Chapter 4



Sarah’s eyes shimmered with discontent. Why had Kallie been Jake’s wife for so long when she never deserved that title? Why? It was unacceptable to her.

Yet, Sarah’s tone dripped with saccharine falsity. “Of course, she’s the esteemed Mrs. Reeves, and I am merely the scorned mistress, deserving of all the hatred and condemnation.”

Jake tousled her hair lightly. “That’s absurd.”

“Is it, though? I was with you first, your true girlfriend. Now, rumors swirl that you betrayed her for me, painting me as some disgusting mistress.” Sarah’s tone grew gentler, tinged with vulnerability. “With all the heartache I’ve endured, shouldn’t I be compensated?”

Jake chuckled, reclining in the backseat, leisurely unfastening his shirt. “Alright, what is it that you want? Just tell me.”

Sarah gauged his expression carefully before timidly voicing her desire, “I’ve had my eye on the latest Mercedes coupe. It’s not even available here yet, but I’m really keen on it.”

Jake’s expression remained unchanged. “Then go ahead and buy it.”

Sarah’s excitement was palpable as she added, “And maybe a Hermes Birkin bag. It’s not exactly a fortune, but the prerequisite spending to acquire one seems excessive. I’ve hesitated because…”

“If it’s what you want, go for them. Not just one, get the whole new line if you wish,” Jake replied, his voice carrying a note of nonchalance.

Sarah was so ecstatic that she nearly twirled right there in the car. She wrapped her arms around Jake, planting a big kiss on his cheek. “Honey, I always know you adore me the most! I promise I’ll stop fussing. Our happiness is what truly matters!” She beamed at him.

Jake’s face, however, revealed nothing. His voice remained even. “Next week’s your birthday. Think of these as early birthday gifts.”

Sarah’s face scrunched up in a playful pout. “Oh, you remembered my birthday? Then why have you been dodging me? As your punishment, you’re banned from going home next week or seeing your wife. You have to spend the entire week with me!” she declared.

Recalling Kallie’s earlier response about having kids in the car, Jake felt a vague discomfort in his chest. So, in a huff, he agreed to Sarah’s request without missing a beat. “Alright, I promise.”

Overjoyed, Sarah lunged for another hug.

Jake, quick to react, steadied her to prevent any accidental bumps against the car roof. In the midst of this, he missed Sarah’s subtle shift in her seat.

Meanwhile, Kallie silently observed Jake’s car from a bookstore not far away, standing by a towering window. Whether by chance or intent, the car hadn’t moved, and the window remained open. From her spot, she could see into the vehicle. Sarah was now practically in Jake’s lap, their figures swaying slightly together.

Although Sarah’s position obscured Jake’s face from Kallie’s view, Kallie believed Jake was probably quite happy. After all, he was in the company of the person he loved.

Tears rapidly filled Kallie’s eyes and quietly traced their way down her cheeks, blurring her subtle makeup.

Just then, a cup of coffee was handed to her.

Kallie’s colleague, Linsey Brooks, followed her sorrowful gaze and immediately grew incensed.

“How can you live like this after marriage? He’s openly flirting with his mistress right in front of you? Everyone thinks you’re the one taking advantage. It’s ridiculous. You may not be able to speak, but when it comes to looks and talent, you’re second to none. To me, anyone who cheats and risks catching God knows what illness is worthless. I wouldn’t want your husband, even if he were the last man on earth!”

After working at the bookstore for years, Kallie regarded Linsey as more than just a colleague. She was also a defender and a friend.

Kallie shifted her gaze away and offered Linsey a thankful look, signaling with her hands that she was fine and expressing her gratitude for Linsey’s words of encouragement.

“This marriage isn’t worth your tears. If you get a chance to get out, you should grab it,” Linsey said as she embraced Kallie.

Concern was etched on Linsey’s face as she added, “I got you a little cake. Have something sweet. It might make you feel a bit better. Don’t worry about the hotel delivery today. I’ll take care of the advertising magazines. You should rest.”

Though Linsey meant well, the delivery involved a hefty number of magazines to the hotel, demanding several trips to transport them all.

Feeling guilty for letting Linsey shoulder this burden, Kallie quickly signed, saying she could manage her responsibilities and preferred not to burden Linsey with her workload.

Linsey, reluctant to let an already weary Kallie handle it alone, persisted.

After a brief impasse, they agreed to make the trip to the hotel together.

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