Chapter 7

Kate's POV

The most satisfying expression is the look of disbelief on the face of someone who thinks you'll crumble without them, only to see you thriving beyond their wildest expectations.

"K-Kate?" Kyle's voice wavers, his face contorting in confusion as he leans closer. "Where have you been? I've been searching for you everywhere."

I smile, watching his growing bewilderment. Searching for me? For what? Does he know the truth? Has Pamela already broken up with him?

Just then, Pamela rushes up beside him. "Babe, why did you leave me alone so suddenly?" she asks, her voice tinged with concern.

I bite back a laugh. Of course, he’s still with her. He’s just an asshole who will never change.

Pamela doesn’t notice me at first, but when she does, her face twists in shock. "Sister! What are you doing here? I thought you died, that you committed suicide... but you're alive? What a relief," she says bitterly, though it’s clear she isn’t relieved at all.

"Yes, sister, I’m very much alive," I reply. Her gaze shifting to the man on the floor. Pamela recognizes him instantly. she rushed beside him and asked him what's wrong, the pervert fed her the lies he told Kyle.

her eyes flare with anger.

"How dare you!" she spits. "Is this your pathetic way of getting back at Kyle because he divorced you for your dirty act? Is that why you went after his cousin?"

I scoff, raising an eyebrow. "I don’t even know who the fuck he is."

Kyle’s voice cuts through the tension, sharp and disbelieving. "Kate, did you just say fuck? What’s come over you? Where did you go after that day, and why are you acting like this? You didn’t have to pick on my cousin. You should have just come to comfort me!"

I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. "Comfort you? Why on earth would I? As I said, I don’t know who the hell he is, and I have no reason to comfort a fool."

"What?!" Pamela’s face contorts in disbelief as she turns to Kyle. "I told you, that day, a man came to pick her up—the same man she cheated on you with!"

Kyle’s voice falters. "Is that true, Kate?"

I meet his gaze, unflinching. "Yes, a man picked me up. Is that a problem?"

I see his fists clench, anger flashing in his eyes. I almost smile at the sight.

"Look, Kate, you wronged my cousin, and it won't be easy on you if he reports you. Apologize to him, and I’ll see how to handle this," he says, his voice laced with irritation.

I chuckle, shaking my head. "I’d rather count grains of sand than apologize to a perverted psychopath. If anyone should apologize, it’s him."

Kyle’s patience is wearing thin. "I don’t know where this newfound confidence and foolish bravery came from, but it won’t do you any good. Just apologize, Kate."

His words are grating on my nerves. How has he gone from being the man I loved to this pathetic shell?

"I’m not apologizing, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it," I retort.

Suddenly, the cousin lunges at me, fury in his eyes, but before he can strike, Kyle grabs his arm, stopping him.

"Brother, what are you doing?" the cousin cries out, his voice desperate. "Do you want to cause more problems for the family?"

Kyle twists his arm and shoves him away. "You always cause trouble and expect us to clean up after you!"

Pamela steps forward, her voice dripping with venom. "Kyle, are you seriously siding with this ex-bitch over your cousin? How can you be so unfair?"

Kyle remains silent, and I can’t help but wonder why he stopped his cousin. Is it because of me? Not that it matters.

I turn to Helena, who has been silently watching the exchange. "Let’s go," I say, brushing past them without another word.

Pamela’s voice follows me, sharp and mocking. "Wait! Do you even know where you’re going? This showroom isn’t for lowlife orphans like you!"

I pause for a moment, offering her a smirk over my shoulder, before walking confidently into the showroom.

The showroom is all luxury—marble floors, glass walls, and ambient lighting showcasing high-end designer items. It’s sleek, elegant, and exclusive, a space where only the elite belong. Cars line up in rows and columns, all sparkling and eye-catching.

Wow, this is my first time in a car showroom.

I walk elegantly to the female staff member and tell her I want to get a Tesla.

"Oh, yeah... but currently, we have only one Tesla, the S Plaid, the highest model, and it's $200,000," she says.

That’s the very model I want to buy. I tell her that, and she asks for payment. Helena is about to bring out her card when Pamela’s voice chimes in from behind.

"Look who we have here... I think you’re really here to buy a car!" she says. I don’t bother to answer her.

But the staff member, who is supposed to attend to us, happens to know Kyle and is very excited to see him.

"Sir, you are welcome! Please, how can I help you?" she asks.

"We want to get a car—a Bugatti for $50,000," he says, full of pride.

"You hear that?" Pamela again. "Did you just hear that? You can never in your life afford that! You’re a poor, lowlife and wretched orphan. I know you’re just here to bluff or buy a second-hand car for $5,000, given to you by some asshole as compensation for letting him fuck you!"