Chapter 27
While in his office, Asher handled Edward's debt and recalled how his ex-girlfriend had moved on, appearing content with another man. Asher recalled that Kathy was saving to buy his parents gifts, even though they didn't care for her due to her middle-class background.
(Flashback)
Kathy, well-dressed and with gifts, visited Asther as autumn began and rang the doorbell. As she entered, the servant greeted her. Kathy found Asther and the Carters waiting in the dining room after giving the coat to the servant.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Carter, I trust you're both doing well. I got you some gifts, though I wasn't certain of your preferences."
“Yes, mother, I’ve told you a lot about his girlfriend, Kathy.”
"Kathy, what is your job?"
"I work multiple jobs to earn a living."
“You're implying that you are supporting yourself through low-paying jobs.”
“What about your parents?”
"My mother died, my father remarried, and I'm hardly ever home."
Kathy gave Mrs. Carter the gift bag and set it on the table, while Asther's father removed items from the bag, and Mrs. Carter examined the vase and other items. Mrs. Carter forced a smile, but Kathy had to use the restroom; the servant directed her. After Kathy was done, she felt like Mrs. Carter didn't say anything, and the servant laughed at her. She overheard Carter's parents talking about her before she went into the living room. As tears rolled down her face, Kathy understood she must brush them away and put on a happy face before going inside.
"Kathy, before you meet our son, do you intend to marry him, become a stay-at-home wife, and manage the home and kids?
As Kathy composed herself and entered the living room, Mrs. Carter fixed her with a measured gaze and, after a pause, asked pointedly, "Kathy, before you meet our son, do you intend to marry him, become a stay-at-home wife, and manage the home and kids?"
Kathy hesitated, feeling the weight of the question and the silent scrutiny of the Carter family. "I appreciate your concern, Mrs. Carter," she answered, her voice gentle yet steady. "But I believe in building a partnership where both of us can support each other and pursue our ambitions. I’m not opposed to caring for a home or raising a family, but I want to work, too—I find meaning in contributing, even if my jobs aren’t glamorous. What matters to me is the life Asher and I might build together, not just our roles."
Mrs. Carter replied with a cool, dismissive nod, and silence stretched between them. Kathy set her jaw, resolving to keep her composure.
“Not to be rude. I am not paying to have children in the future until I am good and ready plus I love to work even a low jobs but I will support Asher. I don’t care if we lived in a small apartment to save money to buy a big house,”
“That won’t do my son won’t step that low. He always has a sliver spoon in his mouth since he was baby, he is my own son. I think you two should broke up so I can find him a better woman who has higher stander.”
Kathy knew from the beginning his mother never like her ever since because Carter is a momma boy.
(Flashback end)
Asher knew he'd made a mistake. He shouldn't betray Kathy with her sister, though he could make her happy by giving her everything. Asher wishes his mother will prefer Skye over Kathy. Someone is knocking on the door.
“You may enter,”
Skye closed the door in a seductive outfit she'd worn before. He suggested self-care, but he thought of Kathy, who never used his money. Skye buys expensive clothes, shoes, and bags she rarely uses. Skye sat on his lap at the desk.
“Carter, come to bed, I missed your warmth,”
“I will be there soon. Forget about her, I can tell you're thinking about my step-sister, but she's already with someone else, so let it go. Besides, I'm here to look after you, and who knows, maybe I'll give you a son and be a stay-at-home wife.”
“You have to meet my parents first, so they can give their blessing for our marriage," said Carter
"You must be tired, come to bed," Skye pouted, her voice soft.
Carter released Skye from the office into the soft, silent space of their bedroom, their hearts beating in unison.
Smiling, Anthony watched Kathy sleep and knew they had to bring her things in. The car approached the house, and Kathy looked out the window.
"Honey, we made it home,"
"I wonder where the truck could be?"
"Since the truck delivered everything to the house beforehand, you can take your time arranging everything tomorrow."
Kathy, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes, pushed open the car door and slid out, shivering in the cool night air. Despite her drowsiness, curiosity tugged at her—a new house deserved a midnight tour, even before the boxes and bags were brought in. Anthony offered his hand, steady and warm, and she took it, grateful for the comfort of his presence.
As they walked toward the porch, a prickle of unease feathered down Kathy’s spine. She paused, glancing up at the shadowy windows of the house. There, behind the glass on the upper floor, stood a figure—tall, rigid, with eyes that seemed to follow her every move. It was Noah, Anthony’s brother, his silhouette framed by the moonlight. Noah stare made her skin crawl, as if he harbored an interest in her.
Kathy squeezed Anthony’s hand a little tighter, reassuring herself with his nearness as they crossed the threshold into their new home, uncertain of what this night—and this house—might yet reveal.
Kathy lingered a moment, marveling at how every box had found its destined corner, as if the house itself had anticipated their arrival and arranged things out of quiet hospitality. Anthony, sensing her awe, squeezed her hand and tugged her gently toward the staircase.
“Come on—I want you to see our room,” he whispered, his voice brimming with a boyish excitement that made Kathy’s heart flutter despite her fatigue.
They climbed together, the soft creak of each step marking the start of their new chapter. The master bedroom unfolded before them like a promise: sunlight-colored walls, high ceilings, and the familiar scent of fresh paint and hope. Kathy’s breath caught—she adored the space already, its airiness, its promise of shared mornings and whispered secrets at midnight.
Her gaze was drawn to a door on the far side of the room, just beside the bed they’d soon share. It glinted invitingly in the dim light, leading—she realized with a small thrill—to a balcony. A private haven beneath the stars.
Anthony followed her line of sight and grinned, nudging her forward. “Go on,” he encouraged, “let’s see the view.”
Kathy padded across the floor and opened the door. Cool night air swept in, carrying the scent of distant pines and the hush of sleeping earth. She stepped onto the balcony, Anthony at her side, and together they stood in the hush, the world below vast and full of possibility.