♣ CHAPTER 31 ♣
Kate took a shaky step back. "What… What are you doing here, Rachelle?"
Rachelle tilted her head mockingly, her red lips curving into a smirk. "Did you really think I wouldn't find you? You disappeared like a coward. No goodbye. No explanation. Just vanished."
William looked between them, confused and suspicious. "Can someone tell me what's going on?"
Kate's voice cracked as she answered. "We were roommates… back in Texas. But things… things ended badly."
Rachelle scoffed. "Badly is an understatement. You ruined my life, Kate."
Kate's face tightened. "I didn't ruin anything. You made your own choices."
Rachelle stepped forward, eyes burning. "You turned Lucas against me. You lied to him. You told him I cheated—when you knew nothing!"
William's gaze snapped to Kate. "Lucas? That Lucas?"
Kate looked down, her hands trembling slightly. "He was Rachelle's boyfriend before he became my friend. I didn't tell you because… it's complicated."
Rachelle laughed bitterly. "Complicated? You comforted him when we fought, whispered in his ear until he walked out on me. You played the innocent victim when you were the one stabbing me in the back."
Kate's eyes watered. "That's not true! Lucas and I only got close after you two broke up. You were already seeing someone else. Don't twist the story."
Rachelle's voice turned cold. "I lost everything because of you. My relationship, my internship, my reputation. And now, here you are—married to a billionaire, living in a mansion. You really upgraded, didn't you?"
William's jaw clenched. "Why are you here now?"
Rachelle's eyes flicked to him. "To make sure she doesn't get away with it this time. You deserve to know who you're married to, Mr. Dray."
Kate stepped in front of William, voice shaky but firm. "I made mistakes. I admit that. But I didn't steal Lucas. And I didn't ruin her life. She's just here to stir trouble."
Rachelle pulled out her phone and waved it. "I've got proof. Emails. Messages. Receipts. You want to see who your wife really is?"
William stared at Kate, conflicted.
Kate's voice broke. "William… Please don't listen to her. Let me explain. Just me and you."
He hesitated.
Rachelle's eyes gleamed. "Too late, sweetheart. Secrets always come back to bite."
William slowly reached for Rachelle's phone, Kate's heart pounding—knowing one click could change everything.
William took the phone from Rachelle slowly. Kate's chest rose and fell fast, her fingers twitching by her side. She wanted to speak, to snatch the phone back, but she couldn't move. Her whole body froze, waiting for his reaction.
He unlocked the screen and started scrolling. Rachelle crossed her arms, looking too pleased. Kate, on the other hand, looked like she might faint.
Seconds passed.
Then a full minute.
Silence.
William looked up from the phone. His face was unreadable.
Kate opened her mouth. "William, please—"
He held up a hand, cutting her off. Then he turned to Rachelle. "Is this all?"
Rachelle blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"These texts, these screenshots," William said plainly, holding the phone like it was nothing. "Is this your so-called proof?"
Rachelle stepped forward. "Yes! It's clear! She was talking to Lucas while I was still with him. She was planning it—"
"No," William cut in sharply. "All I see is a few old messages and assumptions. Nothing here proves that Kate did anything wrong."
Kate blinked fast, tears forming in her eyes.
"But—" Rachelle started.
"I don't need your story. I know my wife," William said with a strong voice. "And I trust her."
Rachelle's mouth fell open. "You're defending her?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "Whatever happened between you two in the past is your business. But you have no right to show up in my house, throw around accusations, and try to mess up my marriage."
"She's lying to you!" Rachelle shouted.
"No. You are the one bringing drama here," William said, voice calm but firm. "Now, I think you should leave."
Rachelle's eyes widened. "What?"
"You heard me. Leave my house before I call security. Or better still, the police."
Kate gasped softly, looking at William with disbelief. Not because she was scared—but because she didn't expect him to stand up for her like that.
"You can't be serious," Rachelle said, looking from Kate to William.
"I've never been more serious. I don't want people like you around my wife," William said, walking over to the door. "Get out."
Rachelle stood still for a moment, her face twisted in disbelief. But then she scoffed, grabbed her purse from the chair, and stormed toward the door.
"This isn't over, Kate," she hissed before stepping out.
William shut the door behind her and turned slowly.
Kate stood still, tears sliding down her cheeks.
"I thought you'd believe her," she said in a whisper.
William walked over and pulled her into a hug. "No, Kate. I believe you. I've seen how you are. I know your heart."
She sniffed. "But I wasn't completely honest about Lucas. I should've told you everything."
"You should have," he agreed, stroking her hair. "But that doesn't make you guilty of what she said. People have a past, Kate. What matters is the present."
Kate looked up at him. "Thank you for standing up for me."
"You're my wife," William said, wiping her tears. "That means I protect you. Always."
She smiled, still a bit shaken but comforted.
He led her to the couch and sat beside her.
After a while, she asked, "Do you still want to see Lucas again?"
William smirked. "Honestly? I still don't like the way he looked at you. But that's a different matter. If he crosses the line, I'll handle it. But for now, I'm more concerned about you."
Kate leaned her head on his shoulder. "He's just a friend. That's all he's ever been. Rachelle was the one who was always insecure. She pushed people away."
William nodded slowly. "I see that now."
They stayed quiet for a moment.
Then Kate chuckled softly. "I didn't know you could be jealous."
"I'm not jealous," William replied quickly.
She looked up at him with a teasing smile. "Yes, you are."
He laughed a little. "Fine. Maybe a little. But I'm more protective than jealous."
Kate sighed with relief. "I like that."
William kissed her forehead gently. "Come on. Let's forget about today. Let's eat something."
She nodded. "I'm starving."
They stood up together, walking toward the kitchen. But just as they reached the hallway, William paused.
"Next time, Kate," he said, "no more secrets. Even small ones."
Kate looked at him, guilty but understanding. "I promise. No more secrets."
William gave her a soft look and took her hand. Together, they walked forward, leaving the storm of the past behind.
But neither of them noticed the shadow across the street watching from behind a tinted car window.
Rachelle hadn't gone far.