40

40
Chapter 40 

Kathryn dragged her suitcase slowly across the tiled floor of the parlor, her steps heavy with hesitation, but her face set with determination. 

The soft screech of the bag's wheels seemed to echo louder than usual, filling the thick silence between her and Lyon, who sat slouched on the couch, staring blankly at the glass in his hand. 

From the kitchen, Fiona emerged, wiping her hands on her apron. Her brow furrowed when she saw Kathryn near the door, her bags in tow. 

"Katy, what's going on?" Fiona asked, stepping closer and grabbing Kathryn's hand. 

Kathryn shook her head softly, glancing at Fiona. "Fiona, just... go back to what you were doing," she said, her voice low but firm. 

"I don’t understand," Fiona insisted, gripping Kathryn’s hand tighter. "What’s happening? Why are you leaving?" 

Kathryn sighed, pulling her hand free. "I’m going, Fiona. It’s... it’s over." 

Fiona glanced at Lyon, who hadn’t moved or spoken. His face was void of any emotion, his focus on the drink in his hand as though it held all the answers. 

"Mr. Lyon," Fiona called hesitantly, "what’s this? Why is she saying she’s leaving?" 

Lyon didn’t respond. Instead, he stood abruptly, setting the glass down on the table with a deliberate clink. Without looking at either of them, he strode out of the parlor, his footsteps heavy as he climbed the stairs. 

Kathryn watched him until he disappeared around the corner. Her chest tightened, but she refused to let herself falter. 

Fiona’s eyes darted back to Kathryn, full of confusion. "Katy, what’s going on? Why is Mr. Lyon acting like this?" 

Kathryn let out a shaky breath. "I and Lyon are done, Fiona. We had a divorce last night." 

Fiona gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "No way! No, this can’t be real." 

"It’s real, Fiona," Kathryn said softly, her gaze dropping to the floor. 

"But why? I mean, I thought you two..." Fiona trailed off, her words caught between shock and sadness. 

Kathryn looked up at her, her eyes glistening. "It’s not something I can explain right now. Just... know that it had to happen." 

Fiona shook her head, stepping closer. "But you’re pregnant, Kathryn. You’re going to have his baby. How can you just walk away like this?" 

Kathryn swallowed hard, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. "That’s why I have to go," she said quietly. "It's complicated.” 

Fiona stood there, frozen, as Kathryn turned back to her bags. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "Does he even know? About the baby, I mean?" 

Kathryn paused for a moment, her fingers gripping the handle of her suitcase. "See… Fiona, just stay out of this please..” 

Fiona stepped closer, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "Katy, please. Think about this. Don’t leave like this. You two can fix things, I’m sure of it." 

Kathryn shook her head again, her resolve hardening. "It’s too late, Fiona.” 

The sound of a door slamming upstairs echoed through the house, making both women flinch. Kathryn straightened, her shoulders squared as she pulled her suitcase toward the door. 

"Take care Fiona.." she said, her voice breaking slightly. 

Fiona stood there, watching helplessly as Kathryn opened the door and stepped out into the crisp morning air. 

Martins pushed through the door, his usual easy-going vibe replaced with unease as he caught sight of Fiona slumped on the sofa. The air felt heavy, something was wrong. Kathryn wasn’t anywhere in sight, but the house seemed to echo with her absence. 

“Fiona?” Martins called out, his voice firm but confused. “What’s going on? Where’s Lyon? Why’s Kathryn dragging her suitcase outside?” 

Fiona slowly lifted her head, her hands dropping to her lap, her apron dusted with flour. Her face was tired, worn, like she’d been piecing together a puzzle that didn’t make sense. 

“I... I don’t know,” she muttered, shaking her head. “I’m just as lost as you are.” 

Martins stepped further into the room, his keys jingling slightly as he tossed them on the table. “Come on, Fiona. What do you mean you don’t know? They were fine yesterday. What happened?” 

Fiona let out a long, shaky breath. “I thought so too,” she said, her voice low. “But now... now she’s saying it’s over. She said they’re done. Divorce.” 

The word hit Martins like a punch to the gut. His brow furrowed, disbelief etched across his face. “Divorce? No. No way. That doesn’t make sense. They’ve been through hell and back together, and now they’re just... done?” 

Fiona shrugged, her shoulders sinking as if the weight of the situation was pressing down on her. “That’s what she said,” she replied quietly. “She barely explained. Just that it’s over, and she’s leaving.” 

Martins sank onto the armrest of the sofa, rubbing his hands over his face. His mind was spinning, trying to connect dots that weren’t there. “Where’s Lyon?” he asked finally, his voice quieter now. 

“He went upstairs,” Fiona answered, her eyes flicking toward the staircase. “Didn’t say a word. Just left after she told me they were through.” 

Martins stared at the stairs, his jaw tightening. “Something doesn’t add up,” he muttered. “They’ve had fights before, sure, but this? Divorce? Just like that?” 

Fiona nodded, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “Exactly. It’s too sudden. And she’s pregnant, Martins. She’s carrying his child. How could she walk out like this?” 

Martins nods, pacing. 

Martins let out a slow breath, shaking his head. “And Lyon just... let her leave? Without a fight?” 

“But…wait…” Martins started, “ I was with Lyon last night and he had planned on surprising Kathryn, what could have gone wrong?” 

“What surprise?” Fiona asked leaning forward. 

“The doctor told him about Kathryn's pregnancy, which made him super elated then the surprise was, he had won the chairmanship position.” Martins said, trying to calculate what could have gone wrong. 

“Then, what could have gone wrong?” Fiona asked further, unsure if Martins had the answer. 

“I need to speak to Lyon.” 

——— 

Kathryn didn’t know where she was going; she just needed to leave. Her hands clutched the handle of her suitcase tightly as she boarded the first bus heading out of the city. She stared out the window as the scenery blurred, her mind racing. Going home wasn’t an option. Trisha couldn’t find out about this, not now. 

Her thoughts were heavy with guilt, fear, and uncertainty, but she knew one thing: she had to protect her unborn child and Lyon, even though he doesn't know about it. 

The bus arrived at its destination, a bustling city, unfamiliar and intimidating. Kathryn stepped onto the crowded street, pulling her suitcase behind her. People moved quickly, barely glancing her way. The towering buildings and unfamiliar faces made her feel small, almost invisible. 

She wandered aimlessly, her feet aching and her mind spinning with questions. Where would she go? She didn’t know anyone here, and with no plan in place, the weight of her situation began to sink in. She needed a place to stay, at least for the night. 

As she walked along a quieter street, lost in thought, she heard a voice behind her. 

“Kathryn?” 

She froze, her heart skipping a beat. Turning slowly, she saw a familiar face. 

“James?” she said, her voice uncertain. 

There he was, standing a few feet away, looking at her with a mix of surprise and curiosity. 

“It is you,” James said, stepping closer. “Wow, Kathryn! It’s been ages. What are you doing here?” 

Kathryn hesitated, unsure of how much to say. “I... I just got here,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “I needed a change of scenery.” 

James tilted his head, studying her for a moment. “You don’t look like someone who’s just on a casual trip. What’s going on?” 

Kathryn forced a smile, trying to brush off his concern. “It’s nothing. Just needed some time away, you know?” 

He didn’t push further, nodding instead. “Alright. So, where are you staying?” 

Kathryn’s smile faltered. “I... I haven’t figured that out yet. I’ve only been here a few hours. I don’t know anyone or anywhere here.” 

James raised an eyebrow. “You just up and left without a plan? That doesn’t sound like you.” 

She shrugged, not trusting herself to speak without breaking down. 

James sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Well, this city isn’t exactly friendly to strangers. You can’t just wander around with nowhere to go.” 

“I’ll figure it out,” Kathryn said quickly. 

“Don’t be ridiculous,” James said firmly. “Look, my apartment is too big for just me. Why don’t you come stay there for a while? At least until you figure things out.” 

Kathryn blinked, caught off guard by his offer. “I don’t know, James. I don’t want to impose...” 

“You’re not imposing,” he cut in. “We’ve known each other for years. I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t mean it.” 

"Come on, Kathryn," James said again, his voice softer this time. "It's me. You know I'd never let you struggle, not if I can help it." 

Kathryn looked at him, her mind racing. The last thing she wanted was to depend on someone. 

"Alright," she finally whispered, her voice almost drowned out by the noise of passing cars. 

"Good," James said, a small smile breaking across his face. "Let me take that." He reached for her suitcase, his gesture so casual yet so grounding that Kathryn felt her shoulders relax just a bit. 

They began walking toward his car, parked a few streets away. Kathryn stayed quiet. 

"You know, this city can be overwhelming at first," he said, opening the trunk and placing her suitcase inside. "But you'll get used to it. And, hey, you've got me to show you around now." 

Kathryn managed a small smile. "Thanks, James. I mean it." 

He nodded, motioning for her to get in the car. "Don't mention it." 

The drive to his apartment was quiet, apart from the occasional directions James gave himself under his breath. 

Kathryn stared out the window, the unfamiliar streets blurring together. It felt surreal to be here, with James, in a place she hadn't even planned to come to. 

When they arrived, James led her up to his apartment. It was spacious, with modern furniture and large windows that let in plenty of light. 

Make yourself at home," James said, dropping her suitcase near the couch. 

"The guest room just down the hall. It’s yours for as long as you need it. 

“Kathryn hesitated, standing awkwardly near the door. "Are you sure I am not intruding?” 

"You’re not intruding," James cut in firmly. "Seriously, Kathryn. Relax. You look like you haven’t slept in days." 

She sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Thank you," she said again, her voice barely above a whisper. 

James smiled, leaning against the kitchen counter. "You hungry? Thirsty? I can make something quick."Kathryn shook her head. 

"No, I’m fine. Just... tired." 

"Fair enough," James said. "Go check out your room. If you need anything, just holler. 

"She nodded again, picking up her suitcase and walking down the hall. 

The guest room was cozy, with a neatly made bed and a small window overlooking the city. 

Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed, her hand resting on her belly. 

“You’re going to be okay," she whispered, more to herself than to the baby. "We’re going to be okay.” 

Kathryn sat on the edge of the bed, her hand resting on her belly as her gaze drifted to the window. 

"Lyon," she muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. "I hope you’re fine..." 

Her throat tightened as she thought of him, sitting alone in their once-shared home, the silence probably as suffocating for him as it was for her now. 

"I’m sorry," she whispered, her voice cracking just slightly. "But it’s all for the best." 

The words felt heavy, even as she tried to convince herself they were true. Kathryn shut her eyes, willing the emotions away, but they clung to her like a stubborn shadow.