Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

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.

nestled into Jake, one hand resting gently on his shoulder, she tilted her head to lock eyes with

in Jake’s embrace. But Kallie caught the

the crowd, Kallie felt an overwhelming urge to escape the suffocating atmosphere of the party. The guests’ stares were curious, some even piercing, yet none offered words or gestures

and out into the cool embrace of the night air. Freedom never felt so palpable.

reality of her isolation quickly set in. Jake had been her ride to the event, and now he had left with Sarah. Dressed for a gala, not a night

her next move, a black Mercedes glided to a smooth stop in front

just standing here all

a friendly smile. “Where are you headed? Let me

slid into the car. Relief washed over her.

phone and typed a message to him, visible

his reply. “A friend invited me over, but he had to leave early. I was just hanging around chatting with some folks.

The chatter about Jake’s wife making a rare public appearance was quite a sensation. When Ethan saw

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

the way, I’ve been learning sign language,” Ethan said to Kallie with an enthusiastic smile. “I’m picking

demonstrated a few basic signs, looking to Kallie for confirmation. “Is this

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

shook her head and showed Ethan the location of her and Jake’s villa on her phone. She typed:

she had never spent a night away from their home. She

eyes as he put the car in gear. The ride was quiet, and soon,

of surprise

as he exited the vehicle. Kallie was just gathering her things to thank Ethan and dismiss him when he suddenly stepped out of the car and approached

by his unexpected move, Kallie watched

the banquet tonight. Jake left with another woman, abandoning her there.” Ethan’s voice held an edge of accusation as he

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