Noreen had a new pastime–reality TV. The more and better. Kylie there with her, chatting away the show’s couples. He stood there for a bit, unnoticed. They were up in the show to notice him. Noreen was first to spot him. “Hey, when’d sneak in here! You’re like a ghost!” she joked, raising an eyebrow. Kylie’s smile disappeared the saw Trevor. She gave a polite nod. Just got here,” Trevor said. He couldn’t help but notice how quickly Kylie’s changed when he showed up, compared to the warm smile she’d shared with his grandma. It was like she a switch, but he couldn’t figure what had triggered it. just got married to Kylie today, and you’re still late? Your company’s got a whole team, and they can’t cover you? Maybe it’s time to things with the staff, chided, rolling her eyes Trevor. “Get back to Starlit Villa Kylie and take care of alright!” Noreen pondered the transformation of her grandson. a charming boy. Trevor had grown into a man who seemed to have left his sweetness behind. Kylie, however, shared Noreen’s those romantic reality shows, their bonding them a joy behold. Trevor just hummed in not any further explanation. Noreen shot him a stern look. “You’re lucky to marry Kylie. it for granted. Trevor frowned, wondering how had made her win over Noreen. touch worry in her eyes. “Noreen, I’ve got bath with some relaxing salts. Make take a dip before turn in. Noreen’s head and down like buoy the waves. “You bet, Kylie. Your wish is tub this minute. Trevor, by, just gave a nonchalant his expression unreadable. I’m diving that Pulling up to and cruised through the empty streets and made it in half the time, Inside, the between them only broken by the sound of the door closing. eyes landed on a suitcase by the door, tiny enough be a kid’s, with painting sitting on top, giving off vintage vibe. floor’s yours. Take any but mine, Trevor said, kicking off his shoes and into slippers. He’d heard about her recent moves from Zach, he what to of them. It seemed like she was playing a game, and he wasn’t interested in being a pawn. Kylie got message loud clear. They married on paper, but that was it. had made it clear wasn’t in getting cozy. She nodded, stepping into a pair of slippers and dragging her suitcase upstairs. Trevor trailed behind, stopping to indicate one of the doors. That’s my room. ” took a look and chose a room that wasn’t right to his She wasn’t to too close comfort. It better to some between them, to any awkwardness. After all, had her own plans, getting tangled with Trevor wasn’t part of them. Trevor an at her distant demeanor. “Night, Mr. Walters, Kylie said, voice echoing down the hallway before her bedroom door shut. Alone, Trevor realizing been thinking about her than he should. As long as she kept grandma smiling, that all counted. The rest? his problem. After an hour of unpacking and a much–needed shower, Kylie finally dropped onto the her body aching, her spinning. The day had been a blur: waking up to the shock of a new existence, rushing marriage with Trevor, getting to see Noreen again. It felt like she’d stepped into an alternate reality. She reached her phone, had been mute all day. The screen was lit up like Christmas tree with calls and a cascade of messages on WhatsApp. Craig was at top, his texts relentless. But Kylie even glance at them. were also messages from Julie, Samuel, and Melanie. went straight to Noreen’s messages. There was a of Noreen in the bath, back, a voice message. Kylie hit play. voice was warm and playful. I’ve done the bath, it’s the cat’s pajamas. I’m about to the hay. Well, if you grief, just let know. I’ll put him in his place!” A smile crept Kylie’s face. typed out a quick “Thanks. Good night. Then Kylie turned stream messages from Craig. His voice notes must string of apologies, one than the last She skipped the voice notes, her stomach at the thought of voice. And the messages were a mix of sad faces words. I’m falling apart here. Can’t sleep. You know I need you. Did I push it too far by telling you to up with your folks? I want what’s best for you. had her and these work. she was to check message, Craig’s call interrupted. picked up. sadly, “Kylie, why the radio silence? Since you mentioned we’re through, I’ve a mess. You know can’t handle this without you. Did I cross the line by suggesting make amends with your parents? new in the family… I just want you to get along them…” Kylie’s mind drifted back to her past, where pleasing the Lampard family was obsession, all of Craig. She let out at sarcastic laugh. “Why? Kylie, you still care me, right? Craig’s voice confident, his words laced with arrogance. He thought he had her wrapped around his finger. “Craig, you’ve some nerve. If you don’t want trouble, you’ll return the 30 thousand dollars you owe me in the next ten minutes,” said before hanging up. few days prior. Craig had claimed his family was in financial pinch. Without hesitation, she had transferred the money her adoptive had given her own savings working in college. was meant adoptive mother Amanda In her last life, wasn’t until she was confined to bed she discovered he spent it all on Melanie–on clothes and skincare. This time, didn’t care about Melanie, Craig would pay every cent back. Craig gaped at phone, stunned. Kylie lost her mind? her money back? Now? He had plans to take Melanie Trendy Mall tomorrow, and the money might not cover it… in rage, “Have I been too lenient with And she thinks could just things on a Does she really think I’m desperate for her? She’ll be crawling back to soon, begging for forgiveness. He then Melanie. [Mel, remember, at the Mall, entrance one, at noon tomorrow.