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.

perceived Kallie as somewhat awkward, especially when she busied herself in the kitchen. But now, she was

adventure awaits

watching the delicate artistry unfold before him. It wasn’t until his phone vibrated with a message from

should head home for dinner. It’s getting late,” Jake said softly, drawing

head home and get some dinner. You missed lunch, too. You can pick this up tomorrow,” Gregory

how your studio treats

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

gestured to Jake, explaining that Gregory wasn’t to blame—it was her who had forgotten to eat. She glued the final fragment in place. The glass bottle now stood independently, though

were now silent, their mocking demeanor gone. They found it easy to provoke a

a cabinet and washing her hands. Jake watched quietly from

to Gregory,

as

Jake to lead her to the car. Today, unlike usual, Jake had

started the engine, Jake mentioned casually, “I swung by the Hayes Group after work but ended up waiting

intended to pick Kallie up from

her long day and missed meals, briefly wondered if her current state was more from hunger-induced fatigue than

about my grandpa’s teapot? Did you manage to fix it?” Jake asked, his tone curious but

gestured as they paused at a red light, indicating