The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

"So, where are you staying right now?"

[That's a secret.]

"Aww, that's mean."

[But if you want, I can give you my phone number.]

""Well, that works."

[I still can't tell you where I am because I want to be off the radar until the trial.]

"I understand, Debbie. For now, I'll settle for your number," he said, jotting down the number. "And do you know the gender yet?"

[I'm only two and a half months along.]

"Ah... I see, but you'll tell me as soon as you know, right?"

[Of course, you'll be one of the first to know.]

Elliot was happy to hear that, reassured that his sister-in-law hadn't forgotten him.

After finishing their meal, they decided to take a stroll through the streets to spend more time together. They eventually had to say goodbye when it was time for Elliot to return to the office.

"I'll text you later," he said, looking into her eyes.

[Sure, I'll be waiting for your message.]

"See you later, Debbie," he said happily, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek before. rushing off to the company.

Deborah smiled as she watched him go; she loved that kid.

"Are you sure he won't say anything?" someone asked behind her. She turned to see Jayden looking at her. "That boy is his brother."

[Elliot is different, and I loge him like a little brother.] Deborah replied.

Jayden simply sighed. "Alright, if you say so; I'll trust him too."

[Thank you.]

"And I guess if you compare them, that kid is very different from his insufferable

brother."

"[Did you hear everything?] She realized he might have been close by.

"Yeah, and you know, I think the company should be left in his hands. I've always doubted Roger's leadership abilities."

[Hm... you're right.]

"Aren't you worried or feeling bad for your soon-to-be ex?"

[No, because I learned the hard way that he's not worth worrying about.]

"But... you will worry about me, right?"

[Maybe.] She teased.

Jayden chuckled at her response as they continued walking back home.

During their walk, Deborah got a bit scared when she saw her stepsister walking in their direction.

"Relax, just act natural, and she won't recognize you," Jayden whispered, taking her hand.

She obeyed and tried to act naturally. Cassandra was walking while talking on the phone, so focused on her conversation that she didn't notice them passing by. Deborah was amazed and happy about it.

"You know, I can't wait to see their faces when they see you at the trial."

[Yeah.]

"Hey, I also wanted to ask you, what gender do you want the baby to be?"

[Whoever the baby turns out to be, I just hope he or she is healthy.]

"Alright, well, I just hope the baby looks like his or her beautiful mom. Oh, by the

way, gorgeous," he said, stopping for a moment. "I haven't asked you, but were you born mute?"

[No.]

"So, you lost your voice?" he asked. When she nodded, he asked again, "Can you tell me how it happened?"

[It's a delicate issue and it still hurts to remember.]

10

"I understand... but does that mean the baby will have a voice?"

Yes, so I hope you're ready to hear my baby's cries at night.] Deborah was amused by his question.

"I'll be delighted to help you every night.

...have you tried to regain your volce?"

When I was little, they took me to a psychologist, and he sald It was a mental trauma because my vocal cords were never damaged.1

"Hm... I see," he said thoughtfully. "Would you like to go see another doctor for al second opinion?"

I guess so because I would like to regain my voice for when the baby is born. 1

"Sure, and maybe now they'll give you a different diagnosis since the medical field. advances every day."NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

[I like that plan.]

"Then it's a promise we'll work on getting your voice back as soon as the trial is over."

[Hey, speaking of that... I wanted to ask if you'll accompany me to the trial?]

"Of course, I'll be by your side to support you."

[Thank you.]

Deborah smiled and slipped her hand into lils as they continued walking. She couldn't help thinking about how she was just days away from facing Roger again, and this time she wouldn't be the pitiful woman he had always bullied and mderestimated.