Chapter 21
William turned to Marcus, his warmth evaporating instantly. His dark eyes flashed with clear displeasure. “Why are you here? Need something from Kaylee?”
His protective stance had silently answered Marcus’s earlier question about her relationship status.
Marcus withdrew his hands from his pockets, laughing nervously. “Nothing really. Mom came in with stomach pain, thought it was digestive. Dr. Lawson caught the heart condition. We didn’t believe it at first, but she was right. Just wanted to thank her.”
“Finished?” William’s tone was clipped. “Then you can go.
“Right, of course.” Marcus practically fled.
Once he’d disappeared, Kaylee sat at her desk and turned to William. “Thanks for that.”
“Mary’s a shark in business, but her son’s just a trust fund kid. Wastes money. Not your type.”
William watched her intently, his tone protective, as if worried about her choices.
“I get it, William.” Kaylee smiled at his concern. “I deal with this all the time.”
William looked surprised. “Really? Often?”
“Yeah.” She sighed. “Most society moms think alike. Tall, pretty doctor with good credentials but no family connections – I’m their perfect daughter–in–law material. Once I’m married with kids, they figure they can push
me around.”
Kaylee had never counted on the Morgans as backup.
That kept her perspective clear.
“Why don’t you tell them you’re seeing someone?”
“I could have before, but now…” She shrugged. “I’m a terrible liar.”
A troubled expression crossed her face.
William stood beside her desk, about to speak when-
“Uncle, I need to talk to Kay.”
Alex’s voice interrupted from the doorway.
Kaylee looked up.
He leaned against the frame, looking ragged. One night had transformed him completely. Beyond the bruises marring his face, his eyes were shockingly bloodshot.
Kaylee stood, “Mr. Morgan, please don’t call me ‘Kay‘ anymore. Call me Dr. Lawson or Kaylee. I packed everything this morning and I won’t be coming back.”
She had meticulously packed her belongings the previous night, battling exhaustion, and brought everything with her that morning.
She had lived in the Morgan family home, in that particular room, for nearly a decade. Yet her personal possessions were devastatingly few. Apart from a handful of school uniforms she couldn’t bear to discard, she owned just a few books and some ordinary clothes. After carefully selecting her items, everything fit into a single
bag.
1/2
Chapter 21
+25 BONUS
“Kay, I know I’m not worth much,” Alex’s voice cracked. “I’ve done many things I’m sorry for over these years, but… can’t you just listen to me for a moment?”
William glanced at his nephew, hesitated briefly, then turned and left the office. He remained close, standing just outside in the hallway.
Alex entered the office and, without hesitation, knelt directly in front of Kaylee.
“Alex Morgan!” Kaylee exclaimed, surprised, rising to help him.
He grabbed her hand. “Kay, I’m sorry. I was drunk last night and not thinking clearly. My father scolded me, and he’s arranged for me to get engaged to Lucy. I’m really going to be engaged to her, with the formal wedding set for a year from now.”
