Chapter 113



“Jake, where did you get this?” Sarah gasped.

Jake gave Sarah a chilling look. “I’ve told you before, if I’m determined to uncover the truth, I have countless ways to do so. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, should it?”

Sarah was at a loss for words. Frustration welled up within her as she bit her lip.

Nothing remained hidden from Jake when he sought the truth. Sarah had always believed Jake trusted her enough not to pry. Yet, here he was, having unearthed everything without her even realizing it.

Clutching at a faint hope, Sarah confessed, “Now that you’ve come to tell me this without directly helping clear Kallie’s name, that means you don’t want to hurt me. Yes, I framed Kallie intentionally. I despise her! Why should she be the one by your side? It should be me!”

Jake pocketed his phone, his tone frosty. “Regardless, it’s not your place to interfere with the matters between Kallie and me. I’m not sure what made you think you ever had a chance. If that’s the case, let me be clear. No one can coerce me into something I don’t want.”

Understanding dawned on Sarah, draining the color from her face. It was a stark declaration. His decision to marry Kallie had been a choice solely his own. But how could this be possible?

From Sarah’s perspective, Kallie was just a useless mute, making her seem like an unlikely match for Jake. Yet, now Sarah had to come to grips with the fact that Jake harbored feelings for Kallie. This sole idea was driving her insane.

Jake’s harsh words continued to echo. “I haven’t made this public yet because I want to preserve some dignity for the Miller family. Do you get what I mean?”

The sound of the door slamming was the final blow to Sarah’s composure. She slumped against the table, her legs nearly giving way. A wave of bitterness and despair overwhelmed her. Despite biting her lip, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

“No way…” Sarah whispered hoarsely, clutching the edge of the table with all her might. “I can’t accept this!”

Sarah was far from being reconciled. Jake was meant to be hers. She refused to let him go. If Jake’s affections were wandering, she would find a way to recapture his heart.

Outside, the rain intensified, and flashes of lightning lit up the sky.

Edgar arrived with an umbrella to fetch Jake.

As the chilly wind whipped around them, Jake began to cough harshly.

Edgar, visibly worried, advised him gently, “Mr. Reeves, it’s important to look after yourself. Avoid pushing too hard.”

Jake paused to catch his breath. Settled in the car, he leaned his head back, swallowing with effort, his gaze distant and thoughtful. “Now that we’ve dealt with most of the problems, I don’t have much left to stress over.”

Edgar let out a sigh. “You’re still concerned about your wife, even though she may not realize it. I believe it’s time you two had a conversation.”

Jake shook his head dismissively and chuckled bitterly. “What’s there to even discuss? She’s intent on a divorce. I didn’t do all this just for her. After all, she was the adopted daughter of the Reeves family and has been part of our lives for years. My actions are purely out of compassion.”

Edgar stayed quiet, reflecting on Kallie and Jake’s shared stubbornness.

After a pause, Edgar asked, “Mr. Reeves, with the evidence in hand, why not take down the Miller family? They’ve been misleading you, attempting to turn you against your wife. Such conduct is reprehensible.”

Jake smirked in response. “Who said I ever trusted a word they spoke? And as for my hesitation to act…”

Edgar’s eyes widened, understanding the situation. “You’re concerned that pushing them too hard might lead them to cause your wife harm.”

“Actually, no,” Jake replied, chuckling lightly. “I’m more worried about complicating things for myself. I’ll handle this once and for all, and then I’m out. Kallie can manage her own affairs from here on out. I’m stepping back.”

Though Edgar doubted Jake’s resolve, he decided not to challenge it. He simply started the car and remained silent.

Meanwhile, Kallie was jolted awake by a booming thunderclap. Restlessly, she shifted in her bed, trying to cover her ears. The fear of thunder had never left her, regardless of her age. It seemed linked to some distressing memories, but whenever she tried to explore those thoughts, a severe headache would stop her.

As the thunder intensified, Kallie curled up tighter, squeezing her eyes shut as she delved into her past memories.

Kallie remembered her younger days, always trailing behind Jake. During thunderstorms, she would sneak into his room despite his mock annoyance. He would teasingly call her cheeky for clinging to him so tightly. But she wasn’t bothered by that. Despite his tendency to say too much, he never actually pushed her away.

Kallie couldn’t quite remember when her feelings for Jake had begun to blossom. Perhaps it was when she saw how even the strongest child among the Reeves could be cloaked in solitude. Perhaps it was his gentle heart hidden beneath a stern facade. Or perhaps because he had stood up for her again and again.

It seemed to Kallie, whatever the cause, their relationship was destined to remain platonic, confined to the realms of kinship or friendship. Yet, her emotions had deceived her, pushing her to act inappropriately.

Now, as they behaved like strangers, it seemed this detachment might indeed be for the best.

Kallie slowly opened her eyes, feeling the moisture trickling down her cheeks. She hadn’t even noticed she was crying. Struggling a bit, she tried to sit up.

Just then, the door suddenly swung open.

Kallie tensed, her gaze fixed on the shadowy figure in the doorway. Though shrouded in darkness, she recognized Jake instantly. They remained silent, staring at each other in the dim light.

Time seemed to stretch between them, neither moving.

Almost involuntarily, Kallie reached out her hand. But just then, Kallie heard Sarah’s voice calling out.

“Jake…” Sarah’s voice dripped with sweetness, a charm that Kallie could never muster.

Jake seemed captivated, instantly turning and walking away without giving Kallie a second look.

Once Jake disappeared, Kallie slid out of bed and padded barefoot to the spot he had just vacated. There, she discovered a pair of earplugs. Were they meant for her? Her heart raced with the thought.

On a whim, Kallie flung the door open to thank him, but the sight that greeted her halted her thanks in her throat.

Jake and Sarah were close together, their bodies angled in an unmistakably intimate pose.

A surge of sadness and disappointment washed over Kallie. She silently rebuked herself for her naive hopes and quietly shut the door, leaving the earplugs untouched, as if to deny the reality before her.

Sarah clung to Jake’s hand, her voice pleading. “I know I shouldn’t have set Kallie up, but believe me, I’ve paid dearly for it. You see this scar,” she said as she pushed her bangs aside to reveal the harsh scar marring her face. “It’s a reminder that will never fade.”

.

.

.