Undercover Vengeance and Hidden Lies

part 36

*At Gray's Mansion*
*Late Evening*

Matthew stormed back into the mansion with Moris trailing closely behind. The anger in his stride was palpable, each step echoing his frustration. He barely acknowledged the presence of Kate, Ava, and John, who were seated in the living area, their conversation interrupted by his sudden, intense arrival. Without a word, Matthew headed straight for his room, his face a mask of rage.

Kate exchanged worried glances with Ava and John before making her way to Matthew’s room. She knocked gently on the door, but there was no response. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and entered.

Kate: Matthew, what happened in the office? Why did my father call you? You look… furious.

Matthew, sitting at the edge of the bed, ran a hand through his hair, trying to control his breathing. His gaze was fixed on the floor, but the tension in his body was evident.

Matthew: It was a disaster. Your father… he’s been manipulating everything. He tried to offer Olivia’s hand in marriage as part of a business deal. And he’s responsible for so much more—my mother....... Your father ruined my life, Kate.

Kate’s face went pale as she processed Matthew’s words. Her heart raced with the weight of this new revelation.

Kate: Why didn’t you tell me about this before? Why are you hiding your past from me?

Matthew’s frustration boiled over. He stood up abruptly, his voice rising in anger and desperation.

Matthew: I was trying to protect you! I thought if you knew, it would change how you see me. I didn’t want you to be burdened by my past or think of me as a vengeful monster. I don't want you to cry, or blame yourself. I thought I could shield you from this mess.

Kate’s eyes filled with tears, her voice trembling as she tried to understand.

Kate: Protect me? By keeping me in the dark? How could you think that hiding the truth would protect me? It only makes me feel like you’re pushing me away. How can we have a future together if you can’t be honest with me? And why will I blame myself?

Matthew’s anger, mingled with his own fear and guilt, led him to respond harshly.

Matthew: Maybe it’s better if I did push you away. Maybe you’re better off without knowing everything. I’m afraid you won’t understand, or worse, you’ll think less of me. My past is ugly, and I didn’t want to drag you into it.

Kate’s heart shattered at his words. She could no longer contain her tears, her voice breaking as she spoke.

Kate: Is that what you really think? That I’d think less of you because of your past? I care about you, Matthew. I want to be part of your life, all of it. But I can’t do that if you keep pushing me away. You’re hurting me more by not letting me in.

Unable to bear the pain in her eyes and the harshness of his own words, Matthew’s fury faltered. Kate turned and fled from the room, her sobs echoing through the corridor.

Matthew was left standing in stunned silence, the weight of his anger and the depth of his regret crashing down on him. His heart raced as he realized the gravity of what he had said and how deeply he had hurt Kate.

As he moved toward the door to chase after her, Moris appeared in the doorway, having heard the commotion. His face was a mask of concern and urgency.

Matthew slumped onto the edge of the bed, his head bowed in remorse. Moris stood by the door, his expression a mix of concern and determination.

Moris: Matthew, I understand that you’re overwhelmed right now, but you need to confront this situation head-on. Kate deserves to know the full truth, and you need to face it yourself.