Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

Chapter 423:

Sophie’s eyes darted around before she grabbed Jake’s hand, pulling him closer. She leaned in, her voice a whisper against his ear.

“Can you stay here? I know a bad guy hurt my mommy and made her sick. Bad guys are always hurting my mommy, and I can’t do anything to stop them. Please, can you stay and protect her?” Sophie’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she ducked her head. “When I’m big, I’ll protect my mommy myself. I won’t need anyone else’s help.”

Jake’s heart twisted in his chest. What a brave little girl, shouldering so much worry. He pulled Sophie into a tight embrace. “You’re a wonderful girl, Sophie,” he murmured. “This is my fault. I won’t let you or your mom get hurt again.”

Sophie looked up at him, confusion etched on her face. “But… you don’t have to. My mommy says only family protects each other forever. You’re her friend. You only have to protect her for now.”

A pang of hurt shot through Jake. “Your mom said that?” he asked, his voice tight. “She said I was just a friend? Did she say anything else about me?”

Sophie blinked, puzzlement clouding her face. Jake’s words were a mystery to her.

Jake said, masking his disappointment. “Take your

steps, a flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes. She glanced back at Jake, noting his dejection. Then she turned away

washing over him. He had briefly entertained the idea of using Kallie’s amnesia to his advantage, to

her vulnerability; when her memory returned, she would be disgusted with him. All he could do

for Joanna. He activated every contact he had. Joanna had vanished

Lɑtєѕτ cнαρτєrs ιn g?l?ovєls.???

gathering, face-to-face with a renowned

nothing more than a verbal description. But this man was a real oddball and wouldn’t take the

for a few hired girls to go over and flirt with Jake, proposing a toast to

a few bottles, Jake was still going strong, but the man was

ear. The girl nodded and gave Jake a seductive look. She sidled up to him