Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6

“Thank you,” Jane said shyly, and sullenly as they got to the door of her room.

“It's nothing,” he said firmly. “You've said more thank you's than you've actually had a normal conversation with me,” he pointed out.

A smile tugged at her lips. But it was a dry, sad and lonely one. 

“Go on ahead, get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow,” Caleb said. “Goodnight.”

She opened her mouth to speak but closed it the moment she saw him walking down but his aura lingered. She slowly turned away and swiped her card. 

The moment she was in her room, she kicked off her shoes and threw herself on the bed, wondering how people who cut you deeply when you weren't watching were the same ones who treated your wounds. Because they knew just how to break you and fix you.

As she took off her clothes, a part of her wished she could be in her fathers arms now and sob in his chest and tell him he was right. She wished she had listened to him back then but the damage had been done. And there is nothing she could do about it. For she is nothing but a fugitive to her father. 

***

The courthouse buzzed with the hushed murmurs of busy clerks and the shuffling footsteps of anxious visitors. Jane stood at the entrance, her heart a mix of conflicting emotions. She wore a simple yet elegant navy dress that hugged her form, paired with sensible heels. Her hair was neatly styled, and she had applied minimal makeup, just enough to enhance her natural beauty. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing thoughts. This was just a planned marriage, a means to an end. She had to remind herself of that.

Beside her, Caleb looked reassuringly calm, his presence was like a steady anchor in the storm of her mind. "You ready?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Jane nodded, though her hands trembled slightly. They walked together to the clerk's office, where the marriage certificate awaited. Jane hesitated before signing, the weight of the divorce papers she had signed earlier still fresh in her mind. She had once loved Marcus deeply, and believed in their future together. But the betrayal—the sting of finding him with her cousin Abby—was a wound that had yet to fully heal.

As she signed the papers, she thought of Marcus's lies and infidelity. The memory fueled her resolve, and she felt a flood of relief as she finished her signature. She was free from him, legally and emotionally. She was ready to take the next step in her plan.

With the marriage certificate in hand, Caleb led Jane to his car. "Ready to meet my family?" he asked, fully composed as he watched her.

Jane looked at him through her lashes, taken aback by his statement. “Your parents?”

“Yes, they want to meet you. It's real to them but it's only between us that this is planned.”

Jane's heart pounded but she tried to maintain composure. “Yeah, that's alright. I'd like to meet them.”

Caleb's family were welcoming and kind. They seemed genuinely pleased to meet Jane, making her feel somewhat at ease despite her internal problems. She forced herself to engage in polite conversation, though a part of her remained distant, still grappling with the remnants of her past.

Could this be something else she was going to regret?

. 

***

That evening, to celebrate their union, Caleb’s family insisted they have dinner, regardless of their protests to keep it private. They felt it was a thing of celebration as Caleb had never brought home a lady and suddenly he had brought home a wife.

"Let's make this a night to remember," they said, their eyes sparkling with sincerity. Caleb stared at Jane for saving. He wanted her to be comfortable and not feel rushed but to his surprise, she agreed with his family. 

As Caleb and Jane left, all she was doing was reflecting on how his mother, especially welcomed her.

He took Jane shopping, guiding her through upscale boutiques until they found the perfect outfit for the occasion. “Is this really necessary?” She asked.

“Well, I think it is, for them,” he said and touched her lower back. “You're a Lockwood for now, Jane. You have to be identified as one.”

"But, don't you think I should at least be given time before all these... I'm... I"

He stopped and turned to look at her, then smirked. "There's no time left. You irk for revenge, and I do same as well. The sooner we get to work, the better for us"

"Right," she sighed. 

"Besides, I want the news to reach my uncle without me informing him myself. It would devastate him" he gave a cocky smile while Jane kept staring at him. 

"Come on, go fit into those clothes," she nodded obediently and left. 

Jane emerged from the dressing room in a stunning evening gown. The deep emerald fabric clung to her curves in all the right places, making her look both elegant and alluring. Caleb's breath hitched as he saw her. "You look... amazing," he said, unable to hide his admiration.

Jane smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. She had learned not to trust compliments easily. Especially ones that came from men."Thank you," she replied softly, her voice steady.

***

Dinner was at an exclusive restaurant, where they dined on gourmet dishes and sipped fine wine. Caleb was charming and attentive, making an effort to draw Jane out of her shell. Despite her control, she found herself relaxing in his presence. She didn't like that she was being too comfortable.

After dinner, Caleb drove Jane to his home. As they pulled up to the grand estate, Jane couldn't help but gasp. The mansion was enormous, with immaculate gardens and a sweeping driveway. Inside, the opulence continued with marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. The staff were waiting to welcome her and it felt ethereal. Like she was in her favourite movie. They greeted her warmly, taking her bags with polite efficiency.

Jane had assumed she would be sharing a room with Caleb, but to her relief, she was shown to a spacious guest suite. "I figured you'd want your own space," Caleb explained. "This isn't a real thing, after all, so I want you to be comfortable.”

Jane nodded, grateful for his consideration. “Thank you.”

"Alright. Goodnight, Jane.”

"Goodnight, Caleb.”

The room was beautiful but felt overwhelmingly large. She changed into a comfortable shirt and stared at her reflection in the mirror. The expensive wedding band on her finger felt new. It was a symbol of a union built on convenience not love. She took it off and set it on the dressing table.

As she settled into bed, Jane's thoughts turned to Marcus and her cousin. They had been reckless and arrogant

in their deceit. 

The game was just beginning, and she was ready to play.