chapter 7

Kathleen was shocked. She turned around and saw Christopher. “Oh, Christopher, it’s you.” Christopher smiled. “Did something happen between you and Samuel?” “Why do you think so?” Kathleen blinked innocently. She had tender features with a pair of eyes that sparkled. “The Yoegers told me Nicolette’s back.” Christopher was very straightforward. The smile on Kathleen’s face slowly faded. “So everyone knows about it already.” Everyone in the Yoeger family knew that Kathleen was married to Samuel.

Though Rose Yoeger, the legitimate daughter of the Yoeger family, did not like Nicolette, she liked Samuel. She had turned up at Samuel and Kathleen’s wedding and insulted Kathleen, saying the latter was overestimating herself for thinking she could turn her life around by being a replacement. Back then, Kathleen had indeed overestimated herself. She had thought that she could turn her unlucky life around.

However, life is not something a person can control. When Christopher saw Kathleen’s dejected look, his heart ached. He raised his arm, wanting to pat her head. In the end, he only placed it on Snowy. “Kate, you can come to me if you need any help.” His voice was gentle. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you, just like old times.” Kathleen tilted her head, frowning. “Christopher, what are you talking about?” She did not understand what he was saying. Christopher stared at her, hesitant with his words. “Kathleen, ten years ago—” “Christopher, you’re still here?” Right then, Wynnie appeared. “I’ve got some big crabs here.

Bring them home to your mom. I’m sure she’ll like them.” “Okay, Aunt Wynnie.” Christopher nodded, reaching out to take the box of crabs from Wynnie. “Drive safely,” Wynnie reminded. Christopher nodded again. “Don’t worry, Aunt Wynnie. You should head inside.” “Okay.” Wynnie glanced at Kathleen and turned around to enter the house. Once Wynnie entered the house, Kathleen asked softly, “Christopher, what did you just say? What happened ten years ago? Did we know each other back then?”

Christopher’s gaze was gentle. “I’ll tell you later.” I’ll tell her when she divorces Samuel. It should be the right time by then. “I’ll get going now,” Christopher said. Kathleen furrowed her brows, finding Christopher rather odd. “What were you two talking about?” Samuel stepped out from a dark corner. By that time, Christopher had already disappeared from their view. “Nothing much.” Kathleen shook her head. “But I noticed you two talking for quite some time,” Samuel said icily. He had seen everything from the second floor. “We were just exchanging some tips about rearing dogs.” “Tips about rearing dogs?” Samuel scoffed. “As far as I know, you’re not the one rearing Snowy.” “That’s right. My dog’s called Sammy,”

Kathleen jeered. Instantly, Samuel knew she was being sarcastic. “Kathleen!” “Did I say something wrong, you son of a b*tch?” Kathleen became bolder when she was at the Macari residence. “Looks like you’ve got a death wish.” Samuel tugged at his tie. Kathleen mustered her courage and said, “Don’t you dare touch me. Otherwise, I’ll show Nicolette all my scars of abuse you created.” “Don’t you dare!”

Samuel’s handsome face darkened. “I’ll do it if you bully me!” Kathleen decided to go all out. Why should I shut up when I’m being bullied? “You sure have some guts.” Samuel was officially angered. Upon seeing his reaction, Kathleen felt pleased. “Samuel, Kate, why don’t you two sleep here tonight? You can return tomorrow.” Wynnie walked over. “Mom, I think it’s best if we go back,” Samuel said coldly.

“Kathleen doesn’t feel comfortable staying here.” “I’ll be fine.” Kathleen tried to go against Samuel’s words. “You can go back if you want to. I’m staying here.” Samuel was utterly displeased. If she were to remain in the house, then he could not leave, as it would make Diana suspicious. However, he had promised Nicolette that he would return. He narrowed his eyes at Kathleen, hinting at her to cooperate with him. To his surprise, Kathleen stepped forward and held Wynnie’s arm. “Mom, I’d like to learn about the law from you, especially the Marriage Act.” “Sure.” Wynnie nodded. “Calvin is on a business trip, so I’m free tonight.” “Let’s go.” Kathleen smiled faintly, revealing her dimples that made her look pretty and sweet. Wynnie could not understand why Samuel did not like Kathleen, who was such a likable person.

Samuel could only watch Kathleen leave with a cold gaze. Kathleen stayed in Wynnie’s bedroom for two hours. During that time, Samuel had sent Kathleen a message telling her to go home with him, but she had ignored him. Wynnie was a discerning woman. She knew what was going on the moment she noticed Kathleen’s unhappy expression whenever Kathleen glanced at her phone. “Mom, I’m going back to my room.” Kathleen faked a yawn. “Okay.” Wynnie’s eyes were filled with concern. “Kate, no matter what happens, just know that we’re your family, okay?” Kathleen was taken aback, but she quickly smiled. “Okay.” She then turned around, walked out of Wynnie’s room, and made her way back to Samuel’s. As soon as she entered, Samuel grabbed her wrist. His gaze was filled with rage. “Kathleen, stop messing around!” “Let go, Samuel!” Kathleen’s arm hurt from his grip. “No one’s stopping you from seeing Nicolette. The door is wide open. If you want to go, then go ahead. Why should I cover up for you? You’re such a jerk. Do you know that?” How could he ignore my feelings like that? What gives him the right to treat me this way? “You were the one who asked for it,” Samuel uttered coldly. “I said I’d never like you three years ago, yet you still wanted to marry me.” “Yes, I was too stupid three years ago. I thought I could change your heart during these three years.” Kathleen’s eyes reddened. “Samuel, ten years ago—” Before she could continue, Samuel’s phone rang. He took out his phone, and his gaze darkened instantly. “Yes, Nicolette.” Samuel’s voice was incredibly gentle. It was as though he was coaxing a baby. “I know. Don’t cry. I’ll go back right now.” With that, he hung up and cast Kathleen an icy look. “Put on your coat and come home with me!” Kathleen bit her lip. “No!” She did not want to stay in the cold and empty house alone. “It’s useless, Kathleen. Do you think you can avoid having a divorce by hiding here?” Samuel pinched her chin. “Think of your uncle. Do you think I’ll let him live a peaceful life if you offend me?” Kathleen froze. “Put on your coat.” Samuel released his grip on her. “I’ll wait for you in the car. If you don’t come down in five minutes, then you shall see your uncle’s dead body soon.” After that, Samuel turned around and left. Kathleen’s legs gave in instantly; she had to lean against the wall for support. Her eyes reddened, but she forced herself to hold back her tears. Samuel is really ruthless.

Then again, I’m just a replacement. What was I thinking, expecting him to treat me with care? She shut her eyes, and tears started rolling down her cheeks. After some time, she wiped her face with the back of her hand, put on her coat, and went downstairs. Samuel was already getting impatient waiting in the car.

Upon seeing her arrival, he urged Kathleen to enter the vehicle quickly. Kathleen got into the backseat.

In the past, she had always sat in the passenger seat. Her actions made Samuel’s brows twitch. He did not like her silent rebellion. He preferred her to be gentle and obedient.

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