Chapter 91



Speaking on the phone, Jake’s tone was gentle, though his brow was furrowed slightly. Unbeknownst to him, Kallie observed this from the passenger seat. After a brief moment, she exited the vehicle.

“Jake, today was just dreadful,” Sarah said pitifully over the phone.

Sarah had spent her day trying to win Shirley’s favor by assisting with various tasks, but during the banquet, all the praise was unexpectedly claimed by Kallie.

Disheartened yet unable to express her frustration openly, Sarah sought comfort from Jake, suppressing her feelings to gain his empathy.

Jake listened and offered words of solace. After ending the call, he stepped out of the car, only to discover that Kallie had disappeared.

Frantically, Jake checked his phone and was surprised to find a message from Kallie sent fifteen minutes ago: “I’ve taken a cab to the house Jerome gave me.”

The message was brief, lacking any goodnight or further explanation. Instantly, Jake’s face clouded over, his fist thumping against the car window in frustration.

Meanwhile, Kallie had arrived at her new residence for the first time. She had navigated her way to the centrally located apartment, unlocked the door, and as she entered, the living room lights switched on automatically.

The security at the apartment complex was top-notch, with guards stationed at the main entrance and throughout, ensuring her safety—a priority for Jerome, who had arranged this, mindful of her possible fears when alone.

Delivery personnel weren’t allowed inside. Instead, security staff handled all deliveries directly to residents.

The apartment was freshly decorated, fully furnished, and even stocked with essentials like fresh vegetables and eggs in the refrigerator, making it immediately habitable and welcoming.

Kallie wandered aimlessly, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. The sight before her transported her back to her childhood days.

Roderick had always looked after Kallie with a meticulousness not even the servants could match. Yet, she had been harsh on herself, insisting on marrying Jake and plunging into a life of misery.

Lost in thought, Kallie collapsed onto the couch. At least she had begun to change by now.

It was then that her phone broke the silence, startling her.

Linsey was calling, a rare occurrence since Kallie couldn’t speak and few people called her. Worried something might have happened to Linsey, Kallie answered swiftly.

“Kallie, are you alright? Please confirm our code if you’re okay!” Linsey’s voice crackled with urgency.

Without hesitation, Kallie tapped out their secret code, three-three-four, into her phone, ensuring Linsey could hear each tap, a signal that she was safe.

“Great! Let’s switch to text messages,” Linsey said, relieved, and then she ended the call.

Soon after, Linsey sent a voice message. “Hey, Kallie! I’m so sorry! I’ve been totally swamped with a project my family roped me into, and I completely spaced on your mother-in-law’s birthday! How did it go? Did she give you a hard time again?”

Kallie had never mentioned to Linsey the ordeal she’d endured caused by Shirley over the past few years.

It was only last year that Linsey noticed Kallie’s injuries and swore to defend her. She had promised to stand up for Kallie if Shirley tried anything again, but recent distractions had made her forget her vow.

Kallie texted Linsey: “I’m actually doing okay. This year, I managed to avoid helping the Reeves family with the preparation and cleaning up.”

Kallie then shared with Linsey how she had refused to help with anything concerning Shirley’s birthday celebration and eventually attended it by Jake’s side.

Kallie made it a point to mention how she had managed to counter Shirley’s antics of making her suffer.

“Incredible, Kallie! Nicely handled!” Linsey responded, clearly thrilled. “Where are you now? Is Jake causing you any trouble? What’s going on with you two?” Linsey inquired eagerly.

“I’m at a house Jerome gave me. Why don’t you come over and check it out?” Kallie replied, sending Linsey the address after sharing the story of Jerome gifting her the high-end apartment.

“Wow! It’s been a while, and you’re doing so well now! I’m on my way over, and you’re going to spill all the details!” Linsey hurried over, arms laden with food and drinks.

Upon arrival, Linsey greeted Kallie with a warm embrace. “It’s such a relief to see you doing well! Oh, I’ve been swamped, stuck in the office for days on end…”

As they hugged, Linsey let out a long sigh and began to share her own woes. “Can you believe my dad? Out of nowhere, he decided I should take over the project my brother was supposed to handle. It’s almost a nightmare, judging from its complexity. I’m starting from zero… If I don’t, he’s threatening to cut off my allowance! I was nearly driven crazy by him!”

Kallie chuckled, gesturing that Linsey’s father might try to have Linsey run the business.

“But why me, when my brother is right there?” Linsey rolled her eyes, clearly frustrated. “I’m totally wiped out. I need some time off to just relax.”

After she vented, Linsey turned the conversation to Kallie, “What about you? How have you been?”

Kallie filled Linsey in on her recent interactions with the Hayes and the Reeves families, prompting Linsey to scold Shirley.

Kallie tried to soothe Linsey, as she felt she had moved on.

Kallie paused, remembering something crucial. Then, she gestured, asking whether Linsey could join her for the prenatal checkups since her pregnancy was still kept a secret.

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