Chapter 136



Kallie and Jake arrived at the hospital quickly, where the doctor efficiently treated Kallie’s injury.

Though it appeared severe, it was merely a superficial cut, typical for children with limited strength.

Throughout the treatment, Kallie, who dreaded pain, wore a constant frown.

Nearby, Jake waited patiently to discuss any necessary follow-up care with the doctor.

Once the doctor left, Jake walked over to Kallie. He gazed down at her, his dark eyes swirling with a blend of emotions.

“I never thought you’d go to such lengths for the Hayes family, especially for Brent,” he said.

Kallie caught the subtle accusation in his tone but avoided eye contact, signing dismissively that he was mistaken. She explained that Jerome had treated her well, and it was only right that she helped solve the problem.

Jake opened his mouth as though he was about to say something but then chose silence.

An awkward quiet settled between them for a moment.

Gradually, Kallie began to feel the pain in her leg subside. She stood up, turning to Jake with a nod of gratitude. She gestured her thanks for his intervention and timely help, though she remained oblivious to the reason behind it.

Then, Kallie pointed at the door, signing that she was leaving now.

Just as Kallie started to leave, Jake reached out, stopping her with a hand on her shoulder. His voice carried a complex mix of feelings as he spoke, “Kallie, this is my last chance for you. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”

Kallie turned to face him, a whirlwind of emotions churning inside her. She felt they had nothing more to say.

Kallie had wrestled with her decision, hesitating whether to stay by Jake’s side a bit longer. Maybe, with time, she could find a place in his heart.

But she soon dismissed the idea. While she could afford to wait, her unborn child in her belly could not.

Moreover, after everything they had endured, Kallie knew more hardship lay ahead. If she stayed by his side, she would only be a clinging vine, her and her child’s fates hanging solely on Jake’s mercy. She didn’t want to feel controlled anymore.

After a moment’s silence, Kallie signed firmly that she didn’t want to receive an invitation if he and Sarah got married in the future.

Jake’s eyes, once filled with warmth, gradually turned cold. He nodded briefly and responded with detachment, “Well, if that’s your decision, we might as well expedite things. Let’s finalize the divorce quickly. I expect to see you at city hall tomorrow at two in the afternoon. Please be punctual.”

Kallie gave a small nod, her gaze lingering on Jake as he walked away, his expression somber. It was an odd sensation. She had long anticipated this day. Yet, instead of relief, she was engulfed by a sense of loss. It was as if a piece of her heart had plummeted, leaving a hollow void.

Clutching at her chest, Kallie attempted to dismiss the burgeoning emptiness, but it only grew stronger. She rushed to the restroom, confronting her slightly pale reflection in the mirror, tears unexpectedly rolling down her cheeks.

Meanwhile, Jake strode back to his car, an air of bitterness surrounding him.

Edgar quickly followed, catching up just as Jake was getting in. He peered past Jake, noticing the absence of anyone else. Kallie hadn’t followed them.

With a forceful slam of the car door, Jake’s voice was frosty. “Drive.”

Edgar hesitated and asked, “What about Mrs. Reeves? Shouldn’t we wait for her?”

Jake shot Edgar a stern glance. “I’ve told you repeatedly. Stop referring to her like that. She’s just Kallie now, nothing more. Her fate is no longer my concern.”

Edgar quickly acknowledged with a nod and turned the ignition.

After a pause, he asked, “Mr. Reeves, where shall we go?”

Jake drummed his fingers on his knee, lost in thought. Suddenly, a sly grin spread across his face. “How has Sarah been faring over there recently?”

Edgar replied honestly, “Not well, per your directions.”

Jake gave a nod. “Bring her back.”

Edgar was taken aback by the command and opened his mouth to protest, but the icy look on Jake’s face silenced him.

Meanwhile, Kallie shared the uplifting news with Brent.

Brent was astounded that Kallie had gone to such lengths for the Hayes family. “I knew the rift between you and Jake was deepening. Reaching out for help must have been difficult. My grandpa always told me not to bother you when he had clear moments, but I could never have imagined.”

On the other side of the screen, Kallie sensed Brent’s profound remorse.

Kallie quickly offered reassurance and texted him her reply, “You’ve been such a great help, and it’s the least I can do. Even if you had chosen not to tell me, I would have found out somehow. I’d feel restless if I didn’t repay this favor. After all, I see Jerome as my own grandfather. Right now, it’s crucial that he focuses on his recovery. Please, don’t mention any of this recent turmoil to him.”

Brent nodded in agreement before making an offer. “Are you free today? I’d love to take you out for a meal to express my gratitude in person.”

After pondering for a moment, Kallie accepted. She was eager to discuss her situation at the Hayes Group with Brent.

Given her impending divorce from Jake, she likely wouldn’t remain in the city. She and her unborn child needed a safer, more stable place to thrive. Once things settled down, she might consider coming back.

Having agreed on a time and place for the meeting with Brent, Kallie then visited the hospital for her prenatal check-up.

Handing the medical reports to the doctor, Kallie felt a wave of unease.

The doctor reviewed the documents and offered a comforting smile. “Your condition has improved significantly, though you’re still a bit weak. It looks like you’ve been following the advice well. Continue to take care of yourself. Your health is vital for both you and your baby.”

Hearing this, Kallie’s face lit up with relief. She gently placed her hand on her stomach and typed her message on her phone with a hint of worry. “Is the baby okay?”

The doctor shook his head slightly. “It’s still too early in the pregnancy to tell much. I recommend regular check-ups to monitor everything closely. Just focus on maintaining your health, and we’ll assess the situation as your pregnancy progresses. Here, I’ll give you some vitamins to start off with.”

Kallie nodded in agreement. After paying for the vitamins, she turned to leave but accidentally collided with someone entering the clinic. Her medical reports were scattered across the floor.

Before Kallie could get a clear look at the person, she bent down to gather her medical reports.

Then, a familiar voice called out to her, “Kallie?”

Kallie’s hands trembled, and she swiftly tucked the medical reports behind her back. Looking up, she saw Boris and Sophia.

Boris had a gentle smile on his face.

“I’m really sorry. I was rushing my mom to her appointment. Did I bump into you?” Boris asked apologetically.

Kallie shook her head, assuring him she was fine, and began to walk away.

However, Boris stopped Kallie, his voice tinged with feigned concern. “Let me pick up your medicine. You should go and rest. I’d like to help. Also, are you here because you’re unwell? If you need, I can recommend some specialists.”

Kallie clenched the prescription and medical reports behind her back tighter, masking her growing anxiety.

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