CHAPTER 26“Stop,” he countered but his tone was weak.“I've missed you caleb,” she said softly. “You don't even glance at me anymore.”“I'm married,” he protested, trying hard to not glare at her exposed thigh.She scoffed and leaned in, her lips brushing his softly. “She won't know, ever.”Caleb jerked back, his voice firm. "Stella, no. You need to leave.”Stella's eyes widened in hurt but she nodded and left the office. Caleb leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. The distraction hadn't helped. His thoughts kept drifting back to Jane, to the kiss, to the confusion and anger. He was sexually frustrated and he hadn't meant to assert dominate but he wasmad she had let Marcus kiss her in those places. Places he would never touch her.Later that evening, Caleb went home earlier than usual, determined to find Jane and try to make things right. He knocked on her door, but there was no response. He pushed the door open and was greeted by the soothing scent of essential oils and sce
CHAPTER 27Jane stormed into the boardroom, her arms full of files, only to freeze when she saw the eyes of the entire boardroom staring at her in distaste. At the end of the long table sat Xavier, his expression unreadable. The room was thick with tension, and the air felt stifling.Caleb, sitting at the head of the table, fixed her with an icy glare. "What time is it, Jane?" he demanded, his tone authoritative.Jane glanced at her wristwatch, her heart pounding. "It's past eleven," she said softly."You're an hour late," Caleb snapped. "Do you have any excuse?”"I'm sorry, but no one informed me—" she began.Caleb cut her off, his voice cold. “What do you mean no one told you? Have you forgotten your role? If you checked your emails regularly, you would be up to date with company information. This is unacceptable.”"I'm really sorry, Caleb," Jane said, her voice trembling. "It won't happen again.”"Leave," Caleb ordered, his gaze unwavering. "You’ve wasted enough of our time.”Overw
CHAPTER 28"Oh my God, this is amazing!" Jane exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement as she and Brian stepped into the Museum of Illusions, their eyes wide with wonder. The walls seemed to shift and bend around them, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.Brian grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction. "I'm glad you've never been here before. This place is perfect for a bit of fun.”Jane felt her heart flutter at his words. They wandered through the exhibits, marvelling at the optical illusions and interactive displays. They found themselves in front of a stress-relief game where they could throw balls of paint at each other, letting the colours burst and stain their clothes."Ready to get messy?" Brian asked, handing Jane a ball of paint.Jane laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Bring it on!"They started throwing the paintballs, laughing and dodging as they tried to hit each other. Jane managed to land a bright blue splat on Brian's shirt, and he retaliated with a splash of
CHAPTER 29Xavier leaned back in his chair, a sly smile spreading across his lips as he studied the photos on his phone. Just then, his phone rang, and the caller ID flashed "Anon" on the screen. With a glance around, he excused himself from the meeting room and stepped into a quiet corridor before answering."Hello," he said smoothly.A woman's voice came through the line, soft yet professional. "Hello, sir. Did you receive my email?""Yes, I did," Xavier replied, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Were you able to get more information?""We're still working on it, but so far, she's being very careful with her choice of words," the woman said.Xavier's smile deepened. "Keep me updated.""Okay, sir," she responded, and Xavier ended the call.With a satisfied look, Xavier made his way to Caleb's office. Caleb, engrossed in his work, barely glanced up as his uncle entered."Caleb, I need a word," Xavier said, closing the door behind him."Uncle, please leave me be. I'm working on a project,
CHAPTER 30Caleb's face darkened with anger as he saw Jane and Brian together. Jane knew she was in deep shit and she didn't know how to get out of it.“Caleb—”“Boss,” Brian started, fear clawing at his insides as he got on his feet, his heart threatening to burst out of his chest.Caleb flashed him a look and without saying another word, he grabbed Jane by the arm and practically dragged her out of the restaurant, leaving Brian standing there, stunned and speechless."Caleb, what are you doing?" Jane protested, trying to keep up with his fast pace.Caleb didn't answer, his grip on her arm tightening as they reached the car. He shoved her into the passenger seat and slammed the door before getting in himself. The drive home was tense and silent, the air thick with unspoken words and simmering rage. When they arrived home, Caleb stormed inside, Jane following reluctantly. As soon as they were inside, Caleb turned on her, his face contorted with fury."When did you start doing all sor
CHAPTER 31Jane's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. A part of her wondered if Caleb had told his uncle about her outing with Brian. She didn't respond to Xavier, instead, she quickly finished gathering her things and left the boardroom.She walked to Caleb's office, her mind racing with Xavier's words. As she approached, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Stella stepping out of Caleb's office, a triumphant smile playing on her lips."Well, well, if it isn't Jane," Stella said, her voice dripping with mock. She paused, her smile widening as she took in Jane's expression. "Looks like you've had quite the day.”Jane stood there, her feelings a mix of jealousy and anger. She tried to keep her expression composed but the sight of Stella so excited made her blood boil. "Stella," she acknowledged curtly, trying to hide her irritation.Stella chuckled softly, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, don't look so glum, Jane. It's just business
CHAPTER 32Brian's face crumbled, and tears welled up in his eyes. "Please, Mr. James, I'm begging you. I can't lose this job. It's everything to me."James' expression softened slightly, but he remained resolute. "I'm sorry, Brian. This is the best we can offer. Pack your things and leave the premises by the end of the day. We will notify you of the probationary terms shortly.”The room was silent as everyone absorbed the news. Jane felt a wave of emotions – shock, pity, sadness, and helplessness. She wished there was something she could do, but she knew her hands were tied.James concluded the meeting. "That will be all. Thank you, everyone." The executives began to file out of the room, murmuring among themselves.Jane remained seated, trying to comprehend the situation. As Brian rose to leave, he walked over to Jane, his eyes filled with desperation. "Jane, please, you have to help me. Talk to Mr. Lockwood. I can't lose this job. I'll do anything."Jane said nothing, but was stari
CHAPTER 33"Are you not going to respond to me, Caleb?" She questioned when he had been quiet for too long. "You can't say anything because I'm right, is that so? You don't even trust me" she scoffed, shaking her head sideways. Caleb ran his fingers through his hair, his frustration palpable. "It's not about trust. Xavier found out. He sent me pictures of you with Brian. If you're caught with more men, it might be confirmed that it's a contract marriage, and it would ruin us."Jane felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. "Is this really about Xavier?" she asked, her voice tinged with sadness."What do you mean?" Caleb asked, his tone defensive.Jane hesitated. "If you treated me more like your wife, it would be more convincing."Caleb's expression softened slightly. "I've always stuck to my end of the deal.""And what about Stella?" Jane challenged. "I'm not the only one with an ex-partner lingering around."Caleb sighed. "I've respected our marriage. The only reason Stella is