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.

crowd parted, making a path for Jake as he carried Sarah away. As Sarah nestled into Jake, one hand resting gently on his shoulder, she tilted her head to lock eyes

embrace. But Kallie caught the true glint in Sarah’s eye, a smug

Jake and Sarah disappearing into the crowd, Kallie felt an overwhelming urge to escape the suffocating atmosphere of

making her way to the door and out into the cool embrace of the night air. Freedom never felt so palpable. Outside, Kallie inhaled deeply, the fresh air washing over her

had left with Sarah. Dressed for a gala, not

to a smooth stop in front of her. The driver’s door swung open, and out stepped

why are you just standing

smile. “Where are you headed?

into the car. Relief washed over her. Meeting Ethan was fortuitous. Otherwise, she wasn’t sure how she would have managed to get

settled in the driver’s seat, Ethan sensed her curiosity as Kallie pulled out her phone and typed a message to him, visible on the screen between

he had to leave early. I was just hanging around chatting with some folks. Figured I might as well drive you home,” he explained, his

a group chat. The 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

a simple, sincere “Thank you,” and showed it to

Ethan said to Kallie with an enthusiastic smile. “I’m picking it up pretty quickly. Soon

basic signs, looking to Kallie for confirmation. “Is

Ethan’s heart skipped a beat at her smile. He

head and showed Ethan the location of her and Jake’s villa on her phone. She typed: “Take me here,

Despite his frequent absences, she had never spent a night away from their

his eyes as he put the car in gear.

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

exited the vehicle. Kallie was just gathering her things to thank Ethan and

his unexpected move, Kallie watched

her there.” Ethan’s voice held an edge of accusation as he confronted the butler,

It became clear that Ethan had known about the night’s events all along

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