Chapter 3: No Going Back Now

The invitation came as a shock. Kyla had been working late again, trying to wrap up the audit issue when her phone buzzed. It was Reece’s mother.

“Kyla,” Mrs. Hastings' voice was sharp and formal, as always. “I need you at the family house tomorrow morning at 10. Sharp.”

Kyla felt her stomach twist. “Is there a problem, Mrs. Hastings?”

A pause. "No. Just be there. It's important." Then the line went dead.

Kyla stared at her phone, her heart racing. She knew Mrs. Hastings never did anything without reason, and whatever this was about, it wouldn’t be pleasant. There was no way she could refuse, though. Not with everything that hung over her.

---

The next morning, Kyla stood nervously in front of Reece’s family mansion. It was enormous, with tall gates and sprawling gardens. She felt out of place, her palms sweaty as she clutched her handbag. This was not her world—this was Reece’s, where people like her didn’t belong. But Mrs. Hastings had invited her personally. She had no choice but to come.

Taking a deep breath, she walked up to the grand doors. A servant led her into a large, elegant living room where Mrs. Hastings sat, sipping tea. Next to her, like a shadow, was Vivian, clinging to Mrs. Hastings' arm and laughing at something she had just said. The moment Kyla walked in, both women’s heads turned toward her.

"Ah, Kyla," Mrs. Hastings greeted, her voice cold but polite. Her eyes scanned Kyla from head to toe with a sharp, calculating look. "You finally made it."

Kyla forced a smile, trying to ignore the sudden discomfort clawing at her chest. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you for inviting me.”

Vivian’s gaze lingered on Kyla with thinly veiled contempt. She was dressed in a stunning designer dress, every inch of her screaming perfection. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled, and she looked as though she belonged in this world—unlike Kyla, who felt out of place in her simple black dress.

Vivian flashed a fake smile. “You’re looking... well, Kyla,” she said, her tone dripping with fake sweetness. “I told Reece’s mother all about how hard you’ve been working on that audit issue. You must be exhausted, poor thing.”

Kyla’s hands tightened around her bag, feeling the subtle jab, but she didn’t let it show on her face. “I’m managing just fine, thank you.”

Mrs. Hastings looked between the two women, her lips curling slightly. “Vivian has been a wonderful support these days, Kyla. She’s been spending so much time with us, helping me with everything. I couldn’t ask for a better future daughter-in-law.”

Vivian leaned in closer to Mrs. Hastings, her eyes glinting as she threw Kyla a smug look. “It’s been a pleasure, Mrs. Hastings. Anything for the family.”

Kyla stood there awkwardly, feeling as though she were being pushed into the shadows. Every move Vivian made seemed calculated, every smile rehearsed to show Mrs. Hastings what a perfect fit she was for their world. Kyla felt her chest tighten as a wave of insecurity washed over her.

“Come with me, Kyla,” Mrs. Hastings said abruptly, rising from her seat and placing her teacup down. “There’s something I need to discuss with you in private.”

Kyla swallowed hard, nodding. She followed Mrs. Hastings through the lavish hallways, her heels clicking against the marble floor. They walked in silence, the air between them thick with tension. Mrs. Hastings led her to a hidden study at the far end of the mansion, away from prying eyes.

Once they were inside, Mrs. Hastings closed the door and turned to Kyla, her expression unreadable.

“It’s time we talked about the deal,” Mrs. Hastings began, her voice cold and businesslike. “Two years ago, you agreed to become Reece’s... companion. His little distraction. A plaything, until I could find him a suitable bride.”

Kyla’s breath hitched, the familiar feeling of shame bubbling up in her chest. She had agreed to this, yes. But back then, she didn’t know it would end up hurting so much.

Mrs. Hastings walked over to a drawer and pulled out a small box, setting it on the desk. “You’ve done your part, Kyla. But now, it’s time for you to go.”

Kyla’s heart pounded in her chest as Mrs. Hastings opened the box. Inside was a plane ticket to London, a sleek black credit card, and a key. Mrs. Hastings pointed to the items, her voice cold and final.

“I’m giving you a week—seven days to leave. There’s a fully furnished apartment waiting for you in London. The credit card has enough for you to start fresh. Your parents will receive the best medical care, as I promised. But you need to disappear from Reece’s life, Kyla. It’s over.”

Kyla stared at the box, her throat tightening. The plane ticket glared up at her like a cold reminder of what she’d sold herself for. She had agreed to be Reece’s secret lover to save her parents, to give them a chance at life when all hope seemed lost. And now, it was time to pay the price.

“I’ve found Reece his bride,” Mrs. Hastings continued. “Vivian is everything I wanted for him. She comes from a family with money, status, and class—everything you don’t have. You need to leave before you ruin this for him.”

Kyla’s eyes burned with unshed tears, but she kept her chin high. “I love him,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

Mrs. Hastings let out a cold laugh, shaking her head. “Love? Kyla, this was never about love. You were just a temporary fix, a distraction to keep Reece from making foolish choices while I found him a proper wife. And now that Vivian is in the picture, your role is done.”

Kyla stood frozen, her heart shattering with every word. She knew this day would come, but standing here now, facing the harsh reality of her choices, it felt like her world was crumbling.

“You have seven days,” Mrs. Hastings repeated, her tone final. “After that, I want you gone.”

With that, she handed Kyla the box and left the room, her heels echoing down the hallway as Kyla stood alone in the dark study, clutching the items that represented her future. A future without Reece.

---

Back in the grand living room, Kyla re-entered with the weight of her secret dragging her down. Vivian shot her a triumphant smile, clearly aware something had gone down but pretending not to know.

“Everything okay?” Vivian asked with mock concern. “You look a little pale.”

Kyla clenched her fists, forcing a tight smile. “I’m fine.”

But inside, her heart was breaking. She had seven days to leave Reece, to leave the man she had fallen for, all while his new bride-to-be stood by, waiting to take her place.