Chapter 99



Kallie’s stomach began to feel uncomfortable. She withdrew from Jake’s grasp and turned toward the bed.

Jake’s gaze lingered on Kallie’s back, his expression growing stormy.

Kallie climbed into bed and drew the blanket over her head. She remained hidden beneath it until the sound of Jake’s departure reached her ears.

A sigh of relief escaped Kallie, mingled with a twinge of sadness. There was nothing she could do about her husband going to see another woman. Worse still, she was expected to pretend everything was alright.

Clutching her stomach, Kallie pondered the possibility of divorce. It seemed like the best solution for both her and their unborn child.

Morning arrived swiftly, and thankfully, Kallie had slept well.

Linsey was cheerful and already waiting at the door when Kallie awoke. Ethan was with Linsey.

Upon Kallie opening the door, Ethan peered inside, his relief palpable at the absence of Jake, the man he loathed.

Linsey took Kallie’s arm. “Come on. Let’s head to the Eastonville University cafeteria. It’s been ages since I graduated. I can barely remember what the food was like.”

Kallie’s mood brightened instantly upon seeing Linsey’s cheerful face.

First thing in the morning, the group of four headed to the cafeteria for breakfast.

The campus was abuzz with activity, as preparations were underway everywhere.

Surrounded by the flurry of movement, Kallie felt slightly overwhelmed. She reminisced about her carefree university days when worries were few and far between.

Time had indeed flown by. Much had changed, and those carefree days seemed as if they belonged to another life altogether.

The group scoured the venue, but Kallie’s designated spot was nowhere to be found.

Linsey found this puzzling. “Why isn’t there a spot for Kallie? Aren’t they expecting her to give a presentation?” she questioned.

Kallie could only shake her head in bewilderment. The schedule had clearly outlined a small platform for her in the exhibit area where someone was to interview her. Irene was supposed to translate her sign language so she could address any questions the students might have about artifact restoration. There was even talk of a live demonstration if time allowed.

Yet after checking every platform, Kallie’s spot was still missing.

Linsey sprang into action, questioning both students and staff, but nobody seemed to have any answers.

Kallie couldn’t locate Donovan, so she pulled out her phone to get in touch with him.

Donovan responded swiftly with a voice message that conveyed his regret. “Sorry, Kallie, something urgent came up and I can’t be there. But don’t worry, Vice Principal Vernon Perez is on site. Please look for him. I’ll send you his picture. Really sorry for the inconvenience.”

Kallie could hear the bustling noise in the background of Donovan’s message. She had Irene text back to let him know they understood.

With the photo Donovan sent, they were able to spot the vice principal amidst the crowded event.

Vernon seemed noticeably stressed and became visibly annoyed upon seeing the group approach. He turned his back to them, feigning ignorance of their presence.

Undeterred, Linsey quickly moved to intercept him. “Excuse me, are you Vice Principal Mr. Perez?” she asked.

Vernon frowned deeply. “What do you want?”

Before Linsey could reply, Vernon curtly said, “If you need assistance, please speak to one of our staff members. You don’t appear to be our students. Guests should remain in their designated areas and avoid entering restricted zones.”

Linsey remained calm and explained, “Actually, we are here by invitation.”

This information seemed to soften Vernon’s demeanor slightly, coaxing a reluctant smile from him. “Oh, I see. And who might you be?”

“She’s Kallie, invited here by Mr. Donovan Collins. Could you direct us to the exhibit?” Irene chimed in, helping to clarify their purpose.

Vernon’s face showed a flicker of recognition, but confusion lingered. “Kallie? That name does ring a bell,” he said to himself.

Some influential people were indeed invited to the exhibition. Vernon faintly recalled Donovan mentioning something about it, though he hadn’t really paid attention at that time. He brushed it off, assuming it involved just another attractive person positioned to enhance the scenery, and consequently, he forgot what Donovan had told him.

Vernon’s memory seemed to jog a bit. “Are you supposed to deliver a speech? Everything’s set for you. Are you ready, or do you need me to find you some appropriate attire? Well, either way, suit yourself. I’ve got a lot on my plate right now.”

Kallie remained quiet, though the expressions on Linsey’s and Irene’s faces shifted noticeably.

Irene asked with a low voice, “Is this the arrangement Mr. Collins had in mind?”

Vernon’s patience was thinning. What more could they possibly want after he had arranged everything?

Vernon’s gaze then fell on Kallie, who, despite her silence, stood out more strikingly than any celebrity could. Yet, there she was, looking somewhat bewildered amidst the commotion.

Fed up with Linsey’s and Irene’s antics, Vernon approached Kallie. “Tell me quickly what you need. I’m swamped and don’t have time to spare.”

Kallie pulled out her phone, tapped out a message, and let a synthesized female voice deliver it, “Apologies, but speaking is a bit difficult for me.”

Vernon initially thought Kallie was being obstructive, but then he understood her situation. Despite the onlookers’ curious glances, he blurted out, “So, you can’t speak? Why would Donovan invite someone who can’t talk? What’s the point?”

The bystanders turned their attention toward them.

Kallie felt the piercing gaze of every eye in the room. Though she told herself to ignore them, her hands balled into fists.

Irene was livid. “Should I call Donovan now and ask if this is how you treat guests?”

Vernon scoffed. “It was a misunderstanding. You can see I’m overwhelmed. We only have one slot open for speaking.”

Secretly, Vernon felt they were lying. Had Kallie been a VIP, surely Donovan would have been present. Yet, Donovan was conspicuously absent.

Just as Linsey was about to retaliate, Ethan intervened, placing a calming hand on her. “Don’t mess this up. Kallie is here not just by invitation. She genuinely wants to see this exhibit.”

Ethan walked over to Vernon and introduced himself.

His friendly demeanor finally warmed Vernon up, and Vernon agreed to arrange a small display area for Kallie in a quiet corner of the room.

Despite this concession, it was clear that there would be no further accommodations, like interviews.

Irene, overcome with more guilt than anger, apologized to Kallie. “I’m sorry, Kallie. I should’ve coordinated with them sooner. I didn’t foresee this happening.”

Kallie signed softly, expressing that Irene was not to blame. She understood her lack of recognition stemmed from her infrequent public appearances.

The harsh truth was that recognition and influence often dictated how one was treated. While talent was crucial, visibility was equally important for success.

Setting up her equipment on the designated platform, Kallie began her restoration work.

Eastonville University offered a course on artifact restoration that was always conducted indoors with great care.

Now, Kallie’s work attracted curious onlookers, as it was rare to see such meticulous work performed outdoors amidst the hustle and bustle.

Despite being seated in a corner, Kallie was completely absorbed in her task under the sun. Her skilled hands moved gracefully, highlighting her long, elegant fingers.

.

.

.