Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

Chapter 653:

Kallie noticed the intensity in Clayton’s look and felt uneasy. Clearing her throat, she excused herself. “I must attend to something. Calvin is due for a check-up.” Clayton sensed her hesitation, his expression saddening. “Please extend my best wishes to Sophie and Calvin,” he said softly.

Elma waited a considerable time before a disheartened Clayton approached.

Though young, Elma was insightful and quickly sensed Clayton’s distress. She inquired, “What’s troubling you?”

Clayton chuckled, trying to dismiss her concern. “I’m fine, really. Don’t worry about that.”

Elma, hands on her hips, responded, “I might be young, but I understand. Every time you see Miss Nixon, you seem both joyful and sorrowful. Did she turn you down?”

Clayton replied, “Where did you pick up such ideas? Please, let’s not talk about that.”

are you in love with someone?”

vanished, and she instinctively took refuge behind

place

up. “Oh, Elma

maintaining his usual stern demeanor. His

to appear cheerful, she crouched down and coaxed, “Elma, come here. Aren’t you

still, and Cara’s demeanor shifted despite her

daddy and Clayton over

she sensed blame was being cast her way. She felt a sudden sadness. It wasn’t that she

memory of Cara pinching her ear until it bled was vivid in her mind. The pain was too

a deep

to conflict, Clayton could only pat Elma’s back and say, “Go to