Chapter 65: Dude...
Ella was in the room with Cleopatra, and Jane led Mike into the hallway, ensuring he was kept out of the discussion. It was not particularly new to Jane that Cleopatra and Ella didn’t have a particularly harmonious relationship, which was precisely why everyone was taken aback to see her there.
"Who was that?" Mike questioned, his curiosity getting the better of him. Cleopatra’s pale skin resembled that of a corpse walking among the living—an unsettling contrast to Ella’s more vibrant, rosy complexion.
This stark difference made Cleopatra impossible to ignore, and Mike was no exception to her chilling presence. Yet, his question wasn’t entirely innocent, as Mike very well-known to have wandering eyes.
"That’s Cleopatra," Jane replied without much thought, her voice neutral as if dismissing Cleopatra’s presence entirely. "Ella’s older sister."
Jane didn’t care if Mike’s interest in Cleopatra was genuine or fleeting. It didn’t really matter to her. She had more pressing concerns than entertaining Mike’s wandering gaze or answering questions he should have been able to piece together himself.
Cleopatra was no saint, far from it, and her reputation preceded her. Many believed she had played a sinister role in Ella’s descent into drug addiction—a troubling accusation that hung over Jane like a dark cloud as she contemplated the situation.
Her sudden appearance now could only spell trouble. Ella was vulnerable, and Cleopatra’s presence was likely to undo everything Ella had painstakingly worked to rebuild over the past few years.
Mike, oblivious to the layers of tension surrounding Cleopatra’s arrival, shifted his attention back to Jane. "I’m just glad you’re okay, Jane," he chimed in, his voice carrying a subtle warmth meant to comfort her.
Jane offered him a polite smile, one that didn’t linger long enough to spark hope. "I appreciate that you came. It was considerate of you, really. You’re a good friend, Mike," she said pointedly, the emphasis on "friend" acting as a quiet boundary marker.
Mike’s chest tightened at her words. "Friend," he repeated in his mind, the label ringing hollow to him. Yet, he convinced himself it was temporary—a placeholder until she saw things his way.
He leaned in for a hug, his intentions masked under the guise of friendship. From the corner of his eye, however, he caught a figure staring directly at them.
Mike turned, his curiosity piqued, only to meet the smug, knowing gaze of Kyle. That mocking smirk etched on Kyle’s face told Mike everything he needed to know. Kyle had been watching.
When did Kyle get here? And how much had he seen? Mike had no idea. But he knew one thing: The taller man held more esteem in Jane’s eyes than he ever had, despite all the months of trying.
Despite the tension that thickened the air, Mike completed his hug. Jane, however, awkwardly pulled away, her unease evident.
"What... what are you doing?" Jane asked, her voice laced with confusion as she gave him an uneasy smile.
"I just wanted to comfort you," Mike stammered, trying to salvage the moment.
Before Jane could respond, her eyes caught sight of Kyle, and her expression immediately brightened. "Kyle!?" she exclaimed, her voice lifting with surprise and joy.
Kyle stepped forward, arms slightly outstretched. "I wanted to surprise you," he said, his voice calm and self-assured. "But it looks like you had company, so I didn’t want to impose."
Collins had things under control back at the construction site, giving Kyle the freedom to be here.
"Miss me?" Kyle teased, his tone playful yet confident.
Jane didn’t hesitate. She ran into his arms, burying herself in his familiar embrace.
Kyle’s smirk grew, his eyes darting toward Mike, who stood frozen in place. Kyle knew exactly what Mike was thinking, and he relished in it.
"I... I did!" Jane managed to reply, her voice muffled against Kyle’s chest.
Mike’s stomach churned. "Why the hell is she acting like this in front of me?" he thought bitterly. Jane’s actions felt like a slap in the face, a deliberate attempt to humiliate him.
Kyle gently stroked Jane’s hair, his touch affectionate and deliberate. "I’m glad to hear that," he murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.
When the hug finally ended, Kyle turned his attention to Mike. "I know you," he said, his tone measured but inquisitive. "Jane, is he a friend?"
Jane nodded, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension. "Yes, he is. Kyle, this is Mike. Mike, this is Kyle," she introduced them without a second thought.
Kyle extended his hand for a handshake, his expression unreadable. Mike hesitated but knew he couldn’t refuse without appearing rude.
As their hands clasped, Mike immediately noticed the strength behind Kyle’s grip. It wasn’t painful, but it was firm enough to send a message.
"A good friend who’s there in her time of need," Kyle said, his tone polite but laced with an edge. "Thanks for keeping her company in my absence, Mike. But I can take it from here."
Mike clenched his jaw, knowing he couldn’t argue without making a scene. Jane, meanwhile, was entirely focused on Kyle, her eyes fixed on him as if no one else existed.
Kyle turned his attention back to Jane, effectively ending the conversation. Mike stood there, feeling like an intruder, a spectator in a play where he didn’t belong.
Kyle pulled Jane into another embrace, his movements protective. Mike’s fists tightened at his sides, the urge to lash out bubbling beneath the surface.
"I guess I’ll be on my way," Mike finally muttered, his voice barely audible.
Jane turned to him, her sweet smile softening the sting of rejection. "Thank you for coming, Mike," she said sincerely.
But her gratitude wasn’t enough to soothe his bruised pride. As she walked him to the door, Mike’s mind raced with thoughts of revenge.
Back inside, Kyle focused on Jane. "How’s Ella?" he asked, noticing Jane hadn’t mentioned her earlier.
Jane hesitated, her gaze shifting toward Ella’s room. "She’s better," she admitted. "But I’m worried about her now that her sister is here."
Kyle frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Her sister? Shouldn’t that be a good thing?"
Jane shook her head, the tension in her shoulders evident. "Not in this case," she said softly.
Kyle didn’t press further. Family wasn’t always a source of comfort. Sometimes, it was the very thing that broke you. He knew that from experience.
He shifted the conversation, his concern now solely on Jane. "Have you eaten?" he asked gently.
Jane shook her head again, guilt flickering across her face.
"You need to take care of yourself, too," Kyle reminded her. "Ella would only end up worrying about you if you don’t."
Jane hesitated, glancing back toward Ella’s room.
"It’s okay if you don’t want to leave," Kyle offered. "I can grab something for you."
But Jane shook her head. He was right. She needed to eat, and this could be an opportunity to get something for Ella as well.
Kyle extended his arm, a small smile playing on his lips. Jane blushed as she took it, her face turning a shade of pink that made Kyle chuckle softly.
---
Meanwhile, Mike lingered outside the hospital, his anger festering like an open wound. He couldn’t believe the way Kyle had humiliated him.
"What the hell does she see in him?" Mike muttered to himself, his frustration mounting.
Kyle was arrogant, insufferably so, but somehow Jane didn’t seem to mind.
Mike replayed their earlier conversations in his head, grasping for answers. Jane wasn’t the type to be swayed by wealth or material possessions. If anything, she valued hard work and sincerity.
So what was it about Kyle that drew her in? Mike couldn’t figure it out, and the uncertainty gnawed at him.
It wasn’t just about affection anymore. For Mike, winning Jane had become a matter of pride.
As he watched Jane and Kyle leave the hospital, walking arm in arm, Mike felt a surge of bitterness.
He trailed behind them, careful to keep his distance. His focus wasn’t on Jane this time—it was on Kyle.
There had to be something wrong with him, Mike thought. No one could be that perfect.
Kyle, unaware of Mike’s presence, guided Jane toward a nearby café. The distance was short enough that they didn’t bother with a car, allowing Mike to follow unnoticed.
As he walked, Mike’s resolve hardened. He would find a way to expose Kyle, to show Jane the truth about him.
This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.
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