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Novel Catalog
Chapter 33: A Chance Encounter With Kaliyah
Ainsley’s expression hardened as she replied, her voice cold, “What a small world.”
Kaliyah’s gaze narrowed, but she didn’t let the tension slide. “Ms. Easton, I saw you with Mr. Gage earlier. Cason and I thought we were mistaken. When did you become so familiar with Mr. Gage?”
Kaliyah’s words carried an edge, though her tone remained sweet, her hair gently falling around her collarbone, adding to her image of grace and virtue.
“I don’t want to tell you.” Ainsley’s eyes flickered with indifference as she tossed the tissue into the trash. “Ms. Packer, don’t ask me. We’re not that close.”
Kaliyah inhaled sharply, her eyes betraying a hint of hurt, though she quickly masked it with a look of concern. “Ms. Easton, are you thinking too much? I’m just trying to be polite. We know each other, after all. I thought we could have a simple conversation.”
What did she mean by “no other intentions”? Ainsley’s gut tightened with discomfort. Kaliyah’s sweetness, her politeness—it was all so calculated, so carefully constructed. Every word was a well-rehearsed performance, but something about it felt insincere.
Ainsley gave a cold, humorless laugh. “Ms. Packer, you’re so full of courtesy. Was it courtesy when you came back to destroy my marriage?”
The words hit Kaliyah like a slap. Her eyes widened in shock, and she staggered back, hurt evident in her expression. “Ms. Easton, I never wanted to hurt you. I didn’t know anything about your marriage. I only knew that Cason was married when I returned to the country. But Cason told me he never loved you. He was ready to divorce, so I was with him.”
Kaliyah spoke with an innocent tone, her voice trembling with what seemed like genuine surprise. She stared at Ainsley as she continued, “Besides, I met Cason first. If it weren’t for you, he and I would’ve been married long ago. I think you’re the one who ruined what could’ve been.”
Ainsley’s heart turned cold at Kaliyah’s words. She couldn’t believe the audacity of this woman. Kaliyah’s version of events was so distorted, so self-serving. “Kaliyah, you don’t have to explain this to me. Before you left for abroad, you and Cason had already broken up. Afterward, I met him, and we got married. So, how could I possibly be the one who ruined your relationship?”
Ainsley’s voice was sharp, her frustration rising. “Besides, Cason was the one who proposed to me. Don’t try to paint me as the villain here. You were already dating him long before I came into the picture. What do you think of me? Am I just some passive onlooker in your dramatic love story?”
Her words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, Kaliyah seemed lost for words, her face reddening with shame.
Back at the hotel, Kaliyah wiped away a tear as she returned to Cason, her eyes red from crying. Cason immediately noticed her distress.
“What’s wrong, Kaliyah?” He pulled her into his arms, concern clouding his features.
“I ran into Ms. Easton just now,” Kaliyah said, her voice trembling as she clutched his shirt. “I greeted her out of courtesy, but she… she was so angry. She said I ruined her marriage. Cason, am I being selfish? It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have come back. If I hadn’t, you and I would’ve been together long ago…”
Cason frowned at the mention of Ainsley. “Did Ainsley really say that to you? That you ruined my marriage?”
Kaliyah nodded, wiping her eyes as she looked up at him. Cason’s expression grew darker, though he quickly masked it with a comforting smile.
“It’s fine. Don’t let her words bother you. I’ve already told you, Kaliyah. I have no feelings for her. The only one I’ve ever loved is you,” Cason said, his voice firm. “Ainsley is not worth your attention. You didn’t ruin anything. We’re fine now.”
Kaliyah let out a soft sigh of relief, her eyes softening as she leaned into him. “I knew you’ve always loved me, Cason.”
He kissed her forehead gently, his hand tenderly brushing her hair. “I’ll never love anyone else. You’re the one for me. Don’t worry about Ainsley.”
