Making the decision to leave took only a moment, but over 20 years of feelings weren’t something she could just erase. She wasn’t strong enough to truly let go without looking back.
To avoid regretting her decision, she thought it best to minimize her interactions with Tom during the remaining 2 weeks.
When she returned to the Howard family’s residence, the house was pitch dark.
Jane didn’t turn on the lights and dragged her exhausted body toward her bedroom.
But a voice from the living room suddenly called out to her.
“Jane.”
She turned and saw someone sitting on the sofa.
“What is it, Miss Bundred?”
Hailey was wearing a black lace camisole nightdress, sensually leaning against the armrest of the sofa. She smiled. “Tom bought this nightgown for me. Does it look good?”
As she sat up straighter, the faint red marks on her body gradually became visible.
Against the black lace, they appeared even more provocative and seductive.
She lightly touched the marks on her neck and let out a soft moan, feigning pain as she complained coquettishly, “Your brother has no taste when it comes to picking wedding dresses, but his taste in nightwear is impeccable. He said I look so good in this that he couldn’t hold himself back.”
Jane stood on the staircase, looking down coldly at her performance. She curved her lips into a mocking smile. “Stop it, Hailey.”
“Stop what?”
“Your lust.”
Hailey burst into laughter. “But your brother likes it when I’m lustful. The moment he got home, he couldn’t wait for me to change into this nightgown, and then…”
“You don’t have to continue. I don’t want to hear it.”
“Whether you want to or not, it’s the truth. He’s obsessed with my body. So what if you’ve had over 20 years of feelings for him? Men will always choose the one who pleases them in bed.”
Jane had no patience for further conversation. She turned and said, “Keep performing your little show. I’m not interested in watching.”
But Hailey wasn’t done. She lifted her dress and chased after Jane. “From this far, you probably can’t see the marks your brother left on me. Jane, don’t go. Come take a good look…”
As she spoke, Hailey caught up and grabbed Jane’s arm.
A wave of nausea surged up in Jane’s stomach, and she instinctively pulled away. “Don’t touch me!”
Not far away, Tom emerged from his bedroom. “What are you two talking about so late at night?”
Just as Jane was about to explain, Hailey shot her a sly smile before immediately morphing her expression into one of terror.
“Ah—!”
Hailey tumbled down the stairs.
