Chapter 8:- New Day

Kate's POV

For a moment, I just sat there, stunned. His words echoed through my mind like thunder.

“Until I die, or you do.”

I was still trying to make sense of it all when my maid stepped forward from the corner. I’d almost forgotten she was still there.

“Do you need anything else, ma’am?” she asked gently.

I shook my head. “No. I’m fine.”

She turned toward the door, but I suddenly spoke up, my voice lower than I intended.

“Wait.”

She stopped and looked back at me. “Yes, ma’am?”

I hesitated. Then took a deep breath. “What I heard downstairs,” I said slowly. “About Calvin’s former wives, is it true?”

She didn’t answer right away. “Please,” I pressed. “I just want the truth.”

She lowered her eyes, then gave a small nod. “Yes. It’s true.”

My chest tightened. “All of them? All his wives died mysteriously?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

I swallowed. “Then it’s not a coincidence. Someone is killing them?"

The maid opened her mouth to speak, but something held her back. I could see it, fear, thick in her expression. She looked toward the door, then leaned in slightly.

“I warned you,” she said, her voice almost a whisper. “This house is a lion’s den. And everyone, including the servants are playing politics.”

I frowned. “Politics?”

She nodded. “Yes. And in politics, people play dirty to get what they want.”

She stepped back, bowing slightly. “That’s all I can say.”

Then she turned and left, the door clicking softly behind her.

I stood there for a long moment, my thoughts racing. Then I rushed to the door and locked it quickly. I pressed my back against it, breathing hard.

So it was true. All of it.

Those women didn’t die by accident. Someone in this house had killed them. And whoever it was, they’d be watching me now.

I was next.

I went back to my bed, but I bare slept all through the night

Every time I closed my eyes, all I saw was Lydia’s cold smile… Vanessa’s voice echoing about the dead wives… and Calvin’s words:

“Either I die… or you do.”

By the time morning came, I felt like a ghost in my own skin.

A gentle knock came at the door. It wasn’t loud, more like a reminder.

“Come in,” I croaked, already knowing who it was.

But then I remembered I locked the door, so I got up and went straight to open it.

My maid stepped in, holding a neatly pressed outfit. “Good morning, Mrs. Kate,” she said, her voice too bright for how I felt. “You’ll be heading out with Mr. Calvin soon. He requested you be downstairs in thirty minutes.”

I nodded wordlessly.

She placed the outfit on the edge of the bed, a black dress and heels that screamed business. Or maybe war.

“I’ll draw your bath,” she said softly, probably sensing my mood. “Today might be tough, ma'am. But I believe you can handle it.”

I managed a faint smile. “Thanks.”

But I was lying to both of us. Because I had never felt more weak.

I didn't waste any time, I went straight to the shower and took a quick bath. Then I got dressed.

The black gown was elegant, simple, and hugged my figure in a way that made me look like I belonged in a place like this, even if I didn’t feel like I did.

I stood in front of the mirror for a moment, taking a deep breath, forcing a calm expression onto my face.

Today, just get through today, I told myself.

When I got downstairs, I found Calvin already waiting at the base of the stairs. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his hair combed back neatly. He looked like a man used to power, and hiding behind walls.

As soon as he saw me, he glanced at his watch and said, “Right on time. Thirty minutes exactly.”

I gave him a small nod. “You sound surprised.”

“I’m used to people being late,” he replied, then motioned toward the dining hall. “Come. Let’s eat.”

I froze for a second. “Dining?” I asked. “I don’t want a repeat of last night's episode. It’s too early for all that.”

He tilted his head slightly. “You won’t have to worry about that. It’s just the two of us this morning.”

I hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”

We walked side by side, well, I walked, he rolled beside me, until we reached the large dining room again.

This time, it was quiet. No stepmothers. No venomous exes. Just a few male workers waiting quietly.

I watched as two of them moved to help Calvin up from his wheelchair and into the dining chair at the head of the table. It looked like a routine they were all too familiar with.

I took the seat across from him.

A few maids entered with trays of food, placing our breakfast in front of us without a word. Scrambled eggs, toast, fresh fruits, tea.

Calvin looked at me for a moment, then smiled faintly. “You look good in black.”

I arched a brow. “Is that a compliment to the dress, or to me?”

He shrugged lightly. “Both.”

I smirked. “Funny, you didn’t say that yesterday when I arrived.”

He reached for his tea, calm and slow. “Then I take it back.”

I paused, blinking. “Wait, what?”

“I take it back,” he said again. “You’re not that pretty.”

I let out a short breath and looked away, biting the inside of my cheek.

Asshole.

I didn’t say anything. I just reached for my fork and focused on my food.

His cold and confusing attitude was beginning to wear on me, but I refused to show it. Not after everything I’d survived.

Calvin cut into his eggs like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Meanwhile, my appetite was dying with every second.

I cleared my throat. “Why’s the house so quiet this morning?”

He didn’t look up. “There’s an event later this evening. My grandfather’s birthday.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Everyone has to be there. I’m guessing most of the people you saw last night are already at the estate.”

“Oh…” I said quietly. “That explains the peace.”

He finally looked at me, one brow raised. “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

I sipped my tea, trying not to react.

“By the way,” he added, leaning back slightly in his seat. “Have you seen the news?”

I frowned. “What news?”

He tilted his head. “News about you.”

My heart skipped. I blinked at him. “Me?”

“You forgot already?” he said, and something like a smirk tugged at his lips. “The reporters outside my gates yesterday? Cameras flashing in your face?”

Shit.

I did forget. Or maybe I just wanted to forget.

“Check your phone,” he said, calm as ever.

I slowly picked up my phone from the table beside me. My hands were already sweaty. I opened the browser, and there it was.

‘Calvin Blackwood Marries Kate Johnson; a Gold Digger Dumped by First Husband, Hooks Crippled Billionaire’

My stomach dropped.

There were pictures of me, of Calvin, of the damn kiss Alex posted. Screenshots, edited clips, twisted headlines.

I couldn’t breathe. I stared at the screen, blinking, but the words stayed the same.