Chapter 12:

Jake tossed Kallie onto the expansive bed in their bedroom. Kallie placed her hands against his chest, attempting to push him away, though her actions were weak and appeared more like a hesitant acceptance than genuine resistance.

“Be a good girl,” Jake murmured, his voice low and enticing as he leaned closer, his breath warm against Kallie’s ear.

Kallie relaxed slightly, but as Jake moved to kiss her, she turned her head aside, rejecting his advance. A single tear escaped, trailing down her cheek. Kallie’s face was pale, her lips quivered as if she were undergoing a hardship rather than sharing a tender moment.

Disinterested, Jake stood, towering over her. “You don’t want me to touch you?” he questioned, his voice a mix of confusion and frustration.

Kallie clarified that she was simply feeling unwell, her gaze fixed on the floor, avoiding his eyes.

“Feeling unwell because of quitting your job? Feeling unwell yet still went to dinner with Linsey?” Jake pressed her, his tone growing harsh as he sought answers.

Kallie felt at a loss for words. Ever since she had brought up the idea of a divorce, Jake had become unusually attentive, though not in the way she desired.

Receiving no response, Jake abruptly left the room.

Kallie assumed he had gone for good and curled up under the blanket, seeking comfort. Yet, the sound of footsteps ascending the stairs jolted her.

To her surprise, Jake returned, her handbag in his grasp.

Kallie abruptly sat up, barely minding the darkness that edged into her vision as she reached for her handbag.

you want this?” Jake asked, tossing the handbag aside and holding up Kallie’s

were at the hospital this morning? Why didn’t you tell me?” he

two steps and then raised her hand to gesture her wish not

wife. You got sick, and you think telling me would bother me?” Jake moved

the dots, realizing

tales at g aln

hospital, only to

he looked at her. “From now on, let me know

Kallie nodded emphatically.

Jake seemed ready to respond,

planned to have lunch together.” Sarah’s voice came

proximity made that impossible. She bowed her head, feigning ignorance of the

I’ll return later,” Jake announced

puzzled by his lie to Sarah. Could it be

stairs once

this evening?” the butler inquired, offering Kallie a glass of water as he noticed her

used to make dinner herself, but with

unexpected return ignited a spark of excitement in

smiling at the

marinating the ingredients, she even orchestrated the cooking times

as she cooked. Before her marriage, she had dreamed of these moments, of lovingly preparing meals for Jake.

chimed with a new message from Jake. “I’ll be working late tonight. Bring

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