Chapter 688



Rachel inhaled sharply and led her fiancé to one side while still making her case. With a reassuring smile, she said, “It’s okay. I’ve got this.”

Kallie cast a complex glance at Cara and Jake before ushering her children away.

Sophie kept glancing back at Jake, but Jake seemed not to recognize her. He remained silent, not sparing her a single look. Frustration surged within Sophie, and she quickly turned away. If Jake chose to ignore her and her mother, she would simply ignore him in return.

Relinquishing the spotlight, Rachel stepped aside.

In front of the gathered crowd, Cara declared that she and Jake were going to get married.

Jake’s expression dropped. Cutting through the murmurs of the crowd, he asked, “When did we decide that?”

Cara’s smile carried a hint of secrecy. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not aware of the plan. As long as I am,” she whispered calmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle everything.”

Jake was about to walk away when Cara swiftly grabbed his wrist. “Do you want to see Elma or not? If you’re interested in finding out where she is, you can’t leave now.”

Jake’s voice was low and firm as he replied, “Let me be clear. If you think I’m going to marry you, you’re mistaken.”

For a moment, Cara’s smile faltered at his words. The idea of a wedding meant little to her. Her true goal was to cause pain for Kallie. Whether Jake loved her or not was irrelevant. After all, with what she and Clayton had done, Jake and Kallie could never reunite.

With that realization, Cara’s sense of victory returned. She had achieved what she wanted.

Meanwhile, Kallie, huddled in a corner with her two children, couldn’t escape Cara’s voice amplified through the sound system. The words hit her hard.

Memories flooded back to Kallie. She and Jake had never had a proper wedding. Their initial union had been rushed, and although Jake had later promised a lavish ceremony, it now seemed that the grand event would proceed without her as the bride. Kallie, feeling disheartened, poured herself a few more glasses of wine. Despite the weight in her heart, she tried to remain composed and convince herself to relax.

Outwardly, Kallie kept her composure, much to the disappointment of those who had expected her to break down. A gentle hand softly patted her back, pulling her from her thoughts.

Looking up, Kallie saw Calvin standing beside her.

With a maturity beyond his years, Calvin asked, “Mom, was that man my dad?”

Kallie opened her mouth to answer but realized there was no point in lying. She nodded weakly. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought you to a place like this.” Even she felt downhearted, and she knew the children shared the same feeling.

Sophie had been quiet and gloomy from the start.

Calvin sat next to Kallie, casually swinging his legs. “Don’t worry. I’m not upset. I don’t think he’s that impressive. You deserve only the best.”

Stunned, Kallie struggled to find the right words. “Who told you to say that? Stop talking nonsense.”

But Calvin shook his head, his denial firm. “I’m not talking nonsense. I really mean it. Don’t be sad. The most important people to Sophie and me are you.”

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