When I Left, He Found His Way Back-Chapter 27: Rumor about them

Jessica’s POV

I sighed inwardly as Hilda continued to pester me for gossip. But where was the mood to go about talking nonstop? The encounter at the lobby still lingered, weighing heavily on my mind.

The thought of people staring at me with disgust, as if to say I was committing adultery, bothered me. I didn’t like those judgmental looks, and I was sure today wouldn’t be the end of it.

"Talk to me, Jess," Hilda’s voice drifted over again, breaking into my thoughts. "Which of them do you like the most?"

She was sprawled on the bed, snacking on the treats I bought at the mall, while I arranged my new outfits into the closet. Her persistent questioning only added to my frustration.

"Hilda, can’t you see I’m busy?" I asked, trying to sound patient, but the anxiety was building up inside me. The threats from those men didn’t sound like something they wouldn’t go through with. I had a premonition that something terrible would happen to one of them. That also was enough to weigh me down.

Hilda popped a chip into her mouth, crunching loudly. "I’m not blind. You won’t be speaking with your hands. Spill the beans."

I closed the closet door, turning to face her. "There’s nothing to spill, Hilda. Just drop it, okay?"

Hilda’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, come on. You can’t keep me in suspense. Liam or Kristen? Who’s the lucky guy?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to deflect her curiosity. "Neither, Hilda. My life is complicated enough."

She rolled her eyes and scoffed, "What’s so complicated in your life? You chose to live a complicated life," she popped another chip in her mouth and continued.

"Abandon your adopted family, make your choice between the two men, and then move on," she added, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Simple as that, and you’d be living in bliss."

I snorted, knowing she didn’t even believe what she just said. Her words were a facade. She was just talking to prevent her mouth from smelling.

Suddenly, Hilda’s expression turned serious as she began. "I feel like Liam has truly repented, but I also feel that Kristen loves you. However, you’re still Liam’s wife. Something like this is very tricky."

She paused, collecting her thoughts. "In my opinion, I would say you return to Liam. A devil you know is better than the angel you don’t know."

I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "Who says I want either of them?" I countered.

Walking to the bed, I admitted. "I mean, yeah, a part of me still loves Liam, but that man’s gone crazy. As for Kristen," I shook my head, "I don’t see him as a romantic partner. He’s more like an older brother to me."

Hilda nodded in agreement with my words. "You’re right," she said, "only that he’s not your brother." Opening a pack of biscuit, she took a bite before continuing.

"Do you know what people say about him?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

My lips twitched, knowing that Hilda was the queen of rumors and gossip. I didn’t even know where she got her information, but most of the time, she spoke the truth.

"Would you not say if I said no?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

As expected, Hilda replied in the negative, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Of course not!"

"He’s a shrewd businessman. Unlike Liam, Kristen is believed to have built his empire through questionable means," Hilda continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Some people say he’s connected to organized crime, but no one can prove it."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "And what makes you think this is true?"

Hilda shrugged. "I’ve heard rumors, whispers from reliable sources. Plus, have you noticed how he always seems to be one step ahead of everyone else? How his businesses always seem to thrive, no matter the economic climate?"

I scoffed and rolled my eyes. "My brother was also rumored to be into some shady stuff, but that didn’t make it true."

"In fact, there’s a rumor about my family being weirdos just because they don’t mingle," I continued. "Yet, when I walked in, I saw they’re the nicest people I’d ever come across."

I shook my head, making my point. "Those rumors about Kristen could have been spread by his enemies to discredit him. We can’t believe everything we hear."

I looked at Hilda, my expression serious. "We should give him the benefit of the doubt, don’t you think?"

Hilda’s expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing slightly. "That’s a valid point, Jess. Rumors can be twisted or exaggerated. Maybe Kristen’s success has created enemies who want to tarnish his reputation."

She paused, considering her next words. "But what if there’s truth to it? What if Kristen’s involvement with the underworld is real?"

I shook my head firmly. "Even if it were true, that doesn’t necessarily define him as a person. People are complex, Hilda. We can’t judge someone solely on rumors or speculation."

Hilda nodded slowly, her expression reflective. "You’re right, Jess. I just want you to be careful, that’s all..." she paused and suddenly added, catching me off guard.

"And with Liam too. He’s also no good," Hilda said, her expression stern.

"I heard he’s ruthless and steps on anyone who gets in his way. He’s stubborn and doesn’t back down unless he gets what he wants." Her voice was laced with concern.

"He’s seriously unhinged, a psychopath even," she added, her words painting a disturbing picture of Liam’s character.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as Hilda’s words echoed my own reservations about Liam. His intensity and refusal to accept no had always unsettled me.

"Where did you hear this?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

Hilda hesitated before responding, "You don’t want to know."

...

It was morning. As I got ready for my first day of school, my thoughts kept drifting back to the conversation I had with Hilda yesterday.

Hilda refused to tell me where she heard the rumor about Liam from. Although I believed that calling him a psychopath was over the top, I couldn’t shake off the feelings that she could be right.

My night was as restless as others. I tossed and turned in bed with complicated thoughts, consumed by thoughts of Liam, Kristen, and my adopted family. The questions swirled: What was behind their cold demeanor? Who was that person Maddie talked to at the door? Should I return there again? What if I don’t get anything but the same heart-wrenching words?

If I couldn’t uncover something as simple as why my adopted family thinks I’m a jinx, how could I hope to unravel the truth about my past? About why I ended up in Country A’s orphanage as a child?

Feeling overwhelmed, I forced myself to shut down the thoughts. After getting ready for school, I double-checked my stuff before leaving the room, trying to focus on the day ahead.

As I walked through the lobby, I noticed a stark change in the receptionists’ behavior. Those who had once treated me with respect now regarded me with disdain and condescension.

Their eyes avoided mine, as if my presence might tarnish their perfect sight.

"Put the keys on the desk," one of them ordered, her tone dripping with disdain. It was clear she wanted to minimize any physical contact with me.

I expected the change after the spectacular performance by those two men yesterday, but I never thought it’d be this drastic.

I felt a surge of determination. This was the final straw. I made a mental note to search for an apartment close to school on my way back. It was time to leave this toxic environment behind.

Liam had succeeded in driving me out, I thought bitterly. He had won.

I placed the keys on the desk and turned to leave.

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