Chapter 8

"Kyle, I just wanted to see you," Faith said softly, her lips pressed into a thin line. "It's late, and you probably haven't eaten yet. Let me take you out to dinner." Kyle shook his head with a small smile. "You're in my house. How could I let you pay? If you don't mind something simple, I'll cook." Faith's face lit up with surprise and delight. "Really? That'd be great!" "Just so you know, I'm not sure if you'll like it," Kyle teased as he walked toward the kitchen. Faith's gaze softened as she watched him. "I've had your cooking before, remember? I never forgot it. Getting to taste it again makes me really happy." Kyle chuckled and waved her off. "Sit tight. I'll be quick." Faith sat in the living room as Kyle worked in the kitchen, her eyes never leaving him. Her vision blurred with unshed tears as she whispered to herself, "Seeing you cook again, sharing one more meal with you—it feels like a small way to make up for everything I've lost." The kitchen came alive with the sounds and smells of cooking. The scent of sizzling spices and the soft clatter of pots and pans made Faith smile. She thought about how this ordinary, domestic moment was something she might never have again. A short while later, Kyle placed the last dish on the table and pulled off his apron, grinning as he sat down. "It's just something simple. I hope it's okay." Faith's expression was a mix of joy and nostalgia. "Beef fajitas, salad, and mashed potatoes—these are all my favorites." Her voice trembled slightly. "Thank you. Thank you for remembering." Kyle waved her off. "You're the one who came to check on me. I should be thanking you. For the first time in a while, I actually feel… warm again." His smile dimmed slightly, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. Ever since his release, all he'd experienced was betrayal and hostility. But Faith's genuine kindness had reached him in a way nothing else had. "Eat up," Kyle said, gesturing to the food. Faith suddenly placed a card on the table as they began to eat. "Kyle, I know you have your pride, and I know how strong your sense of independence is." She took a deep breath. "This card has 350 thousand dollars in it. It's everything I've saved. I know it's not much, but I want you to have it. You're starting over, and I want to help. Please don't say no. Don't make me regret offering." Kyle fell silent, staring at the card. He understood the depth of Faith's feelings—it wasn't just about the money. It was her way of expressing the love she'd held onto for years. Finally, he shook his head. "I appreciate the thought, Faith, but I can't take it. Don't worry about me—I'm fine. I have money." Faith's eyes filled with tears, and they spilled over before she could stop them. Kyle's refusal felt like yet another rejection of her feelings to her. "No, it's not that," Kyle said quickly, seeing her reaction. He tried to explain. "I'm not lying when I say I don't need the money. And I'm not rejecting your kindness. I just…" He trailed off, unable to find the right words. Faith wiped her tears, her voice thick with emotion. "Kyle, I've never wanted to be a burden to you. I love you, but I've always been willing to love you quietly, from a distance. I'm not here to make your life harder—I just want to help." She pushed the card toward him again. "Please, Kyle. Consider it a loan if that makes it easier. You just got out of prison. I know you wouldn't take anything from Belle after the divorce. This money is for you to start fresh. It's the only way I can help you now. After this… We probably won't see each other again." Her words broke as tears streamed down her face. Kyle looked at her, his heart aching. Faith was a kind, selfless woman who deserved so much better. He wanted to ask what had happened to her over the years, but the sadness in her eyes made him hesitate. "Faith," he said gently, "what's going on? I can tell you're in pain. If there's something wrong, tell me. Maybe I can help." Faith shook her head, refusing to burden him. "It's nothing, Kyle. Don't worry about me. You've already been through enough. There's no need for you to carry my problems, too." Before Kyle could respond, a loud voice shouted from outside the door. "Kyle! Get out here, you bastard!" Kyle sighed, recognizing the voice immediately. He turned to Faith with an apologetic look. "Sorry, Faith. Looks like dinner's over." When he opened the door, he found a woman dressed to the nines in a flashy outfit that reeked of wealth and arrogance. Her anger was unmistakable. "Kyle," she sneered, "I see you're too good to even call me 'Mom' now." It was Margaret. Kyle's expression remained calm. "Mrs. Cotton, Belle and I are divorced. It wouldn't feel right to call you that anymore. What brings you here?" He never expected Margaret to come forward with a fair and honest explanation. As Margaret's ex-son-in-law, having lived with her for some time, Kyle knew better than anyone how sharp-tongued, petty, and materialistic she was. She valued wealth over everything else. Back when Kyle changed their lives, lifting them to a place of privilege, Margaret had been nothing but grateful. But everything shifted when Kyle gave it all to Belle and stepped into the background. Now, Belle was a billionaire CEO, while he was nothing more than an ex-convict fresh out of prison. How could Margaret possibly still be nice to him at that point? Her face twisted with fury. "Oh, you know exactly why I'm here! You had the audacity to lay a hand on Matthew! Do you think I'll let that slide?" Without warning, she raised her hand and slapped Kyle across the face. Kyle didn't flinch. He didn't dodge, either. The slap seemed to sever whatever lingering ties he'd had with her family. Before he could respond, Faith rushed to his side, her voice sharp with indignation. "Mrs. Cotton, how could you hit him like that? You know Kyle better than anyone. He wouldn't have attacked Matthew without a reason." She turned to Kyle, gently touching his face. Her defense of Kyle only made Margaret angrier. "Well, isn't this just perfect?" Margaret sneered. "Faith, you're still clinging to Kyle like a lost puppy. You've been waiting for this, haven't you? Waiting to wreck Belle's marriage and play happy family with Kyle!" Margaret's eyes flicked to the dining table. "Oh, look at this! A cozy little dinner for two. How romantic." With that, she stormed into the dining room and overturned the table, sending plates and food crashing to the floor. "Let's see how you enjoy your little date now!" she screeched. She pointed a trembling finger at Faith. "You're engaged, you shameless little tramp. Wait until I tell your fiancé about this. Let's see if he doesn't beat the living daylights out of you!"