian’s journey from the company headquarters to Freya’s apartment consumed over an hour.

By the time he arrived at her doorstep, the clock had already struck 12:30 PM.

Freya was partaking in her lunch. Upon hearing the door’s rhythmic knocking, she approached it, mentally prepared to dismiss Ashley should she appear once more.

To her considerable surprise, Kristian stood before her.

“What brings you here?” Freya’s antipathy toward both him and Ashley had depleted her patience entirely.

“We need to discuss something,” Kristian stated, attempting to enter uninvited.

Freya obstructed his path, tapping the door twice with her knuckles. “Did you fail to observe the words on the

door?”

Kristian surveyed the surroundings, noting nothing unusual.

“What words?” he inquired.

“No Kristian Shaw or pets permitted.” Freya’s crimson lips articulated each syllable with emphasis.

Kristian advanced nonetheless, cornering Freya against the door and enveloping her within his arms. “Have I been too lenient with you lately, making you think I’m easy to talk to?”

“That inquiry should originate from me,” Freya countered, regarding him with evident contempt. “Do you perceive me as easily manipulated, allowing you and Ashley to harass me in succession?”