Chapter 6
Noreen had a new favorite pastime–reality TV. The more scripted and dramatic, the better. Kylie was right there with her, chatting away about the show’s couples.
He stood there for a bit, unnoticed. They were too wrapped up in the show to notice him.
Noreen was the first to spot him. “Hey, when’d you sneak in here! You’re like a ghost!” she joked, raising an eyebrow.
Kylie’s smile disappeared the moment she saw Trevor. She gave him a quick, polite nod.
Just got here,” Trevor said.
He couldn’t help but notice how quickly Kylie’s mood changed when he showed up, compared to the warm smile she’d shared with his grandma. It was like she had a switch, but he couldn’t figure out what had triggered it.
“You just got married to Kylie today, and you’re still working late? Your company’s got a whole team, and they can’t cover for you? Maybe it’s time to shake things up with the staff, Noreen chided, rolling her eyes at Trevor. “Get back to Starlit Villa with Kylie and take care of her, alright!”
Noreen pondered the transformation of her grandson. Once a charming boy. Trevor had grown into a man who seemed to have left his sweetness behind.
Kylie, however, shared Noreen’s love for those romantic reality shows, and their bonding over them was a joy to behold.
Trevor just hummed in response, not offering any further explanation.
Noreen shot him a stern look. “You’re so lucky to marry Kylie. Don’t take it for granted.”
Trevor frowned, wondering how Kylie had made her way to win over Noreen.
Kylie glanced over, a touch of worry in her eyes. “Noreen, I’ve got your bath set with some relaxing salts. Make sure to take a dip before you turn in.”
Noreen’s head bobbed up and down like a buoy on the waves. “You bet, Kylie. Your wish is my tub this minute.”
Trevor, standing by, just gave a nonchalant shrug, his expression unreadable.
command. I’m diving into that
Pulling up to the Starlit Villa, Trevor and Kylie cruised through the empty streets and made it there in half the time,
Inside, the silence between them was only broken by the sound of the front door closing. Trevor’s eyes landed on a suitcase by the door, looking tiny enough to be a kid’s, with a painting sitting on top, giving off a vintage vibe.
“Second floor’s all yours. Take any room but mine, Trevor said, kicking off his shoes and slipping into slippers.
He’d heard about her recent moves from Zach, and he wasn’t sure what to make of them. It seemed like she was playing a game, and he wasn’t interested in being a pawn.
Kylie got the message loud and clear. They were married on paper, but that was about it. Trevor had made it clear he wasn’t interested in getting cozy.
She nodded, stepping into a pair of slippers and dragging her suitcase upstairs.
Trevor trailed behind, stopping to indicate one of the doors. That’s my room.”
“Okay.” Kylie took a look around and chose a room that wasn’t right next to his
She wasn’t trying to get too close for comfort. It was better to keep some space between them, to avoid any awkwardness. After all, she had her own plans, and getting tangled up with Trevor wasn’t part of them.
Trevor raised an eyebrow at her distant demeanor.
“Night, Mr. Walters, Kylie said, her voice echoing down the hallway before her bedroom door clicked shut.
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Chapter 6
Alone, Trevor frowned, realizing he’d been thinking about her more than he should. As long as she kept his grandma smiling, that was all that counted. The rest? Not his problem.
After an hour of unpacking and a much–needed shower, Kylie finally dropped onto the bed, her body aching, her mind spinning.
The day had been a blur: waking up to the shock of a new existence, rushing into marriage with Trevor, and now, getting to see Noreen again. It felt like she’d stepped into an alternate reality.
She reached for her phone, which had been mute all day. The screen was lit up like a Christmas tree with missed calls and a cascade of messages on WhatsApp.
Craig was at the top, his texts relentless. But Kylie didn’t even glance at them. There were also messages from Julie, Samuel, and Melanie.
Instead, Kylie went straight to Noreen’s messages. There was a funny photo of Noreen in the bath, totally kicking back, and a voice message.
Kylie hit play. Noreen’s voice was warm and playful. “Hey, Kylie. I’ve done the bath, and it’s the cat’s pajamas. And I’m about to hit the hay. Well, if Trevor gives you any grief, just let me know. I’ll put him in his place!”
A smile crept onto Kylie’s face. She typed out a quick “Thanks. Good night.”
Then Kylie turned to check the stream of messages from Craig. His voice notes must be a string of apologies, each one more desperate than the last
She skipped the voice notes, her stomach turning at the thought of his voice.
And the messages were a mix of sad faces and pleading words. [Baby. I’m falling apart here. Can’t eat, can’t sleep. You know I need you. Did I push it too far by telling you to make up with your folks? I just want what’s best for you.]
He thought he had her number and these would work.
As she was about to check on Julie’s message, Craig’s call interrupted. She picked up.
Craig said sadly, “Kylie, why the radio silence? Since you mentioned we’re through, I’ve been a mess. You know I can’t handle this without you. Did I cross the line by suggesting you make amends with your parents? You’re new in the family… I just want you to get along with them…”
Kylie’s mind drifted back to her past, where pleasing the Lampard family was her obsession, all because of Craig. She let out at sarcastic laugh. “Craig.”
“Why? Kylie, you still care about me, right? Craig’s voice was confident, his words laced with arrogance. He thought he had her wrapped around his finger.
“Craig, you’ve got some nerve. If you don’t want trouble, you’ll return the 30 thousand dollars you owe me in the next ten minutes,” she said sharply before hanging up.
A few days prior. Craig had claimed his family was in a financial pinch. Without hesitation, she had transferred the money her adoptive mother had given her, plus her own savings from working part–time in college. That money was meant for her adoptive mother Amanda
In her last life, it wasn’t until she was confined to her bed that she discovered he had spent it all on Melanie–on clothes and skincare.
This time, she didn’t care about Craig and Melanie, but Craig would pay every cent back.
Craig gaped at his phone, stunned. Has Kylie lost her mind? Demanding her money back? Now?
He had plans to take Melanie shopping at the Trendy Mall tomorrow, and the money might not even cover it…
He thought in a rage, “Have I been too lenient with Kylie? And she thinks she could just end things on a whim? Does she really think I’m that desperate for her? She’ll be crawling back to me soon, begging for forgiveness.
He then quickly messaged Melanie. [Mel, remember, we’re meeting at the Trendy Mall, entrance one, at noon tomorrow.]
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