Chapter 153:

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Emily’s POV

Two days after we visited Kelly’s family’s ancestral house, I felt someone following me as I walked along the empty parking lot of the condominium. I had just visited my father in the hospital. He had a stroke last year and still hasn’t recovered. I don’t know if I should feel happy that the person who ruined my life is finally suffering or feel bad because, despite everything, he’s still my father.

Before I could even enter the elevator, someone grabbed my wrist and slammed me against the wall beside it.

I met a pair of eyes burning with anger. He was glaring at me, gripping my shoulders as though he wanted to crush me right then and there.

“What do you know about Kelly’s plans?” he demanded.

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I stared at him blankly before letting out a soft chuckle. His forehead creased, and he clenched his jaw.

“You seem to have two personalities, huh?”

He gritted his teeth. “Just tell me what you know! What is she planning? What kind of information does she have?”

I licked my bottom lip and shoved him away. He stepped back and glared at me, but I crossed my arms in defiance.

“You offered help two days ago, Matt Foster. Why are you harassing me now?”

He shook his head. “You better tell me everything you know!”

I smirked, slowly walking toward him. Grabbing the collar of his shirt, I pulled him down slightly, watching his lips part and his eyes darken in response.

“Why don’t you try asking nicely?” I teased.

“I’m not here to negotiate with you!” he snapped.

I let go of his collar and turned my back. “Then we have nothing to talk about.”

“Wait!” He grabbed my wrist again, cursing under his breath. “What do you want?”

An evil grin spread across my face as I faced him. “I want Kelly to suffer.”

His eyes widened. “What the f*ck? Aren’t you her friend?”

I chuckled. “That’s what she believed. Now, can you help me?”

His jaw clenched again, and after a tense pause, he slowly nodded. “What do you want me to do?”

“Investigate,” I replied simply.

His forehead furrowed. “Investigate?”

I tilted my head. “Yes! Prove to her that she’s following the wrong information and chasing the wrong people.”

He stared at me, his expression blank. “You want me to investigate my own family?”

I chuckled. “Come on, Matt Foster! I know you want to know the truth more than anyone. So…”

“Why are you doing this? Why do you want to hurt her? Why are you trying to hurt her?”

I stared back at him. “You’ve seemed to grow fond of your cousin, huh? Tell me, can you really help me, or should I go ask your twin brother instead?”

Kelly had told me everything about Matt and Mason—everything she knew to execute the plan perfectly.

Matt sighed and, after a pause, nodded as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants. “Fine. I’ll investigate.”

I smirked. “Good luck!”

He glared at me with a hardened expression before turning on his heel and walking away. He hopped onto his motorcycle and drove off, leaving me standing there. My smirk slowly faded, and I stared at the spot where his motorcycle disappeared.

Go on, Matt. Be my puppet.

Phoebe’s POV

I sat on the bed, watching Kelly as she checked out my room. She was staying at our house, and since Snow was with Mom and Dad at the pool, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to talk to Kelly about my problem.

After surveying the room, Kelly turned to me and smiled. She sat on the bed beside me and gently ran her fingers through my hair.

“What do you want to talk about?” she asked softly.

I locked eyes with her. “I’m ready to tell you everything.”

She nodded. “Thank you for trusting me.”

I sighed and fidgeted with my fingers, nervously picking at my nails. “Kelly, I… I gave myself to a man older than me, and my brother.”

I couldn’t meet her gaze, feeling a mixture of shame and insecurity. I knew Caleb liked Kelly. He just hadn’t pursued her because he knew she was in love with my brother.

Yes, it was Caleb Walter. I gave myself to him. We were both drunk that night, but I was still in my right mind. He was the one who was completely wasted, calling Kelly’s name over and over. It hurt, but I stayed with him, slept with him. It was a night I’ll treasure in my heart, but the worst part is, he doesn’t remember any of it. And that hurts.

“It’s okay, Phoebe. If you’re not ready, I won’t force you.” Kelly said gently.

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to gather the courage. “It was Caleb Walter,” I whispered, my voice trembling. I waited for her shocked reaction, but there was nothing.

Slowly, I opened my eyes again and looked at her. She was staring at me with a serious expression. Was she angry? Does she not like him?

“You know the consequences of your actions, Phoebe.”

I bit my bottom lip and nodded slowly. “Yes…”

“He’s older than you, and you’re still studying. If you get pregnant, you’ll—”

“I’ll stop for a year, I know,” I whispered almost inaudibly.

Kelly sighed and gently took my hands in hers. When I looked up, she gave me a soft smile.

I was shocked. “Y-You’re not angry?”

She shook her head. “You’re old enough to know the difference between right and wrong. I won’t say anything because I’m not perfect either. I have things I’ve kept to myself, afraid of the consequences.”

I stared at her. Fear was visible in her eyes. Was it the same fear she had with Snow’s real father?

I didn’t understand why Pierce so fiercely believed that Snow was Klay Carver’s daughter. Didn’t he feel their connection? More than anyone, he should be the one to sense it. But I couldn’t blame him. He believed that Kelly would never hide anything from him. His beliefs were unwavering, and he was obviously deeply in love with her.

“I just want you to know that no matter what happens, your family loves you, Phoebe. You can trust them if things get messy. Especially your parents. They will never leave you.”

I smiled and hugged her. “Don’t leave me too, Kelly.”

She softly tapped my back as she whispered, “I won’t.” And I knew she wouldn’t leave again. My brother and Kelly deserved a second chance. They should end up together—not because I like Caleb Walter, but because I know they love each other. They’re soulmates, and it’s clear to me now more than ever.

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