Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

Chapter 87:

“Jake, come on. It’s Shirley’s birthday. Please don’t argue with her. We don’t want to upset her…” Melinda interjected, noticing the tension escalating and Shirley’s expression souring.

“But she started it,” Jake retorted, his resolve unwavering. “She’s done something terribly wrong, yet she can’t allow others to point it out.”

Melinda was at a loss for words, Jake’s sharp reply leaving her overwhelmed. She glanced toward Dean, silently pleading for him to step in.

To Melinda’s surprise, Dean turned to Shirley with a look of disbelief. “Mom, is that true? Did you really treat Kallie that way? Have you ever been like this to Melinda? You used to have such a good temper. Is something bothering you?”

“I haven’t done anything wrong! I’ve always treated Melinda well!” Shirley responded, visibly angered, her voice rising with each word.

The room teetered on the edge of chaos. Kallie, silent at the heart of the storm, had not anticipated Jake’s bold defense, nor had she expected him to demand an apology from Shirley.

But now, none of it seemed to matter. She longed for a divorce, to start a life free from these conflicts. She had already suffered through so much pain. Even if Shirley apologized and got down on her knees to scrub the floor as she had, it wouldn’t make a difference.

Thus, Kallie gently pulled at Jake’s sleeve, her eyes conveying a clear message that she didn’t require an apology.

Shirley caught the gesture and understood Kallie’s message.

Kallie didn’t display grievance or forgiveness. Rather, she exuded pity. She appeared superior to Shirley, completely indifferent to the situation.

indifference stoked a fire of anger within Shirley. Yet, despite her fuming, she knew Jake would not support

instincts kicked in, Shirley said, “It was my

best for Jake. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to look after him properly, so

remained neutral. Shirley’s apologies sounded like mere excuses

had done enough for her, especially in

forced a smile

forgiven me, Kallie?” Shirley asked, seeking some form

faced Shirley but didn’t nod. Forgiveness was

floor, cruelly stepping on Kallie’s hand while “accidentally” walking past. When Kallie cried out in pain, Shirley twisted the

would react if he witnessed such cruelty. She could not

you forgiven me?” Shirley repeated her

motionless. She neither

is enough,” Jake finally said, stepping in and pulling Kallie

I was wrong. I’ve apologized to Kallie, but she…” Shirley still tried to

shutting down Shirley’s attempts without pressuring Kallie to

room,

Dean chimed in, sensing the tension. He motioned for Melinda to help Shirley, as they all moved toward the

alone, Sarah remained still, watching their retreat, her nails pressed deep into

silence, but by the afternoon, the house buzzed with arriving guests. Despite her dismay, Shirley forced a cheerful facade. Positioned in the living room, she greeted each visitor with a bright