Chapter 6 - The Shadow of Kendra
By afternoon, Eleanor arrived at the house, her arms loaded with bags of groceries, pre-made casseroles, and fresh baby clothes. The Colonel’s wife was a woman of quiet grace and fierce loyalty, and the moment she walked through the door, she wrapped me in a long, warm embrace that broke through the numb wall I had built around myself. I finally cried—deep, heavy sobs that cleansed the pain of the last few hours.
While Eleanor took over the kitchen and supervised the boys' feeding schedule, Everett remained downstairs, conducting business from the dining table. His legal team was moving with frightening speed.
Around three in the afternoon, my phone rang. It was an unknown number.
I hesitated, looking at the screen. Everett glanced up from his laptop. "Put it on speaker, Tessa."
I answered the call and activated the speakerphone. "Hello?"
"Is this Tessa?" a woman's voice came through the speaker. It was sharp, panicked, and strained.
"Yes. Who is this?"
"This is Kendra," the voice replied. A heavy breath sounded on the line. "Nolan just came to my apartment. He... he told me what happened. He said his father stripped him of his position at the company and froze his accounts."
I stayed silent, looking at Everett, who sat perfectly still, watching the phone.
"I need to know if this is true," Kendra continued, her tone turning demanding. "Did his father actually cut him off? He told me he was an executive partner with a massive family trust! He promised me he would provide for this baby!"
I took a deep breath, feeling a strange mix of pity and disgust for the woman on the other end of the line.
"Nolan lied to you, Kendra," I said clearly. "Just like he lied to me. He was never going to leave me until he was forced to, and his family does not tolerate betrayal. Whatever promises he made you about money or status were built on air."
"That bastard!" Kendra screamed through the speaker. "He told me you two were separated! He told me the twins were born months ago and that you were just using him for child support! He said he was going to take care of me!"
"You chose to get involved with a married man whose wife was pregnant," I said coldly. "Whatever mess you find yourself in now, you made it together. Do not call this number again."
"Wait! Tessa, please—"
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Everett reached over and tapped the screen, ending the call. He set the phone back on the table with a firm click.
"A house built on lies collapses the moment the wind blows," Everett said softly. "She is realizing that the man she stole has no value without his integrity."
