Chapter 28:

Kallie stood amidst the confusion, her hands trembling slightly as she clutched an empty wine glass. Her mind raced for an explanation that might dissipate the thick tension around her. Yet, she could only manage a helpless shake of her head while the piercing stares of the guests felt like needles against her skin.

Jake moved through the crowd with purpose, his presence commanding yet protective. As he neared, he smoothly removed his jacket and placed it around Sarah’s shoulders, a simple gesture that spoke volumes.

Kallie’s eyes followed Jake, filled with sorrow and a desperate hope that he might understand her situation.

But Jake’s face was a mask of cold indifference when locking eyes with Kallie. He spared her only a brief, dismissive glance before his attention fully turned to Sarah.

“How are you holding up?” His voice was thick with concern.

Sarah clutched at him dramatically. “My ankle’s all twisted up, I’m soaking wet, and just miserable. I can’t seem to stand on my own…”

The guests encircled them, a hush falling over the room. Murmurs, however, were not so easily contained. Kallie, standing isolated within the throng, caught snippets of their whispers.

“She’s the legitimate wife, sure enough. Don’t underestimate her because she’s mute. The schemes she concocts…”

“Mr. Reeves really has it all, a stunning mute wife at home and a mistress to charm society on his behalf.”

“And what a tragedy they are to each other. Really, with everything they have, why stew in jealousy?”

These fragmented conversations wounded Kallie deeply. She longed to defend herself, to tell her side of the story. She wasn’t the jealous spouse they portrayed her as. She had even suggested divorce to Jake.

But Jake had flatly refused to let her go, and it was Sarah who had woven this web of deceit around her. Yet, why was she painted as the villain in their tale?

Jake’s gaze met Kallie’s, a storm of unspoken words passing between them. Then, wordlessly, he turned away from her and lifted Sarah into his arms, his decision clear in his avoidance of Kallie’s plea.

away. As Sarah nestled into Jake, one hand resting gently on his

wronged and fragile in Jake’s embrace. But Kallie caught the true

of the party. The guests’ stares were curious,

air.

her ride to the event, and now he had left with Sarah. Dressed for a gala, not a night on the town alone, she couldn’t simply hail a

glided to a smooth stop in front of her. The driver’s door swung

are you just standing here

are

giving her a warm, expectant look. With a small, thankful smile, Kallie slid into the car. Relief washed over her. Meeting Ethan was fortuitous. Otherwise, she wasn’t sure

and typed a message to

was just hanging around chatting with some folks. Figured I might as well drive you home,” he explained, his tone casual but his words a bit

chatter about Jake’s wife making a rare public appearance was quite a sensation. When Ethan saw Kallie’s name pop up in the chat, he decided to come by, though he hadn’t expected

“Thank you,” and showed

“I’m picking it up pretty quickly. Soon you won’t have to type. You’ll

signs, looking

approval. Ethan’s heart skipped a beat at her smile. He then shifted the conversation toward

head and showed Ethan the location of her and Jake’s villa on her phone.

villa Kallie shared with Jake. Despite his frequent absences, she had never spent a night away from their

put the car in gear. The ride was quiet, and soon, the sleek black Mercedes pulled up in front of the

approached, the butler emerged, a mix of surprise and relief on his face. “Madam, you’re

okay. She’s with me,” Ethan called out as he exited the vehicle. Kallie was just gathering her things to thank Ethan and dismiss him when he suddenly stepped out

unexpected move, Kallie

voice held an edge of

surprise and confusion. It became clear that Ethan had

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