Chapter 1039



Kallie spoke to Lacey with a cool tone.

“If you want to make amends, help Elma get better. If Elma’s condition hasn’t improved by tomorrow morning, let’s go through Mr. Reeves’ suggestion of seeking a second opinion from other physicians.”

Lacey’s frustration was evident as she observed Kallie’s assertive demeanor, clenching her jaw. For her grand scheme of marrying Jake, she knew better than to warrant his disgust. Biting back her anger, Lacey lowered her head, appearing compliant as she nodded.

Seeing this, Jake had no more to add. His views were in line with Kallie’s. If other choices had been available, he wouldn’t have chosen to keep Lacey either.

Jake and Kallie then walked into the room to check on Elma.

Despite the mild fever, Elma felt much better now, her eyelids no longer heavy.

Elma felt a surge of joy seeing her parents together by her bedside. She grasped Jake’s hand with one hand and Kallie’s with the other.

Brushing her cheek against Jake’s hand, Elma said with a playful tone, “Dad, the hot spring made me sick. It’s not my mom’s fault. I insisted on going. Please don’t blame her, okay?” Her voice was still hoarse, and she coughed between a few words.

Kallie’s eyes welled up with sorrow as she gently soothed Elma’s back.

A pang struck Jake’s heart, and he smiled gently, saying, “Alright.”

This was the first time Kallie had witnessed Jake smile since her memory loss. His smile was like the first warm breeze of spring, capturing her attention.

Kallie had always believed in the allure of beauty but hadn’t expected a man’s charm to affect her similarly.

Mₒᵣₑ ᵤₚdₐₜₑₛ ᵢₙ gₐₗₙₒᵥₑₗₛ.𝒸ₒₘ After leaving Elma’s room, Kallie expressed her astonishment and confusion, “Elma just called me ‘Mom’ and you ‘Dad.’ Mr. Reeves, is there something you want to tell me?” She fixed her gaze on him.

Since his impulsive kiss with Kallie the day before, Jake had expected this moment. Yet, he was at a loss as to whether he should recount their shared past to Kallie, whether it was joyful or grim. Revealing those old stories might bring her memories back. And if it did, she might stay by his side with ulterior motives, just like before, resembling a viper waiting for the time to strike.

Though Jake knew he could have simply driven Kallie away, her current self—much like the one he had loved profoundly during their joyful days—was the very reason he couldn’t bring himself to distance himself from her. He knew he was somewhat pathetic, clinging to their past happiness like this.

Originally, Jake had planned to wait until he mentally prepared himself to reveal everything to Kallie. But Kallie, ever perceptive, soon pieced things together, shattering his plan. It was hardly surprising, though. She wouldn’t have caused him such deep pain if she had been less shrewd.

Over the years, many had attempted to set Jake up. Some had succeeded, causing him to face numerous challenges. However, no setback had left him as devastated as he was three years ago. Kallie’s betrayal, at least in what he had learned of it, felt like a dagger piercing his heart. Even now, the memory of it brought a dull pain, an enduring wound.

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