[3]

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 painful hell for Jane.

Austin's blatant affair, shamelessly carried out by her husband, made Jane's heart ache. If Jane could voice her pain, Austin would be considered outrageous. She was brought to the main house where Jane still resided. They acted affectionately as if Jane were just an ornament in that luxurious house.

"You brought her back?" Jane asks once. She just finished preparing a dish. Still steaming, its delicious aroma fills the spacious and fully equipped kitchen. Jane's cooking used to be praised, both by Charles and Austin. Although only in front of Charles, her husband acted tender and warm, but the food was never rejected. It was always finished, and sometimes, they even asked for seconds.

Jane's heart was very pleased to be treated like that.

"It's none of your business," Austin says coldly. His eyes barely glance at the plate Jane brought. "Maria," the man calls for his head servant.

"Yes, Sir," Maria hurries over. She doesn't dare make eye contact with the master as Austin's voice sounds filled with emotion.

"From now on, I don't want to smell the aroma of the food this woman makes," Austin points out without considering Jane's feelings.

"You... what are you saying, Austin?" Jane is stunned. "Is my cooking not good? What's missing? Or is there a dish you'd like to have?"

"Shut up!"

Jane grits her teeth, tightening her grip on the plate of honey-glazed roasted chicken.

"Since when did I agree to eat your cooking, Jane?" Austin stares at Jane with a piercing gaze. "You're enjoying your role as the favorite daughter-in-law, huh?" He scoffs disapprovingly. "Bury your dreams just like those who buried Papa's casket."

"Austin!" Jane can't believe what Austin just said. "We're all grieving Papa's death. But you shouldn't say that to me."

Austin strides forward, approaching Jane, who's now stepping back. Fear takes hold in Jane's beautiful emerald green eyes as she faces Austin's dominating demeanor. "Aren't you the one benefitting here?" There's a mocking laughter in Austin's voice. "Do you know what Papa wrote in his will?"

Jane's back hits the kitchen wall. Her hands start to tremble, but she tries to stay strong. If she drops the plate she's holding, it could create a scene here. She doesn't want to disturb the peace of this house, especially knowing that Mami Kate is resting.

Losing Charles Don William has plunged Kate into deep sorrow.

"Answer me!"

Jane blinks in fear. "I... I don't know, Austin."

The man grins thinly. His face, which no longer displays smiles or cheerfulness whenever he's with Jane, now shows an increased hatred towards the woman who still holds the status of his wife. "Most of the Unique Enterprise shares fell into your hands. I don't know if it's misfortune or luck for you, Jane." Austin steps closer.

Even his breath harshly grazes Jane's face. It makes her more scared, but apparently, Austin doesn't care about what his wife feels.

"You're getting a substantial dividend from Unique Enterprise's profits without contributing anything." Austin chuckles. "I can't fathom how Papa did this to me."

The plate with the roasted chicken is rudely pushed aside by Austin. The plate clattering on the marble floor creates a ruckus. Jane tightly shuts her eyes, trying to stand firm in front of Austin.

"You're just an outsider who suddenly came into this family, Jane. Taking away my freedom, and now, getting wealth without working for it." Austin laughs loudly. "Maybe it's luck for you, but rest assured..." Austin touches Jane's cheek gently. But the woman's eyes are filled with growing fear.

"I'll make sure to take back what you've got."

"I never intended to have anything to do with the will. If my name's in there, I'm genuinely not interested."

Austin's laughter grows louder. "Do you think I'm that easily fooled, Jane?"

Jane uses whatever courage she has left. "There was never a hint of intention to gain wealth from this family, Austin. If that's what you want to know from me. You can investigate the past two years of my life here. Have I ever enjoyed all the facilities you've given so freely?"

Austin still looks at Jane skeptically.

"I'm just asking one thing: did you bring her back?"

The man grins. "It's none of your business." Then he starts stepping back, giving Jane some space to breathe. But before his feet entirely leave the kitchen area, Austin adds, "I'll take it you're a woman of modesty since you don't want Papa's inheritance. Tomorrow, a lawyer will come to handle the transition of the shares you own."

Unconsciously, Jane clenches her fists.

"You shouldn't have a problem with that, right?"

That memory makes Jane take a deep breath. Her arrival at this house wasn't a happy thing from the start. Oh, it was happy, but just a facade. Only lasting a few hours after their wedding. Yet Jane isn't someone who dwells too long in regret. As long as Austin doesn't hit her, use violence on her body other than gripping her face, allows her to be near Kate, and helps take care of Charles as a form of gratitude, Jane doesn't make a fuss.

But today, everything has to end. Austin no longer gives her a place here.

"Ma'am," someone calls, making Jane turn to the source of the voice. Her smile emerges when she sees who's approaching.

"Mrs. Kate has fallen asleep. The dinner Mrs. Jane made; she finished it all. She said your cooking is on par with a luxury hotel."

Warmth fills Jane's chest. "Thank goodness."

"Ma'am... will you comply with Mr. Austin's words this time?" Maria asks carefully.

Not wanting to insist, not having any more ground to stand on, and feeling like Austin never wanted her from the start, she's Austin's nightmare.

"Yes, Maria. I've prepared everything. But please, promise me one thing."

Maria can't hold back her tears. To Maria, Jane is like an angel who enlivens this grand house. Her presence brings such a vibrant aura. Her mannerisms, her words, and the attention Jane gives to all the occupants of this house are akin to the original owner; Katherine Don William.

Gentle and genuinely affectionate.

Unfortunately, Austin can't feel that.

"Every encounter has an end, Maria." Jane gently wipes the tears from the middle-aged woman's cheeks. "My status might be the heart of this house, but I'm not close to the heart of the true owner." Jane smiles sadly. "So, what else is holding me back?"

Those green eyes gaze back at the door.

"Take good care of Mami Kate. Tell her I'm going on vacation with Austin to some faraway place. Never say anything about the truth. Austin, Mami Kate's pride. Always perfect and will continue to be. I'm the blemish that ruined Austin's life."