Chapter 36
When Jane stepped out of the hotel, her face wore a bewildered expression, still carrying traces of bewilderment. The way Drake had let her go had caught her off guard, leaving her with unanswered questions swirling in her mind. What did he truly mean by his parting
words?
“Jane, I’ll make it right, I promise.”
The weight and significance behind his words were too difficult for Jane to unravel, leaving her no choice but to caution herself against dwelling too deeply on them. With a throbbing hangover making her uncomfortable, Jane decided to forgo a trip to the office and instead opted to return home.
As soon as Jane stepped through the doorway, a symphony of gleeful laughter filled the room, dancing through the air like joyous melodies. The source of these happy voices came from none other than the two children. Amongst them, Zoe’s laughter stood out like a radiant sunbeam, brimming with pure happiness.
Zane caught sight of Jane’s return and scampered towards her, his tiny fingers tugging at her trousers. “Mummy, you’re back!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. “Uncle Jasper just told us the funniest joke ever!”
Jane’s heart swelled with love as she wrapped her arms around Zoe, holding her close. “Are you happy, my darling?” she whispered.
Zoe’s innocent eyes sparkled with delight as she replied, “I’m happy, Mummy. Uncle Jasper always knows how to make us laugh.”
Moved by her child’s contentment, Jane carried Zoe in her arms, cherishing the warmth and tenderness of their connection. At that moment, the weight of the world melted away. leaving only the blissful innocence of a child’s laughter.
Jasper rose from his seat and said, “When I arrived this morning, you weren’t home,” Jasper shared, his words laced with genuine worry. “Zane was all by himself, perched on a stool, preparing breakfast for Zoe. I stayed and took over, cooking breakfast for the two of them. I even prepared some warm porridge. I’ll fetch it for you.”
With those considerate words, Jasper strolled into the kitchen, leaving Jane seated on the sofa. She glanced at Zane, her heart tinged with a pang of guilt, aware of the sacrifices he had made in her absence.
“Zane, I’m sorry, Mommy just needs a break,” Jane murmured, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
Zane gazed up at her with wide, understanding eyes, his small posture straightening as he tried to embody the maturity of a little man. “It’s alright, Mommy. I can take care of Zoe,” he assured her.
“Here, Jane, have some warm porridge,” Jasper retrieved a steaming bowl and handed it out to her.
Reluctantly, she took the bowl though her appetite was lost amidst the whirlwind of
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emotions consuming her. With a heavy heart, she managed to force down a few spoonfuls, grateful for his kindness.
“Thank you, Jasper,” she uttered softly, her voice laced with weariness. “I’m just… so tired. I think I need to rest.”
Understanding the weight of her words, Jasper nodded empathetically. “Of course, Jane. Allow me to watch over Zoe and Zane,” he offered, his gaze scanning her fatigued face and the faint bruises on her neck. However, he refrained from probing, keeping his concern unspoken.
“Mummy, please go and rest. I promise to take care of Zoe, I won’t let anything happen to her,” Zane spoke up, gripping Jane’s hand in his own small hand, trying to offer reassurance beyond his years.
Moved by her son’s display of maturity, Jane nodded, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. She brushed a hand against his cheek, overwhelmed by the love and strength he exuded. “Thank you, my sweet boy. Take good care of your sister,” she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude and a hint of lingering guilt.
Jane sank into the comforting solace of her room, desperate to replenish her weary body with much–needed slumber. As she succumbed to the realm of dreams, her mind conjured up vivid images of Annie, harkening back to a distant memory five years ago. In that dream, Jane found Annie standing before a hospital bed, regarding her with an icy stare.
Annie’s voice sliced through the air like a cold breeze, piercing Jane’s heart with its callousness. “That child growing inside you belongs to both Drake and me. Had it not been for my own frailty and Drake’s infatuation with me, would I have ever allowed you to bear my flesh and blood? It’s high time you bid farewell to Drake.”
The sharpness of Annie’s words reverberated in Jane’s subconscious. When she finally opened her eyes, the sun had already completed its afternoon journey across the sky. With tear–streaked cheeks and an indescribable sorrow gripping her chest, Jane couldn’t shake off the lingering pain inflicted by those past events.
And then, like a whisper in the wind, Drake’s words from the previous night echoed in her mind. “All I want is to care for you because you are the mother of our child.”
Jane sat on the bed, lost in contemplation and grappling with the weight of those words for what felt like an eternity.
She rushed to fix herself up, eager to step out, but Zane intercepted her path and tugged at her sleeve.
“Mummy, where do you think you’re going? You haven’t even had a bite to eat yet!”
Jane, consumed by her pressing mission, brushed off her hunger without a second thought. “Zane, Mommy’s got something important to attend to, so I won’t be eating.”
Just then, Jasper came out of the kitchen donning an apron.
“Are you going out? Just wait, my meal will be ready soon.”
“Jasper, unless it’s a matter of utmost urgency, I’m not one to bother with meals. Can you lend me a hand and look after Zoe and Zane?”
Chapter 36
With that, she bid farewell to the two children and left the house.
In front of the grand Warner Family Mansion, Jane timidly lifted her hand to knock on the door, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.
What if Drake was inside?
Their encounter last night had left Jane yearning for more, unable to resist the impulsive urge to see him again. But now, as she stood at the entrance, she couldn’t help but question her actions.
Before Jane could gather her thoughts, the door swung open, revealing a perplexed Miss Lea on the other side. A warm smile danced upon her lips, though her eyes held a hint of
curiosity.
“Miss Bentley, you’ve arrived! Why loiter at the doorstep? Has the young master summoned you?” Miss Lea inquired, her voice laced with intrigue.
“Where could Zac be at this moment?” Jane asked, her anxious tone betraying her true
motives.
“He’s indulging in some delectable mashed potato noodles at the nearby restaurant. The young master simply adores those noodles. It seems we’ll be enjoying them for quite a few days,” Miss Lea replied, a playful smile gracing her face.
Miss Lea’s words sent a jolt through Jane’s being, causing her eyes to narrow in suspicion. Noodles with creamy mashed potatoes happened to be her absolute favorite dish. Could it be possible that this child really belonged to her?
Deep contemplation was an uncharted territory for Jane, fearing that her soaring hopes would crash against the rocks of disappointment.
After leaving Drake’s house, Jane wore a tense expression, clutching onto her emotions until she had walked a considerable distance, finally allowing herself to exhale and release the tension.
In her hands, there lay a few strands of short hair. Determination ignited within her core. She yearned to uncover the truth about that fateful year. Clenching tightly onto Zac’s hair once more, Jane made a call across the vast Atlantic.
When Jane’s call reached April, the first words she heard were a volley of complaints. “Jane, are you going to forget me when you return to Germany? You haven’t called me for so long.”
“Oh, April, my dear,” Jane responded with a hint of playfulness in her voice, attempting to soothe April’s apparent displeasure. “How can you accuse me of forgetting you? Such a thought could never even cross my mind! You hold a special place in my heart, my love.” April couldn’t help but maintain a facade of indignation, his words carrying a touch of petulance as he replied through the phone, “Hmmph! You always know just what to say to charm your way out of trouble. I can practically picture your mischievous grin right now, thinking you can distract me with sweet words.”
Jane chuckled softly, picturing April’s pouting expression in her mind. “You know me too
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well. But trust me, there’s no one else in my life who could ever take your place. You are the one who captivates my thoughts and stirs my heart with passion.”
Still feigning annoyance, April couldn’t help but soften his tone, his curiosity piqued. “Alright, spill it, woman! Tell me what important matter you need my assistance with. I suppose I’m obligated to lend a helping hand, even if you only remember me when you have something on your mind.”
Jane paused for a moment, appreciating April’s willingness to set aside his grievances and lend his support. With a touch of gratitude, she continued, “April, you have always been there for me, and I’m grateful for your unwavering presence in my life. You see, I find myself in a bit of a predicament, and I need your help.”
April’s annoyance melted away, replaced by genuine concern. “Oh, Jane, you know I’ll do anything to help you. What kind of predicament are you facing? Please, tell me.”
“April, Zoe, and Zane might be my flesh and blood, but there’s more to the story. I might have had another child all those years ago.”
“What?!” April exclaimed.
“Do you have any proof?” he inquired, once he had collected himself.
“I’ll send you something. It can help us investigate. But remember, no one must find out,” she cautioned.
“Alright.”
After dispatching the package, Jane eagerly returned home, anxiously awaiting the results of the investigation.
The day pressed on, and Jane was immersed in her daily routine at the office. Amidst the hum of phones and the flurry of papers, the receptionist’s voice rang through the air, interrupting the monotonous rhythm. “Jane, there’s seesomeone here to see you. A certain Annie,” the receptionist announced, prompting Jane to pause and contemplate her decision.
Though momentarily hesitant, she ultimately gave the order to bring Annie up. As Annie stepped into the room, Jane couldn’t help but feel a wave of surprise wash over her. The presence of her past nemesis evoked a mix of emotions, both familiar and unwelcome.
“Jane, you shouldn’t have come back,” Annie declared, her voice dripping with arrogance and superiority, as if she had the power to dictate Jane’s choices.
“I had to come back. It has nothing to do with you,” Jane replied, her words echoing with quiet defiance that shattered the chains of her past.
Line Break
For a girl it’s her or she
For a boy it’s him or he