Lauren felt miserable for her dear friend as she heard Kathleen say all that, it burnt her heart.
She was almost at the verge of crying herself but knew she couldn't do so now as she needed to be strong for her friend.
Thus she wrapped her arms around Kathleen, pulling her in for a hug.
"You are not alone and definitely not destined for loneliness. I am here for you and will always be your support. Moreover you are one of the most charming, beautiful and intelligent woman I ever saw. I'm sure there are several people who would do anything just to be with you."
"As for Shawn and his family, one day they'll come crawling, begging for your attention when they realize the treasure they've lost."
Lauren did not loosen the hug until Kathleen's sob subsided.
"I'm sure you haven't eaten anything since morning. What do you want to eat so I can prepare it for you?"
Although Kathleen was in a bad mood, Lauren's question succeeded in breaking it, she couldn't help but smile faintly at Lauren's offer.
"Thanks, but no thanks, I know you care about me deeply, but I don't have any plans of dying yet, especially from food poisoning and I definitely don't want my epitaph reading: "Kathleen Crawford of blessed Memory, Died from consuming excess food poison."
"What do you mean by that?" Lauren retorted feigning anger, "At least I brew the best coffee in this town."
"Yes, I'll give that to you, but apart from coffee you practically suck at every other thing."
"Have you forgotten the first time you cooked noodles and almost burnt down the entire building in the process?"
The two friends laughed as they remembered the mess that fateful day.
Seeing that Kathleen's mood was lifted Lauren was relieved and proceeded to order take out for both of them.
That night Shawn did not return home and Lauren ended up spending the night with Kathleen. She was scared Kathleen would do something stupid if left alone for the night.
The following day was a Sunday. Laren left very early in the morning to prepare for the family get-together in her family house, but not before extracting a promise from Kathleen to move over to her place for the time being.
After breakfast, Kathleen packed a few things she'd be needing for the journey before heading to Lauren's place. She intended moving from there to LA for the one week conference.
She was almost through with packing when she heard a banging sound on the front door.
"Who might that be?" she asked herself, making her way downstairs. "I hope it is not Shawn because I'm not ready to face him now."
"Where is that bitch? Come out immediately. You are leaving my son's house this very minute. How dare you cuckold my impeccable son? Do you know how many people are dying just to get him cast a glance in their direction? Yet you have the guts to cheat on him."
Joanne Hudson stormed into the house ranting and cursing loudly, almost hitting Kathleen who just opened the door.
Kathleen stood aside without uttering a word, knowing fully well that Joanne was not going to believe her no matter what she said"
"Why are you quiet? have you suddenly turned mute?" Joanne couldn't stand Kathleen's silence as she felt Kathleen was ignoring her.
"Stop wasting time Auntie, let's throw her out right away. The more she stays here, the more she'll contaminate everything," Linda said with a disgusting look.
"You are absolutely right, my dear" agreed Joanne. Call the driver to go upstairs and throw all her filthy rags out of the house. I can't afford to soil my hands with them."
Linda hurried out like an arrow to get the driver, forgetting her fake dignified way of walking for once.
Kathleen was in a foul mood but made up her mind that she was not going to give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry or beg.
She walked upstairs to her room to get her important documents. Luckily after her adoptive mother's death, she moved most of her things to Lauren's place and took a few things with her after she got married to Shawn, so most of the things in her room were things Shawn bought for her which she might not need for the time being.
"I warned my son about you but he wouldn't listen, now take a look at yourself, you have finally revealed your true colors. At least he'll be free to marry someone that perfectly befits his status and knows how to preserve the Hudson family name."
Linda came back with the driver and took him upstairs straight into Kathleen's room.
"What is still keeping you? Hurry up and throw her out, I don't have all day," Joanne shouted from downstairs
Kathleen emerged from her room with the Ebby Rane's Quattermaster suitcase and a valise she had previously packed containing her important documents.
As Kathleen descended the stairs, she held her head up and walked past Joanne. Joanne was pissed and shouted,
"Hold it right there! I hope you won't pester my son again. An adulteress like you that has no moral bearing can never be a part of a distinguished family like the Hudson's, so don't let me ever see your face again.
She shoved Kathleen out of the house and spat at Kathleen before slamming the door against her.
Kathleen staggered, lost her balance and fell to the cold marble floor outside the door. She was still struggling to stand when she felt a strong hand support her up. She jerked around and saw Mr Wallace, the Hudson family butler's kind and empathetic eyes.
"Young Madam, please don't be disheartened about what has happened. You are a good kid. I believe you are innocent and also know that God will give you the light to walk on the dark path before you. That light will lead you to your true destiny."
"Master Shawn is definitely hurt and confused at the moment, please give him some time to come around."
Kathleen could only nod as all what she wanted to say was stuck in her throat.
The ride she previously ordered arrived and she turned to look at her home. Mr Wallace was still standing by the car with a sad expression.
"Goodbye, Mr Wallace," was all Kathleen managed to squeeze out before she walked through the gate and entered the cab.