Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

Chapter 76:

Kallie’s assertiveness had not often been on display, especially since she had gotten married. As a child, under Roderick’s guidance, Kallie would stand up for herself, responding to provocations with sharp wit and a hint of arrogance, proving her strength to anyone who doubted her.

However, after her marriage, that fiery spirit had dimmed. She often shrank behind Jake, bowing her head and choosing to ignore the harsh words thrown her way, masking her distress.

But now, things were different. As Gregory translated her response to their rude visitors, Kallie sat perched on a high stool, meticulously sorting through glass fragments. Though she appeared absorbed in her task, there was a subtle but distinct change in her demeanor. A small, knowing smile curled at the corners of her mouth, signaling a newfound confidence.

This assertiveness buoyed Kallie’s spirits. It felt liberating to stand up for herself.

Engrossed in her work, Kallie skipped lunch, her focus narrowing so intensely that hunger and the world around her faded away. She began by identifying the outline of a glass bottle from the larger fragments. Carefully, she pieced the structure back together bit by bit, using the small patterns and imperfections on the fragments as guides to fit the smaller pieces into place.

Deep in her restoration work, Kallie felt as though she were engaging in a silent dialogue with the century-old artifact. With most of the fragments correctly aligned, she picked up her restoration tools and began the meticulous process of gluing the pieces back together, fully absorbed in the intricate dance of reconstruction.

As dusk descended, Gregory turned on the lights in the studio, but Kallie, lost in her work, barely noticed. Though she hadn’t eaten since breakfast, she wasn’t distracted by hunger. Instead, a quiet thrill propelled her as she watched the antique glass bottle slowly take form. The restoration gave her more than the satisfaction of winning a wager—it provided deep joy and fulfillment from breathing life back into something that had been shattered.

“Kallie?” Her concentration was broken by the sound of her name. Lifting her eyes, she saw Jake standing in the doorway of the studio.

Jake’s brows were furrowed, not in anger but in an expression rich with complexity. He had been watching her for some time.

When Gregory noticed Jake’s presence earlier, he had merely signaled for him to stay quiet, prioritizing Kallie’s focus over formalities, and hadn’t even offered Jake a seat.

so engrossed in her craft, revealing a side of her he hadn’t witnessed before. In the past, Jake had always perceived Kallie as somewhat awkward, especially when she busied herself in the kitchen. But now, she was

awaits

was captivating. Jake found himself mesmerized, watching the delicate artistry unfold before him. It wasn’t until his phone vibrated with a message from

getting late,” Jake said softly, drawing Kallie’s attention away from her

right. You should head home and get some dinner. You missed lunch, too. You can

how your studio treats its workers? She doesn’t

muttered, lowering his head in apology. It was the first time he

had forgotten to eat. She glued the final fragment in place. The glass bottle now stood independently, though some

Kallie earlier were now silent, their mocking demeanor gone. They found it easy to

bottle in a cabinet and

said her goodbyes to Gregory, Jake gently took

got visitors,” Jake whispered as Kallie tried to

Kallie allowed Jake to lead her to the car. Today,

Group after

intended to pick Kallie up

and missed meals, briefly wondered

you manage to fix it?” Jake asked, his tone

paused at a