Chapter 7 Playing The Nostalgia Card

Kyle burst through the front door, having rushed back the moment he got a call. The sight that greeted him was nothing like he'd imagined: Allison reclined on the couch, sipping water, her posture almost regal. A crisp property deed lay on the table, while two uniformed police officers sat across from her, quietly watching the scene unfold.

He immediately understood what was happening.

With barely concealed frustration, he strode toward her. "Allie, can't we handle this like adults? Let's talk in private."

Without a hint of emotion, Allison set her glass aside and regarded him in silence.

One of the officers stood and spoke up, voice polite but firm. "Sir, could I see your identification, please? Ms. Wade has reported that you entered her home without permission. We need your cooperation."

Flustered, Kyle scrambled for his wallet and handed over his driver's license. "This is all a misunderstanding, officer. We know each other, I promise," he explained quickly.

Turning back to Allison, he tried to pull her aside, relying on old habits, but she raised a hand, stopping him cold. "If you've got something to say, you can say it right here, in front of the police."

Kyle's jaw clenched as he lowered his voice, leaning in. "Look, you moved out. The place was empty, and since it's closer to Haylee's work, we moved in for a bit. Now that you're back, we'll leave, no harm done. Was it really necessary to call the police? Besides, my mother paid for this apartment."

This was the home Allison and Kyle once shared after their wedding, but the property had been transferred into her name as part of the divorce agreement.

Never in her wildest dreams had she expected that Kyle and Haylee would waltz right in the second she was gone. His family owned more than enough homes in Streley. There was no reason for them to choose this one-unless they meant to get under her skin.

It was obvious to Allison: Kyle's mother was behind it, hoping to unsettle her, maybe even push her into giving up the apartment. Perhaps they still believed she held out hope for a reunion, or that they could strong-arm her into moving out.

Rage simmered in her chest. She refused to hide it. Her voice rang out, sharp and clear. "Kyle Clark, why don't you look at the deed sitting right in front of you? My name is the only one on it. Not yours, not your mother's, not Haylee's. None of you had the right to barge in here without asking. That's trespassing, plain and simple."

Kyle fumbled for an excuse. "I tried to tell you, but I couldn't reach you... Your phone was off..."

But Allison was done listening. If he had truly wanted to get in touch, he could have found a way.

Now, everything about him, every excuse, every word, made her stomach turn.

"You can explain everything to the police," Allison retorted, her patience worn thin. She wasn't about to argue with him for another second.

The officers exchanged a quick look. They'd seen plenty of messy disputes like this, and none ever ended cleanly. Usually, their job was just to keep the peace.

Kyle's mind raced, desperate to avoid a trip to the station and a permanent blot on his record. If he hadn't listened to his mother and picked a different place, none of this would be happening. The crushing weight of that regret settled over him now.

His last hope was to persuade Allison. He knew stubborn was her default setting-after all, she'd never backed down from a fight with his mother. Reluctantly, he forced himself to beg. "Allie, what do you want from me? Just name it, and I'll do whatever you say," he begged, voice strained.

Allison watched him with cold detachment, barely able to recall what she'd ever seen in him.

"I have nothing to say to you. Let's follow the law and let the officers sort it out," she replied, eager for the ordeal to be over.

The officers kept their distance, hoping the two would work it out without needing their help.

Kyle tried again, "After everything we've been through, can't you give me a chance to fix this? I'll agree to anything-just tell me what you want."

Her expression soured. To her, bringing up old memories now was almost laughable. "Isn't it a little late to play the nostalgia card?"

Defeated, Kyle hung his head, searching for any last thread of hope.

One officer stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Mr. Clark, you'll need to come with us for further questioning at the station."

Kyle was desperate to stall. "Can't we just resolve this here? She's my ex-wife; we can work it out if you give us a moment."

Allison rolled her eyes at his pathetic excuse.

Just then, her phone buzzed with an unfamiliar number.

She picked up, and Lucas's small voice rang through. "Mom, when are you coming back?"

Allison stepped out onto the balcony, her tone instantly softer. "I'm finishing up, sweetheart. I'll be back soon. Did you eat? Remember, you need a good meal to keep those muscles growing."

Ever since Derek had turned up, Lucas had been on edge, constantly checking the clock, worried that his mom might vanish without warning. Holding Derek's phone in both hands, he pleaded, "Mom, I finished my food just like you said... Where are you? I can come pick you up if you want!"

With Lucas still battling a fever, Allison couldn't risk him outside in the chill. She had to finish arguing with Kyle. "Stay inside and wait for me. I'll be back soon."

From the other end, Derek's voice cut in, steady and cold. "Want me to send a car for you?"

Watching his son's anxious expression, Derek knew he couldn't let Allison slip away again.

Allison steadied her nerves. "No, things are wrapping up here."

Derek asked, his tone unchanged, "Did something happen?"

Allison had no idea how he'd picked up on the tension in her voice, but she didn't need anyone else meddling. "Everything's fine. I'll head back in a bit. Please just keep an eye on Luc, especially if his fever spikes."

She ended the call, then faced Kyle. "I have somewhere to be. If you have more to say, you can explain it to the officers."

Kyle fidgeted, refusing to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry. My son is still in the hospital... You've got your own child now, too. For the kids' sake, and whatever happened before, it was my family's fault, not yours. Please, tell me what you want. I'll do anything."

For a split second, Allison's anger faltered. She'd involved the police hoping to make the Clark family finally respect her boundaries. She knew what it would mean for them-jail time, public shame, reputations ruined.

But she also knew Kyle's mother would never let her go if things ended like this.

Staring at Kyle now, all Allison felt was disgust. She wanted every last tie to him severed.

"Here's what's going to happen," she said, voice firm. "You'll pay me four years' rent at market rate, cover the repairs for any damage, pack up your things, and move out by the end of the week. After that, I never want to see you or anyone from your family again."

Kyle nodded quickly, desperate to put the mess behind him. "Absolutely. Thank you."

Turning to the officers, Allison dipped her head. "Sorry for the trouble, officers. We'll settle this ourselves."

The officers, more than happy to leave, gave them a few parting words and slipped out the door.

Within minutes, Kyle transferred the money and promised to be gone in forty-eight hours.

Before stepping out, Allison stopped, the question that had haunted her for years finally pushing to the surface. "Kyle, why did you choose her back then?"

She wanted answers, even if they hurt.

Kyle's eyes stayed fixed on the floor as he struggled to get the words out. "It wasn't intentional. You were away on a trip for work, and I drank more than I should have. I honestly thought she was you. Things got out of hand, and then she ended up pregnant. My mom always dreamed of having a grandchild-you know how she is..."

Allison raised her hand, cutting him off. "That's enough. Just leave."

She pressed her back to the door after he left, her strength draining away.

The plan was only to grab a change of clothes, but it felt as if her whole life had already been erased from these walls.

The stale air suffocated her, pressing in from every side. There was nothing here for her now.

Without taking anything, she stepped out into the hallway, only to find Derek standing by the entrance. His presence surprised her. "What are you doing here?"

Derek's gaze dropped to her empty hands, no luggage in sight. He remembered crossing paths with Kyle, who had left looking completely defeated.

He didn't bother with any questions. "I'm here to drive you home."

The look on his face was resigned, as if this whole errand was someone else's idea.

In truth, it had been. His son had looked him straight in the eye and insisted, "Go pick up Mom."

The ride was quiet, with neither of them finding much to say.

Aside from Lucas, there was nothing to discuss, and Allison didn't have the energy for small talk.

When the car passed a mall, she finally spoke. "Could you pull over? I need to buy a few things."

Derek replied, "Anything you need, you'll find at the house."

Allison didn't bother to argue. She had no plans to stay at his residence for long, anyway.

Sinking back into the seat, she pulled out her phone and sent a quick message to Tricia. "I'm back."