Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife’s Escape

Chapter 25:

Kallie was visibly shocked, her eyes wide as she stared at Jake.

“Kallie just got out of the hospital today, and we thought a spa day would be nice. Is there a problem with that? Didn’t expect to get bullied by a home-wrecker here!” Linsey rose to her feet, her eyes blazing with anger.

“Mr. Reeves, that’s not accurate! She was the one who came at us first, criticizing us the moment she walked through the door!” Sarah’s friend snapped back.

However, Jake walked directly toward Kallie, seemingly oblivious to others. “Why were you discharged today?”

Kallie gestured quickly, saying she healed faster than expected and Dr. Hudson had granted her discharge from the hospital.

“If you’re well enough to leave the hospital, why come here instead of going home?” Jake took Kallie by the hand. “Come with me.”

The room fell silent. No one anticipated Jake’s reaction, least of all Kallie, who after a moment of stunned silence, instinctively glanced at Linsey.

“Uh, it’s alright. We can always come back another day for the spa. You should head home and rest for now,” Linsey suggested quickly. Her words seemed like the perfect counter to Sarah’s earlier actions.

With a smug look directed at Sarah, Linsey added, “Enjoy your spa day! Really indulge in that luxurious hot spring pool. Maybe it can help wash off that unpleasant odor you’re carrying!”

Sarah’s frustration was palpable, her nails dug into her palms. However, she managed to maintain a facade of composure in front of Jake, offering him only a look of subdued appeal. “Jake…”

“You go and enjoy yourself with your friend,” Jake replied as he led Kallie away, though not without offering a comforting word to Sarah. “We’ll talk tonight.”

Being ushered to the car parked outside by Jake, Kallie felt her nerves tingle. It was the first time in days that she had found herself alone with Jake.

Silence enveloped them as neither spoke. Kallie’s gaze was fixed on the scenery whizzing by the window, which gradually turned unfamiliar. Eventually, the car came to a halt outside an elegant building.

Confused, Kallie turned to Jake.

“Let’s go.” Jake swung open the car door, his voice chilly. “If you’re feeling well enough for the spa, you can certainly join me at a dinner party.”

As Jake ushered Kallie into the building, she noticed it resembled more of a stylish salon. Dresses dangled from every possible perch, and the room buzzed with activity around makeup mirrors, the air thick with the mingling aromas of cosmetics and perfumes.

Though having known such places, it was Kallie’s first visit here with Jake. The pervasive scents nearly provoked a sneeze from her, but she stifled it just in time.noveldrama

“Ensure her look plays to her strengths, and cover up any bruises,” Jake directed as a stylist approached.

“Absolutely, she’s stunning. Any style will flatter her immensely. It all comes down to her preference,” the stylist replied, genuinely impressed.

It was no mere flattery. Rarely did the stylist encounter such natural beauty as Kallie. Most celebrities depended heavily on makeup to present their best selves to the cameras, but Kallie was different.

Her skin was porcelain-smooth, barely in need of any cosmetics, and her features so impeccably defined that she could easily be a reference model for celebrity makeup artists. Casually standing there, Kallie exuded the grace of a premier ballet dancer.

“Please, right this way.” The stylist beckoned to Kallie.

Kallie moved to follow but threw a lingering look back at Jake. Jake’s gaze held a sort of satisfaction, one that reminded Kallie more of someone appraising a prized possession rather than showing any genuine affection.

The last time Kallie donned a stunning dress for a public event, apart from her own wedding, was when she attended Roderick’s birthday celebration with Jake during her teens. Back then, Kallie wasn’t just Jake’s cherished sister figure.

She was also the most favored adopted daughter within the Reeves family. At the party, numerous guests approached her, with some even commenting she was blessed. Nobody would have dared call her mute.

Regrettably, that event was Kallie’s final public appearance. After her marriage, Jake kept her under tight control.

“Miss, which one do you prefer?”

As Kallie followed the stylist upstairs, her gaze landed on several rows of luxurious couture dresses. Each seemed more enchanting than the last, yet Kallie hesitated to linger over her choice, worried that Jake might grow impatient. Thus, she quickly selected a light blue dress, the same color she had worn at the last banquet with Jake.

“Alright, this dress features a backless design. Would you like me to style your hair up?” the stylist suggested.

Only then did Kallie notice the intricate cutout at the back of the dress. She hastily shook her head, preferring to keep her hair down.

“That’s perfectly fine. If you wish to maintain a low-key appearance, that works,” the stylist commented, guiding Kallie into the dressing room.

Once dressed, Kallie positioned herself before the makeup mirror. The stylist expertly applied her makeup, enhancing her features until the reflection showcased a woman of breathtaking beauty and elegance. For a moment, Kallie lost herself in her transformed reflection, scarcely believing she could look this magnificent.

“You look stunning.” Jake’s voice suddenly echoed, breaking the spell.

Only then did Kallie realize that Jake had stealthily appeared behind her. Their gazes locked through the reflection in the mirror, and Kallie looked at Jake, a flicker of hope igniting in her heart.

Jake surveyed Kallie, his gaze analytical, like one appraising a fragile piece of porcelain. There was admiration in his eyes, yet devoid of any real emotion.

Feeling a pang of disappointment, Kallie averted her eyes. Yet, compelled by a mix of hope and uncertainty, she raised her hand slightly and ventured a question by gestures. “Are you considering me merely as eye candy?”

Jake let out a chuckle, his voice tinged with a mocking undertone. “What else do you suppose you should be?”

Kallie wanted to say she would like to socialize as his wife, extending her help to his career. However, her damaged vocal cords denied her ability to speak. She could never fit seamlessly into the echelons of high society as his spouse.

Kallie chose not to probe any further, bowing her head in resignation.

Soon after, Jake escorted Kallie to the banquet hall. The venue was lavishly decorated, befitting the grandeur of the evening. As the most distinguished guest, Jake drew many eyes upon his entrance. But it wasn’t long before all attention shifted to Kallie by his side.

A hush fell over the room for a moment.

“She’s breathtaking…”

“Is that Mr. Reeves’ woman? Could she be a renowned actress?”

“I’ve never seen her before. Maybe she’s that elusive superstar who just returned from overseas?”

Among the crowd was Sarah, who, having heard of Jake’s arrival, had hurriedly made her way through the crowd to find him. Her eyes widened in shock upon seeing Jake with Kallie at the event, her mind reeling with disbelief.

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