Chapter 2
“Kylie, don’t you dare leave!” Julie’s voice echoed with disbelief as Kylie unnaturally walked out without a word, her pulse visibly throbbing.
“Samuel, look at her! What are we gonna do?” Julie’s eyes were fiery with frustration, searching for an answer in Samuel’s calm demeanor.
Samuel’s gaze followed Kylie’s exit, his face a mask of determination. “She’s got no money, nowhere to run. She’ll be back, begging for forgiveness, and then we’ll get her to the hospital like we planned.”
Julie huffed, her anger not subsiding. “She’s being way too stubborn. Even if she does come back, we can’t just let it got to stand our ground.
We’ve
Melanie, with a hint of joy in her eyes, tried to ease the tension. “Mom, don’t stress. Kylie might just surprise us and come home tonight.”
Melanie smiled to herself, ‘Well, no matter the fuss Kylie’s making, she’s gonna beg me and sacrifice for me. She’ll know I’m the real center of attention in the family, no matter who the biological daughter is. I have the family’s love and support, always
Kylie stepped out of the hospital, her fingers shaking as she found her phone and dialed a number from her contacts. She had to make this call and set things right.
“Mrs. Walters, I’m in. I’ll do it. I’ll marry your grandson,” she said, her voice a whisper of a decision just made.
She could picture Noreen’s smile through the phone, a warm nod of approval that eased Kylie’s racing heart.
After hanging up, Kylie was hit with a flood of memories from her previous life.
Her adopted dad died when she was three and her adopted mother Amanda had moved to the country and worked so hard to raise her and her three brothers.
Felicia Zimmerman, Amanda’s neighbor back in the country, had been nice to her. The simplicity of life there had been a stark contrast to the chaos of the city, and Kylie had thrived on the quiet lessons Felicia had taught her.
When she went off to college, leaving the countryside behind, Felicia hadn’t been far behind. She’d brought Noreen Walters, her old friend along one visit, and from that day on, Kylie and Noreen had kept in close touch.
Then came the day when Noreen showed up with her grandson Trevor Walters, not just for a meal, but with a marriage proposal on the table.
Trevor, with his tailored suits and cool gaze, had been everything Kylie wasn’t looking for.
But he was willing to do whatever it took to make Noreen happy, and Kylie had been too wrapped up in her relationship with Craig to even consider it. She’d said no, and Noreen looked upset.
The next day, Trevor called with news that Noreen was seriously ill, with only three years to live, that their marriage was her last wish. He’d promised to meet any condition Kylie set, but she’d held firm in her refusal.
Kylie’s world turned upside down after that car crash that needed some heavy medical bills to fix. Samuel and Julie didn’t think she was worth the investment, figuring she’d be a hassle if she lost a limb. But Noreen, after hearing Kylie’s story, not only paid for the surgery but also took care of her recovery.
It was only later that Kylie learned about her family’s lies. The tears, the promises, the manipulations. Noreen had been duped into believing that Samuel and Melanie would take care of Kylie, and in her kindness, she’d even had Trevor help Samuel’s business
For a brief time after Kylie’s death, her spirit stayed, and she saw Noreen’s tears as she held her lifeless body.
Now, with a second chance, Kylie was determined to make things right and to repay the kindness that Noreen had shown her.
But she’d already rejected Trevor once yesterday. She could only hope he’d be willing to hear her out again.
405 PM M G
Chapter 2
Kylie slipped her phone into her bag and hustled to the bus stop. Just as she got there, her phone buzzed with an urgent call.
She answered, and Trevor’s voice came through, cool and detached. “Ms. Lampard, you turned me down yesterday, and now you’re having second thoughts? What’s the deal?”
Kylie’s eyes drifted to the bus schedule. I’ve reconsidered, Mr. Walters. Your proposal isn’t so bad after all.”
There was a brief pause, then Trevor’s voice returned, still as distant as before. “Meet me at city hall at 3:30 p.m.
Back at the Walters Group, Trevor ended the call and nodded for his assistant Zach to continue.
“Ms. Lampard was welcomed back by the Lampard family six months ago. She was raised in a small town with her adoptive parents and met her boyfriend, Craig, in high school. They’ve been together ever since, even through college at separate schools. I’m still digging for more.” Zach summarized what he’d found on Kylie.
On Trevor’s desk were a few photos of Kylie. In one, she was hugging a cheerful, good–looking guy, both smiling at the camera. Their youthful energy was clear, but it didn’t detract from Kylie’s striking features.
“Also, for the past six months, Ms. Lampard has been donating blood to the Lampard family’s adopted daughter,” Zach added.
Trevor checked his watch, confirming the time. ‘Get a three–year secret marriage contract ready.”
Zach looked surprised. ‘Is Mr. Walters really planning to get married? To Kylie, who already has a fiancé? Isn’t he worried about her motives?’
Kylie arrived at city hall at 2:55 pm. with a few minutes to spare, her heart pounding in her chest.
Kylie’s bag contained the documents she needed, which were supposed to be used to reconnect with the Lampard family legacy after today’s blood donation.
But things had changed–she wasn’t going to be a part of their world anymore. Her eyes held a fierce glint, a sign of the resolve
that burned within her.
Soon, Trevor showed up, his presence as cool and collected as ever. Their eyes locked, and Kylie could see the questions lurking behind his gaze.
She didn’t flinch. If she were in his shoes, she’d be just as curious,
“Before we go any further, there’s something you need to sign, Trevor said, all business. He slid some paper across to her.
Kylie gave them a quick once–over. The terms were straightforward: a marriage in name only, a secret to everyone but Noreen, and a divorce on the horizon in three years‘ time.
“Tm good with the terms,” Kylie said, reaching for the pen. “We go our separate ways after three years, no fuss”
Trevor stopped her, his hand on hers. “This is a big step. No take–backs once it’s done.”
Kylie met his eyes, her decision made. “I’m sure.”
། ར་
“Alright, hit me with your condition,” Trevor prompted.
Kylie was about to say she didn’t have any, but she stopped herself, considering the weight of his question.
