Chapter 50



“Why are you loitering there? Need a personal invitation?” Steven’s voice sliced through Kallie’s thoughts as he breezed past her into the hospital room while she lingered at the doorway.

Feeling slightly sheepish, Kallie stepped inside, her movements tentative as she gestured her previous assumption that Jake was seriously ill.

“He collapsed at the office and was rushed here by his assistant,” Steven said, focusing on adjusting the monitors beside the hospital bed. His words were a mixture of clinical efficiency and subtle concern.

“He skipped breakfast and only fueled up on coffee. Then, during the lunch meeting, he opted for wine. No wonder he’s passed out,” Steven remarked.

Kallie observed Jake’s pallid complexion, a twinge of pain gnawing at her heart. Despite hiring chefs and nutritionists for her own well-being, Jake neglected his own health.

Kallie fought to maintain a composed expression, not wanting to reveal the depth of her concern. With a tight-lipped nod, she acknowledged Steven’s words.

“So, Mrs. Reeves, if you have the time, could you bring him some food? He’s quite particular and has refused the hospital fare,” Steven added.

Jake glanced at Steven, a hint of irritation crossing his features. “Considering how dreadful hospital food is, I’m surprised you’d even suggest it,” he quipped.

“Hey, I eat it every day. How bad could it be?” Steven retorted, shooting Jake a pointed glare before turning back to Kallie. “Will that be alright with you?”

Kallie nodded briskly in response.

Relieved to find that Jake’s condition was merely due to exhaustion rather than a more serious ailment, Kallie exhaled a sigh of relief as she exited the hospital room. She felt her legs weaken with each step.

Returning to her car, Kallie instructed the driver to take her home. Once settled in, she reached out to Linsey. She had confided in Linsey about Jake’s fainting and now expressed how she couldn’t rush into the divorce considering the circumstances.

gαℓησν𝒆ℓs․com is your story source Kallie explained that Jake was unwell now, and she felt compelled to care for him, at least for a while longer. She just couldn’t bring herself to bring up the divorce while Jake was hospitalized, dreading Roderick’s reaction if he was still alive.

For a while, there was no response from Linsey, and Kallie could almost picture her sighing.

Finally, Linsey’s response came. “This isn’t your burden to bear. If he truly valued family, if he appreciated the effort you put into preparing his meals, perhaps it wouldn’t have come to this. You woke up early every day to cook for him, but did he ever truly appreciate it? Kallie, don’t blame yourself. This isn’t your fault at all. Whatever decision you make, it’s okay. Don’t carry too much weight on your shoulders!”

Linsey’s unwavering support was a comforting balm to Kallie’s soul. She knew she could always count on her friend to stand by her side, no matter the circumstances.

Upon returning home, Kallie felt a sense of purpose wash over her. Without hesitation, she made her way to the kitchen.

The chefs had meticulously prepared the ingredients for dinner, awaiting Kallie’s direction. Inquiring about tonight’s dish choices, Kallie carefully selected three dishes to cook herself using the recipes, complementing the three already prepared by the culinary experts.

In the early days of their marriage, Jake had expressed a fondness for Kallie’s cooking. Yet, if his tastes had shifted, there were still options crafted by the skilled hands of the chefs.

With practiced efficiency, Kallie swiftly completed the dishes, packing them up with precision before instructing the driver to whisk her back to the hospital.

However, upon nearing the door of the hospital room, Kallie’s path intersected with Sarah’s.

An unexpected encounter ensued, their presence colliding at the room’s entrance. In a moment of hesitation, Sarah brazenly surged ahead, entering Jake’s ward before Kallie could react.

“Jake, I’ve brought you dinner.” Sarah’s voice dripped with false sweetness, a smug undertone betraying her demeanor. Ignoring Kallie as if she were invisible, Sarah deposited the bag she carried onto the bedside table before assisting Jake with the table setup.

“It’s from your favorite restaurant. I managed to persuade them to open early just for you. Chef Damon personally prepared it, ensuring it’s far superior to any home-cooked meal!” Sarah boasted, her gaze pointedly drifting toward Kallie, her words laced with condescension.

“And as an extra treat, I’ve brought some freshly flown-in fruit,” Sarah added, casting a dismissive glance at Kallie, who stood by, feeling a pang of inadequacy at the comparison.

Standing at the threshold, clutching the container of food, Kallie couldn’t shake the sense of being an outsider despite being Jake’s lawful spouse.

Mere moments ago, Kallie had labored over preparing a meal for Jake, striving to convey her care and concern through culinary efforts. Now, in the presence of Sarah’s effortless elegance, she felt as though her efforts had been in vain. All Sarah had to do was make a phone call for the arrangement.

“What’s that smell?” Steven’s voice pierced the air, drawing attention to his presence as he stepped into the room.

In his hand, he held equipment for the IV drip, his features contorting in distaste upon encountering the aroma emanating from the container Sarah had just opened.

Despite Sarah’s intentions to please Jake with a gourmet meal, Steven’s reaction was far from positive. “How much artificial flavoring did this chef add?”

Steven’s tone was accusatory, his concern for Jake’s well-being evident in his inquiry. “You intend to feed this to the patient? Do you seek to nourish him or poison him?”

Sarah faltered under Steven’s scathing criticism, her attempt to rally Jake’s support falling flat as she faced his silent demeanor. “Jake, this is from your favorite restaurant…”

But before Sarah could finish, Steven’s reproachful gaze turned toward her, his words cutting through her attempt at explanation. “What’s that smell on you? Are you trying to suffocate others with your perfume? They might as well post a sign outside the hospital: ‘Perfume-free zone! Say no to pollution!'”

Steven wrinkled his nose disdainfully and said, “Please take this stuff and leave. I beg you!”

Sarah began, her voice tinged with hurt as she glanced at Jake, seeking some form of validation.

Yet, Jake remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead, his response curt and final. “Just listen to the doctor.”

Underscoring Jake’s directive, Steven added, “Yeah, that’s right. This is a hospital, and patients have to listen to the doctors!”

As Sarah stormed out, her eyes bore into Kallie like hot daggers, laying blame without a word. She seemed convinced Kallie had orchestrated Steven’s rebuke.

“Done and dusted,” Steven announced, his movements brisk as he attended to Jake’s IV.

Then, with a theatrical flourish, he remarked, “Oops, slipped up there! A needle’s in your right hand. Guess you’ll need someone to help you eat today.”

Jake’s stare turned frosty. “Slipped?”

“Yeah, it’s been a hectic day, feeling a bit dizzy,” Steven admitted, his tone lacking remorse. “But no harm done.”

Then, Steven shifted his attention to Kallie. “Mrs. Reeves, since you are still around, why don’t you take over feeding your husband? I can’t exactly redo the needle now, can I? Thanks!”

Feed Jake? The suggestion caught Kallie off guard, causing her cheeks to flush with heat as she froze in place.

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