Chapter 15



Jake took a few steps back, his expression darkened.

“I’m sorry,” Kallie murmured in her heart. Unable to gesture as the sickness took over, she reached for some napkins on the table instead.

Soon after, Jake helped Kallie sit up, gently wiping her lips clean of vomit with a napkin. He then handed her a glass of water. Jake’s care was reminiscent of their younger days, gentle and patient, showing no signs of irritation.

He assisted Kallie in rinsing her mouth and taking a few sips of water. Kallie then reclined on the sofa, her eyes closed.

“Feeling dizzy?” Jake’s voice broke the silence.

Kallie nodded, her eyes still shut.

Jake fell silent. The sound of rustling indicated a servant arriving to clean the floor. Moments later, Jake asked the butler to bring a cup of milk. He helped Kallie sit up again, and as she sipped the milk, her dizziness began to subside. She softly gestured her gratitude to Jake.

Jake’s smile was tender as he softly stroked her hair, his tone gentle. However, his following words cast a cold shadow over her, chilling her to the core.

“Make sure you keep your distance from other men from now on. You are my wife,” he stated firmly.

Kallie’s nod was mechanical, her mind racing. He had laid down his command about the boundaries, but what of his own actions with Sarah? What significance did she hold in his life?

Jake appeared content with Kallie’s answer. Rising from his chair, he left the room.

After a moment, Kallie mustered the energy to sit up and send a text to Linsey. “How’s your brother doing? I’m really sorry. This is all my fault.”

Linsey replied promptly, “Why do you think this is your fault? Don’t beat yourself up, sweetheart! It was my brother’s decision to speed. Don’t worry. I’m handling it, and he’ll be out soon.”

Reading Linsey’s words, Kallie felt a surge of guilt. Ethan was only trying to help her, and now he was in jail because of Jake.

Compelled to act, Kallie decided to seek Jake’s assistance.

Going upstairs, Kallie pushed open the door to the study, only to find it vacant. She then opened the bedroom door and heard the sound of running water from the bathroom. Jake was showering. Was he intending to spend the night here? What would Sarah think?

Caught up in her thoughts, Kallie hesitated at the bathroom door, not noticing when the water ceased. Suddenly, the door swung open, releasing a cloud of steam that enveloped Kallie. Jake stood before her, his bare chest drawing a flush to her cheeks.

“Waiting for me? What do you need?” Jake teased with a chuckle.

Unable to meet his gaze, Kallie looked down, only to find the edge of his towel, which added to her discomfort. She instinctively retreated as he advanced.

Kallie managed to sign her request for a favor, finally lifting her eyes to meet his.

Jake’s expression darkened. “What is it?”

Kallie gestured cautiously that Ethan didn’t mean to do it and promised not to see him again. She pleaded with Jake not to make things difficult for Ethan. She knew of Jake’s influence. If he chose to go after Ethan, Linsey would be powerless to protect her brother.

“You’re trying to protect him?” Jake’s voice was cold, laced with sarcasm.

Kallie lowered her head, gesturing her apology for the situation.

“If you believe it’s your fault, then apologize properly,” Jake said as he casually sat on the bed, his legs apart in a pose that commanded attention. His expectations were clear.

Kallie’s cheeks flamed with shame, but she knew Jake wouldn’t intervene unless she appeased him.

Taking a deep breath, Kallie approached Jake awkwardly, straddling him and placing her hands on his shoulders. He was typically the initiator, and now, reversing roles, she felt clumsy and tense, even causing herself slight pain.

“Idiot,” Jake muttered under his breath, pulling her close.

Kallie bit down on her lip, holding back any sound.

The next thing Kallie knew, she had drifted off to sleep.

Morning light greeted Kallie as she awoke alone in the large bed. Jake had already departed. She wondered whether he had honored his word.

Kallie’s phone displayed a message from Linsey from the previous night. “Babe, my brother was released! You must have talked to Jake, right? I’m sorry you had to endure that, Kallie…”

Ethan was finally free. Kallie felt a wave of relief and responded to Linsey, “That’s good to hear. Is he hurt?”

“He’s fine. My dad is giving him a talking-to right now! Oh, and that dish you prepared was scrumptious. I devoured every bit!”

A smile brightened Kallie’s face, pleased that the food she had left in Ethan’s car was thoroughly enjoyed by Linsey. “I’m delighted you enjoyed it. I’ll make something special for you again.”

“How about I treat you to dinner instead? Feel like going out?” Linsey proposed.

Kallie’s initial reaction was to refuse. Jake had expressed his desire for her not to go out. However, she wasn’t confined by his restrictions. After a moment’s pause, she accepted.

Linsey offered to pick Kallie up, prompting her to dress up and head downstairs. The chef was already busy with breakfast preparations.

“Madam, will you be making lunch for Mr. Reeves today?” the butler inquired.

Kallie pondered briefly and then shook her head.

Despite the previous night’s events casting a dreamlike veil, the reality was different. Jake had shown Kallie tenderness, making her feel genuinely cherished as his wife. Yet, it was fleeting. His pattern of shifting between coldness and warmth was just a means to keep her under his sway, and she had seen through this now.

Kallie decisively gestured to the butler that she was leaving and that if Jake returned for meals, the chef should take care of it. She then solemnly expressed her desire not to cook anymore.

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