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“What are you doing here? Came to watch me hit rock bottom?” Lionel’s voice was bitter, almost accusing.
Kayla just looked at him, her gaze calm, so calm it almost felt like she was detached from the anger she had once
“I remember when we first got together,” she said quietly.
“You had nothing. You were just a poor student and I could’ve been with anyone, but I chose you. I honestly thought we’d have a happy family, a dog and just live simple lives–enjoying good meals and the changing seasons.
Lionel listened, each word cutting deeper than the last. He hadn’t realized how far away those days felt, how
much they had changed.
Kayla’s voice softened, almost nostalgic. “We had it good, didn’t we? But somewhere along the way, things went
off course.”
He could see the sadness in her eyes, but there was no anger anymore. It was like the fight had drained out of
her.
“Why did you come here, then?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.
Kayla didn’t flinch. “I need your help”
Without saying more, she lifted her shirt, showing him the scars on her back.
At first, Lionel saw just a small part, but that small glimpse was enough. The burns, the cuts–he couldn’t ignore
what was right in front of him. The pain she had endured was impossible to miss.
She hadn’t deserved any of it. Yet for five years, she had lived through that nightmare.
He felt his throat tighten, unable to stop the tears that welled up. It was one thing to hear about pain, but seeing it… that was something else. It was as if all the strength in her had been taken, bit by bit.
Simon, standing nearby, looked just as shocked. He had no idea Kayla had been through this. His hands curled into fists, wishing it could’ve been him taking that pain instead of her.
Kayla had given Lionel everything–her time, her love, her loyalty. She had been there for him, helping him grow, believing in him when no one else did. She had sacrificed so much for his success.
And what had he done?
Lionel couldn’t stop himself from choking up. He had destroyed the very thing that had meant the most to him, the very thing that had built him up.
He had let Stephanie tear everything apart, little by little, until he wasn’t even the man Kayla had once known Kayla was still strong, still the same person who had been there for him through everything But he? He was barely a shadow of the man he once was
He let out a bitter laugh, but it quickly dissolved into tears. Actual tears. He hadn’t cried in years and thought he had forgotten how
Yet here he was, breaking down. It seemed his heart wasn’t as frozen as he’d believed. It still hurt, especially when it came to Kayla
The next morning, Kayla’s phone buzzed. She picked up and a no–nonsense voice greeted her.
“Ms. Kayla Sutton? This is the police. Lionel from prison submitted new evidence. Il verified, the case from back then will be reopened. We’re calling to inform you that you’ll need to appear in court when the time comes.
Before she could respond, the line went dead. She lowered the phone slowly, her mind spinning. Lionel? She never expected him to come through, not after everything. But his expression when she left the prison came rushing back to her. Maybe he wasn’t entirely the man she had come to despise.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. The servant stepped in, looking uneasy
“Ma’am, Stephanie is at the gate again. She’s demanding to see you
Kayla sighed, already tired of this. “Tell her to leave ”
“She won’t go. She’s been here every day for the past week,” the servant said, glancing down nervously.
Kayla’s jaw tightened. “Fine. I’ll handle it myself”
Minutes later, Kayla stepped outside. As soon as Stephanie spotted her, she bolted forward, her movements frantic. But before she could reach Kayla, a bodyguard stepped in, gripping her arms and holding her back.
“What do you want now?” Kayla asked, her voice sharp but steady.
Stephanie’s face twisted with desperation. “How can you do this to me? Dad is in prison, Lionel is locked up and I’m left with nothing! Meanwhile, you’re living it up in this mansion while I’m stuck in some dingy basement, barely able to eat! If you don’t give me money right now, I’m not leaving!”
Her voice cracked as she shouted, her words a mix of anger and pleading
