Chapter 633



Cara bristled. “Why are you taking his side?” she retorted, feeling unjustly accused.

Jake’s voice held a subtle threat. “Apologize to him, or I’m out of here. And if you don’t, I’ll make sure to visit my daughter whenever you’re not around. Every time you leave, I’ll show up.”

Cara’s face paled slightly. She knew Jake was capable of carrying out his threat.

With a reluctant sigh, Cara stepped forward and bowed her head slightly to Calvin. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “I wasn’t paying attention and bumped into you. Please forgive me.”

Calvin’s stern expression softened. “Just remember not every kid is a pushover.”

With that, Calvin turned and limped off.

Jake’s eyes followed Calvin’s retreating figure, a flicker of admiration in his gaze. He found himself intrigued by the young boy. Despite his tender years, Calvin spoke with remarkable logic and assertiveness.

Jake couldn’t help but wonder what kind of parents had raised such a child.

Noticing Jake’s unwavering attention on Calvin, Cara felt a pang of jealousy. She sidled closer, attempting to link her arm with Jake’s, but he subtly evaded her touch.

A flash of irritation crossed Jake’s eyes. He clearly wasn’t thrilled about Cara getting close to him.

Cara saw his reaction and bit back a frustrated sigh, plastering on a fake smile instead. “Let’s go see Elma. She kept asking for you when she was burning up. You should be with her.”

The thought of Elma seemed to melt some of the ice in Jake’s eyes. He gave a curt nod and followed Cara inside. Just as Sophie and Calvin were heading out, the driver called with bad news that Calvin seemed to have gotten hurt again.

Kallie’s stomach twisted with worry. She and Sophie practically ran to the car.

The hospital was packed, the lobby overflowing with people sniffling and coughing, thanks to the flu season.

Kallie and Sophie reached the entrance, and Kallie abruptly stopped dead in her tracks. A strange feeling washed over her, a jolt to her heart. A familiar scent tickled her nose, making her pulse quicken.

Kallie frantically searched the sea of faces but couldn’t find the one she was desperately hoping for. It was like her senses were playing tricks on her.

But deep down, Kallie knew it wasn’t her imagination. Sophie seemed to pick up on it too. She squeezed Kallie’s hand. “Mom, did you just see my dad?”

Kallie’s voice was full of hope. “Did you see him too?” Sophie hesitated and then slowly shook her head.

The light faded from Kallie’s eyes, but she forced a smile. “Maybe I’m just imagining things. The doctor did say I might have visions. Maybe it was all in my head. Let’s go.” Sophie hugged Kallie’s arm, her voice soft and reassuring. “It’s okay. We’re here for you.”

At the elevator, Jake felt a strange pull and scanned the crowd. His eyes landed on Sophie and Kallie. Even from behind, he could tell Kallie was graceful and stunning, Sophie cute and full of life. He racked his brain, but they didn’t spark any memories. Still, he couldn’t look away.

Kallie suddenly turned, as if she felt his gaze.

Just as Jake was about to see Kallie’s face, the elevator doors slid shut.

The feeling of being watched that had prickled Kallie’s skin vanished.

Kallie let out a breath, chalking it up to another hallucination. She felt she really needed to see a shrink. Jake stared at the closed doors, a storm of emotions brewing in his dark eyes. He hadn’t felt this unsettled in ages. It was… unnerving.

Jake turned to find Cara staring at him, suspicion and worry clouding her face. “Who were you staring at like that?” she questioned.

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