Chapter Four

Jane Pov 

SIX YEARS AFTER 

The sound of the private jet was soothing as I gazed out at the clouds passing by. I leaned back against the leather seat, a small smile plastered on my lips.

Six years ago, I was broken and disgraced. But with the help of the man who had become my closest confidant, I had risen from the ruins.  

Now, I was no longer the Jane who cried on park benches or begged for scraps of love from people who didn’t deserve me. 

I was Jane Harrison, CEO of one of the largest oil companies in San Francisco CA, a mother to a beautiful daughter, and a woman who had reclaimed her power.  

All just because of one good man.

Nate.

My phone buzzed, pulling me from my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and smiled when I saw the name. Answering the call, I leaned back, my voice warm and steady. 

“What is it, Nate? Don’t tell me you’re already missing me.”  

Nate scoffed, a teasing laugh came through the line. “As much as I’d love to say that, we have meetings lined up, boss lady. The board is already longing for your arrival. I just want to let you know.”  

I rolled my eyes at his words, Although I couldn't stop smiling. “You just love bossing me around, don’t you?”  

“Guilty as charged,” Nate replied, his tone playful. “But seriously, we need you in the office. Also, I’ve already put a coffee order on your desk. Black, no sugar, just the way you like it. You can thank me later.”  

“Consider it noted,” I said with a chuckle. “I’ll be there soon. And Nate?” I called out softly.

“Yeah?”  

“Thanks. For everything.”  

His voice softened. “Always, Jane.”  

The call ended, and I looked over at my daughter Kira, who was sitting on the other side of the jet, coloring happily.  

“Kira,” I called gently, and she looked up with a bright smile.  

“Yes, Mommy?”  

“Want to grab some yogurt before we head home?”  

She clapped her hands, excitement written all over her face as she poured. . “Yes, please!”  

---

The yogurt shop was filled with different activities, the air filled with the sound of chattering and the sweet aroma of frozen treats. I held Kira’s hand as we approached the counter, letting her choose her toppings.  

As we moved to the register, my heart sank heavily. Standing by the door, laughing loudly, were the two people I least wanted to see…..Blair and Mae.  

My ex-husband looked older, his sharp features still there, but his arrogance remained intact. Mae, on the other hand, looked smug and self-assured, her eyes darting around the shop as though she owned the place.  

“Jane?” Blair’s voice cut through the noise, plastered with disbelief as I tried to take a step.  

My spine stiffened, but I kept my face calm as I turned to face them. Not again will I let them see my weakling. It was already in the past.

“Well, look who it is,” Mae sneered, her voice oozing with hatred, just as always. “The forgotten daughter and wife. What are you doing here, Jane? Trying to pretend you belong in a place like this?”  

I ignored her, focusing on Kira as I paid for the yogurt. But Mae wasn’t done. Was she even ever done?

“Oh, wait,” She said with a mocking laugh. “Do you even have enough to pay for that? Or did you come here hoping someone would pity you and pay your bill?”  

But I couldn't ignore Blair’s gaze that was fixated on Kira. His eyes narrowed as he took in his whole body,confusion written all over his face as he made way to speak, but before he could say anything, Mae spoke again.  

“You’ve always been a slut, Jane,” Mae spat. “That’s the only reason you could afford anything you have now. Sleeping your way to the top, are we?”  

My hand tightened around Kira’s, but I kept my expression faceless. “Come on, Kira,” I said softly, leading my daughter out of the shop and ignoring their tantrics.

One wait with them and I would surely lose my breath. It was a sure thing.

Back at my office, I tried to push the encounter out of my mind, but Nate finally noticed it the moment I walked in.  

“Hey,” he said, leaning against the doorframe of my office. “You okay? You look… off.”  

I waved him off, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Just had a long day.”  

But I knew he wasn't convinced anyways, but one of the things I liked about him was that he doesn't press further, nor judge you.

He placed a folder on my desk. “Here's the contract for the new partnership. We're meeting with them in fifteen minutes. He announced and I nodded in agreement.

Making out a loud sigh before checking it out as I noticed peered eyes staring at me.  

---

The boardroom was filled with executives and staff, all making little noises with excitement over the supposed new deal. 

I sat at the head of the table, my presence commanding as I reviewed the documents.  

After some minutes, the doors opened, and in walked too late arrivals, Blair and Mae.

The room fell silent as the pair froze, shock written all over onto their faces.  

“You?” Blair said, his voice barely above a whisper.  

Mae was the first to recover, her lips curling into a sneer. “Oh, I see. You’ve finally gotten a role here. What, are you serving coffee for the executives now?”  

I watched Nate stand abruptly, his usually lighthearted calm replaced with cold authority. “Sit down, or you’ll be escorted out,” he said sharply.  

Mae's eyes widened, but she didn’t stop. “I can’t believe you’re even here. You don’t belong…”  

“Enough,” Nate snapped. “One more word, and you’ll be out of this meeting and blacklisted from every deal in this city.”  

Mae's face turned red instantly with embarrassment.

The head of the board stood, clearing his throat as he stared at me. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to introduce the CEO and owner of this company, Jane Harrison. She’ll be leading this meeting and finalizing the partnership.” He announced and a crowded clap followed but I could see their jaws dropped between the both couples as I rose gracefully from my seat. 

“Thank you,” I smoothly said, my voice carrying a quiet strength. “Let’s get started.”  

The meeting proceeded without interruption, though I could feel Blair and Mae stunned gazes on me the entire time.  

When it ended, they approached me, their expressions filled with concern and regret.  

“Jane, wait,” Blair began, but I held up a hand.  

“I have nothing to say to either of you,” I said icily.  

“Please,” Mae pleaded, her earlier bravado replaced with panic. “We didn’t know—”  

My laugh was cold but hurtful. “You didn’t know? You didn’t care. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have real work to do.”  

I turned and walked away, leaving them to regret their desperation. As I stepped into my private office, Nate was waiting for me, a knowing smile on his face.  

“Well?” he asked and I let out a breath, a small smile plastered at my lips. 

“They finally know who I am.”  

“And how does it feel?”  

My smile widened at the thought. “Overwhelming.”