Chapter 10



Jake’s kiss, heavy with the scent of alcohol and his own distinct aroma, was forceful. Kallie resisted briefly before melting into his arms. Their intimate moment was shattered by the shrill ring of Jake’s phone.

They both jerked back to reality, and Jake, with a furrowed brow, snatched up his phone. Kallie, knowing too well who would call at such an hour, stepped back and slumped against the couch, her gaze falling to the floor. What role did she play in Jake’s life, exactly?

“Why haven’t you come to my place yet? Did you forget your promise?” The living room, cloaked in the silence of the night, carried Sarah’s petulant voice to Kallie’s ears.

“I thought we agreed you wouldn’t see your mute wife again… Yet, you’ve ignored how I feel and taken her side! Now I’m the one in trouble, and you’re not there for me.” Sarah’s complaint dwindled into a prolonged moan, her tone shifting to that of a long-suffering spouse.

A wave of sadness washed over Kallie.

“Kallie is sick,” Jake responded, dismissing Sarah’s complaints.

“But I’m sick too… I’ve got a headache, just caught a cold, and I think I’m about to start my period. Jake, won’t you come and check on me?” Sarah’s voice was sticky and needy over the phone, and Kallie found it unbearable. She walked over to Jake, signaling to him that she was fine with him checking on Sarah.

Jake’s face turned icy in an instant. Did Kallie really not want him to stay? Did she no longer want to share the villa with him?

However, Kallie misread his frustration as anger over her overhearing his conversation. She quickly dropped her gaze and gestured her apology.

“I’ll be right there,” Jake replied tersely, standing up. He didn’t look back at Kallie as he stormed away.

Kallie stood still, listening to his footsteps fade. She didn’t turn around, even as tears slid down her cheeks. She desperately wanted Jake to stay, to be with her. She wished she could be petulant and demanding like Sarah.

But Kallie believed she didn’t have the right. She had always pretended she didn’t love Jake. Yet, only she knew the depth of her love for him, how much she was willing to sacrifice for him, her life included.

The next morning, Kallie returned to the bookstore, but this time to hand in her resignation to Linsey.

“Kallie, how did things go after you returned home yesterday? Did Jake trouble you? He owes you an apology!” As soon as Linsey spotted Kallie, she couldn’t resist asking.

Kallie, who dared not reveal that Jake had been with Sarah after dropping her off last night, mustered a forced smile and gestured she was fine.

Linsey slammed her hand on the table. “At least he has some sense, not just blindly running after that bitch!”

Kallie let out a small chuckle and then gestured her caution against acting recklessly.

“I can’t help it! I lose my temper too quickly in that bitch’s presence! I’ve thought it all through. If that bitch has the nerve to call the police, I’ll make sure they know she’s a mistress! There has to be some justice in this world!”

Patting Linsey on the shoulder, Kallie waved her hands frantically, her desire to distance Linsey from trouble evident.

“I know it’s tough for you to be caught in the middle…” Linsey sighed.

Wanting to steer clear of further upsetting Linsey, Kallie shifted the conversation and pulled out a stash of money.

“What are you doing?” Linsey inquired, puzzled.

Kallie put on a serious expression, her sign language suggesting her decision to quit while the money was her silent compensation for the trouble she thought she had brought on Linsey.

“What nonsense are you talking about! Keep your money! I don’t need it! Why would you want to quit? Is Jake still bothering you?” Linsey exploded again. “Is Jake forcing you to quit your job? You can divorce him and stay with me. I’ll take care of you! My family might not have as much money as the Reeves family, but we’re not scared of him!”

For some reason, Kallie was experiencing chest tightness and a headache. She managed a lie, her sign language saying Jake wanted her to stay home more often to soften their relationship.

“Really? He actually wants to fix things with you?” Linsey asked, her eyes narrowing in doubt.

Despite her skepticism, having seen Jake carry Kallie away and leave Sarah behind the previous day made Linsey slightly more inclined to believe.

“But that doesn’t mean you should give up your job! You shouldn’t have to quit just for the sake of your relationship! But if that’s your decision, then fine.” Linsey frowned, slightly frustrated.

Linsey handed the money back to Kallie. “Keep the money and don’t try to give it to me as some sort of compensation. If you ever change your mind, you’re welcome to come back to work.”

Kallie nodded, smiling faintly as she attempted to rise. However, her vision suddenly darkened, and she staggered, collapsing to the side.

“Kallie!” Linsey screamed, startled.

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