Austin just stands there, watching every faltering step of the woman who is still technically his wife. There's no intention to apologize from him. In Austin's eyes, Jane is a jinxed woman. This bad luck has been going on for five long years. He's trapped in the marriage he's never wanted.
If it weren't for respect and his father's wish, Austin wouldn't have stood at the altar and uttered their marriage vows.
"Damn it," Austin mutters with his fists clenched. "Why bring up the past at a time like this?" He takes a deep breath, trying to regain control. "Maria," he calls out afterward.
"Yes, Sir." Maria hasn't moved from where she was. If Austin's angry, almost all the servants in this three-story house freeze. She wants to run and help the Mistress, but her fear of facing Austin's wrath is too great.
"Has my mother had dinner and taken her medication?"
"She has, Sir."
Austin nods slowly. "Never let your guard down when watching over my mother, Maria."
"Yes, Sir."
He strides away from the living room, leaving the household staff visibly relieved by his departure. Not wanting to stay under the same roof as Jane, he opts for outside. His goal has been accomplished: to evict Jane from the main residence of the Don William estate. He doesn't want to prolong this trapped marriage.
Moreover... the person who urged him to marry Jane passed away a year ago. At least, he fulfilled his father's greatest wish. Now he can freely end it all. No more thoughts about how his father perceived things or the pain he endured.
He retrieves his phone from his pocket, finding a name he usually calls for handling many things, including personal matters. Richard is the name. The Don William family lawyer who has been loyal to him for a long time.
"Have you prepared everything, Rich?"
There's a slightly long pause before the voice on the other end speaks. "Are you sure?"
Austin sighs irritably. "Have I ever joked about this matter?"
"I'm just considering your mother's condition, Austin. You know, Mrs. Kate cares deeply for your wife. I'm worried she might be upset—"
"I didn't know Richard Honnesha turned into a god. Able to foresee someone's future?"
Richard sighs deeply. "Okay. You can't be held back any longer on this matter."
Austin grins. He ends the call promptly. His black car is already parked in front of his house. Ready for him to drive through the increasingly dark night. Tonight's sky is clear, stars scattered beautifully. Not only that, the shining moon reveals itself in full.
He gazes at the night sky, still wearing a thin smile. He murmurs softly before stepping into his car. "If you knew how tortured I am, Rich, you'd never say these things."
***
Jane repeatedly wipes away her tears. The tightness in her chest worsens, but she can't do anything except try to calm herself down. Two large suitcases sit beside her, ready to be filled with her clothes and belongings. Since stepping into this white-themed room, she doesn't know what to do.
"Tonight, I made something special for you, Austin," Jane wipes away her tears again. "Isn't there even a tiny bit of you for me? After five years?"
Though she looks gloomy, Jane's gaze fixates on one point. She stares at a portrait hanging grandly on the wall for a while. It draws her nearer, each step weighing heavily on her chest. It hurts so much.
"You're so foolish, Jane," she says softly. Now she's in front of their wedding portrait. Where Jane's smile exuded happiness and held many hopes. Austin's smile remains the same as when they first met; charming. It trapped her in a phony love filled with misery. Eventually, Jane realized that smile was fake. As fake as Austin's sweet demeanor only in front of their father-in-law. What about the rest?
Jane was bombarded with a lot of insults and accusations she couldn't fathom how Austin could say those things to her. How naive Jane was to think that Austin loved her. Like the expectations of their father-in-law after their marriage was concluded.
"I hope my recovery arrives soon, Jane," Charles Don William says, a middle-aged man sitting in a wheelchair. Austin's father, Jane's father-in-law, whose face glowed with happiness back then. The Don William family doctor couldn't believe what they saw; Charles was healthy and in top shape just before his son's wedding.
"I'm sure Papa will recover soon," Jane says sincerely. From the start, Jane believed that Charles was a gentle and warm-hearted person. Also, his mother-in-law who was always by Charles' side. Kate's smile, her mother-in-law's, never faded. She said she was lucky to have Jane as a daughter-in-law.
"You're right. Papa has to get better. Don't succumb to the illness. Right, dear?"
Kate smiles widely. "I believe you'll recover soon. Dr. Phillip has scheduled your surgery."
"Don't talk about things that make us sad?" Austin asks with a feigned melancholic look. "We've just finished a joyful event. How about just enjoying this happiness? I believe the effect of this marriage can gradually improve Papa's condition."
He gently squeezes Jane's shoulder. He briefly kisses the side of her head, now that she's officially his wife. "Are you happy, honey?"
Jane blushes. Her face reddens even more as Austin asks her to dance in the available hall.
"Papa always prays for both of your happiness. Papa also tries to get better soon. Can't wait for the arrival of Don William Junior from you guys."
They all laugh in response to Charles' words.
"Be patient, Papa. I'll make Don William Junior show up in Jane's belly soon. You're ready, right, honey?" Austin chuckles as if those words signify the true happiness he feels. Unfortunately... it's all just pure lies.
"Sit down," Austin says as they enter the bridal suite provided by the hotel for the happy couple.
"Austin?" Jane looks puzzled by the change in expression from the man who just a few hours ago became her husband.
"I said sit down!"
Jane flinches, trying to calm her suddenly racing heart at Austin's raised voice. "Okay." She also struggles to drag her quite long bridal gowns train.
"Never think this marriage ends happily, Jane. You need to grasp one thing." Austin moves closer, catching Jane off guard with his arrival. Not because of his presence, but the intimidation Austin exudes. Also, the grip on her face, still adorned with makeup. Jane winces in pain as Austin's fingers press against her face.
"Never expect anything from me. This marriage is just to please my father."
Then... on her wedding night, Jane was just left alone. With many questions and deeper heartaches day by day.
She wipes the tip of her wet nose. She softly pats her cheek, hoping the beginning of her pain won't linger in her memory. Her breathing starts to regulate. Her tears no longer fall. "Without you asking, I also intend to leave. But, honey... I can't bear to leave Mom Kate." She then looks up at the ceiling of her room. "I've thought about a lot before leaving this house, but it seems like no one thought about how I feel." Jane laughs bitterly.
"The damn luck of meeting you, Austin."
Jane stands right in front of the door with a golden handle. The polished wood is beautifully carved, signifying its luxury and deserving place alongside many pieces of furniture around it. Who doesn't know the renowned Don William family? The famous furniture entrepreneurs throughout SunCity. Their products penetrate the global market, often sold out within an hour after launching their samples online. The company thrives even more under the reign of Don Austin William. Their business tentacles expand from year to year, even after the passing of the main ruler, Charles Don William, a year ago, losing the battle against his illness.No one knows how many doctors were brought in to treat him, but Charles' suffering ended moments before the surgery he was scheduled to undergo. His condition deteriorated, becoming increasingly unstable, prompting doctors to schedule a second operation. Unfortunately, Charles lost. Don William mourns. That point also marked the beginning of a much more pa
"Are you asleep, babe?" Austin asks in such a gentle tone. His phone call is directed to someone he'll visit tonight. His plan is to bring the woman to the main house and make her the queen there. Shifting the cursed woman he's given another day's deadline, right… Just one more day he's given for her to stay. Enjoying the remaining comfortable life before returning to where she originally belonged.Austin seems cruel and heartless to drive Jane away without mercy. But he doesn't care. To him, Jane is like a parasite he needs to cut off and get rid of. From the start, he believed that Jane's presence was nothing but a burden, slowly gnawing away at their family."But, Dad," Austin squints in disbelief. When Jane's photo is handed to him by his father on his work desk. Austin has just returned from New York, filling in for his father's absence in running the business. Unique Enterprise's name must not lose its edge in facing the current trends."I only asked for this marriage to happen,
Calysta looked up, deliberately giving Austin full access to explore. Her actions made the man excited. Inevitably, the level neck that only wore a pearl necklace given by Austin last year, was explored using the tip of the tongue. While his big hands still continued to support Calysta's back so as not to fall.The woman was already sitting straddling Austin. Her smooth thighs were no longer covered by the soft cardigan that had fallen somewhere. Since Austin's arrival, the man didn't want to wait any longer just to taste the wine that had been provided.He said, "I can't stop thinking about how sexy you look in red lingerie.""I guess the nickname bull does suit you, Austin," Calysta said with a giggle. Although it was a little difficult to keep up with Austin who kept pushing her, Calysta always had a way to control the situation.Including slightly pulling the hair of Austin who was holding her. So that they could stare at each other before ending up on the bed in the main room. "Y
No need to wait for tomorrow, Jane's preparations were all done. She'd already said her goodbyes to some folks living in this luxurious house. Not wanting to bother anyone, Jane chose to book a taxi instead of accepting the usual chauffeur's offer to accompany her wherever."But, Ma'am," Hans, Don William's family driver, groans in frustration. None of his persuasions are getting through to the woman standing there, flashing her warm smile. "It's late already. You could get into trouble going out at this hour.""Don't make it harder for me, Mr. Hans," Jane lightly taps the shoulder of the middle-aged man looking downcast. "I hope you'll help me take care of Mrs. Kate. Don't let her be sad because I'm not here anymore.""Ma'am," Maria couldn't hold back any longer. Her eyes, brimming with tears since earlier, spill over. Her cheeks damp with tears. "What can I do to make you stay here?"Jane tries hard not to get carried away by the emotions, although her
Throughout her life, Jane had never dared to take such bold action. But what else could she do when she felt cornered? The only thing that came to mind was stepping into this place. Previously shocking someone she contacted.Her only hope: not to encounter Austin on the floor she was about to head to now.It hadn't even been twenty-four hours since it happened to her. All the conversations and the extra beating of her heart along with her brain digesting what she had experienced. That memory kept echoing, beyond her control."I don't know who else to ask for help," Jane says, half desperate. She massages her temples until they ache. She's lost count of how many times she's paced around the small living room of her old house.Coming from the Don William family, there was only one most comforting place to return to. This well-maintained broken white painted house. All her furniture covered in white dusty sheets, but luckily nothing was damaged. Occasionally
"What are you doing here?" Austin asks with an intimidating voice. His eyes scan Jane as if she's a deadly virus."I... " Jane closes her eyes briefly. "I want to meet Richard."Austin squints suspiciously. "What's the matter?""Mrs. Jane has business with me, Austin. Can you calm down? You're making the atmosphere suddenly uncomfortable here," Richard says with a wide smile. "Come in, ma'am. I've been waiting for you.""I need to know what this woman is doing, Richard. Why are you acting like you're on her side?"Talking to Austin indeed requires extra patience. "I'm on the side that pays my bills more," Richard jokes. "I've asked Paula to prepare some tea for you, ma'am. Please, have a seat here."Austin grumbles disapproval, averting his gaze elsewhere, unwilling to pay much attention to Jane for too long. Useless, he thinks. Although the corner of his eye refuses to cooperate, where Jane tries to make herself comfortable on the sofa. His
Fabian checked the collection Irena brought. One by one, he examined and envisioned how these pieces would shimmer on the runway. What accessories he needed to add and who would be suitable to wear them.Indeed, the woman was perfect for his latest collection. He hadn't forgotten what happened that night. His memory drifted back to a moment when Fabian felt like he could get that woman."Are you blind?" Fabian yelled. He himself couldn't believe his booming voice. He intended to scare, but unfortunately, he got carried away. Maybe because Fabian felt like he had found what he was looking for.The woman had beautiful eyes. Just their gaze could captivate many. Not to mention, at a glance, he assessed how her slim and well-balanced figure exuded perfection in every aspect. Everything felt right.Perfect."Excuse us, Sir," Jane attempted to get up. After making sure that the child she hugged earlier didn't suffer any injuries, she also checked herself
Jane stared disbelievingly at the three sheets of paper Fabian handed her. Since she arrived at this futuristic and iconic building, she never expected to be handed something that made her heart skip a beat. She felt like her eyes were glued to the numbers written on those pages."This... can't be possible." Jane finally managed to speak. "Are you trying to extort me?" she asks, glaring at the man in front of her with frustration. "The repair costs can't possibly amount to this much."Fabian chuckled. "You forget, Miss, my car is the latest model Lamborghini. Limited edition. You can check the luxury car market and calculate its value. The damage you caused might seem trivial, but that pole damaged the engine and the dashboard pretty badly."Jane gaped wide-eyed."Do I need to ask for the electricity pole's accountability there?" Fabian leaned back comfortably, lighting a cigarette from his jacket pocket, ignoring the fact that the room might soon fill wi