[6]

No need to wait for tomorrow, Jane's preparations were all done. She'd already said her goodbyes to some folks living in this luxurious house. Not wanting to bother anyone, Jane chose to book a taxi instead of accepting the usual chauffeur's offer to accompany her wherever.

"But, Ma'am," Hans, Don William's family driver, groans in frustration. None of his persuasions are getting through to the woman standing there, flashing her warm smile. "It's late already. You could get into trouble going out at this hour."

"Don't make it harder for me, Mr. Hans," Jane lightly taps the shoulder of the middle-aged man looking downcast. "I hope you'll help me take care of Mrs. Kate. Don't let her be sad because I'm not here anymore."

"Ma'am," Maria couldn't hold back any longer. Her eyes, brimming with tears since earlier, spill over. Her cheeks damp with tears. "What can I do to make you stay here?"

Jane tries hard not to get carried away by the emotions, although her heart is shattered. It hurts so much to part ways with such kind people. Since her arrival at this house, only a few welcomed her warmly. As time passed, almost everyone here accepted Jane's presence. Except Austin.

This woman with emerald-like eyes believes that as long as she does good, kindness will come her way. But for some reason, it doesn't seem to apply to Austin. Is his heart too cold? Who knows.

Jane has tried many ways to get Austin's attention. Despite receiving a stern warning on the first night after she became Austin's wife, Jane isn't one to easily give up. There have been moments when Jane felt really close to Austin. He's warm, broad-minded, has a strong work ethic, dedicated to his life, caring, and often treats Jane gently.

Even though... it's all just a charade. Austin behaves that way only in front of his father. As long as Jane is near Charles, she receives queen-like treatment, even things Jane never imagined Austin would do. Like putting on her shoes while they were shopping once. Or simply cutting the steak into tiny pieces so Jane could easily eat it during a business dinner.

Naively... Jane believes that one day Austin won't need to wear his mask anymore. Her husband will surely treat her like a queen in their household, with or without the presence of his father. Unfortunately, that's a dream too beautiful to become reality.

"No need to do anything else, Maria," Jane forces a fake smile. "We all know how Austin is, right?" She chuckles then. More like laughing at how foolish she's been trapped here. A happiness that's fake. She thought at least this was the only way to fulfill her parents' final wish. Enough. No need for regrets anymore. Austin has driven her away. Not just once, but repeatedly. If it weren't for Kate Don William's presence, maybe she would've left months ago.

"Take care of yourselves," Jane tightens her grip on the bag hanging from her shoulder. "I hope one day we can meet again." As she says this, a black car with a bird logo on the side enters the driveway of this grand house. Once again, Jane looks at them all, a poignant gaze.

The life she thought was happy ends tonight. "I'm leaving."

***

"Damn all of you!"

The sound of the glass hitting the wall makes everyone in the brightly lit room flinch. Not a single one dares to look at the man who just threw the object until it shattered into pieces. The room is filled with the intimidating presence of its owner.

"What's your job, huh?" The man still uses his high tone to speak. "Can't any of you work properly?"

There's no sound except for the hum of the room's cooling system.

"Answer, damn it!"

"N-no, not like that, Mr. Fabian," one of them, Irena, speaks up. She tries hard to muster her courage. It's the first time the boss has been this furious. Undeniably, the looming deadline coupled with the time-consuming obstacles have infected everyone here with a crazy virus.

Especially Fabian Armando, who has patience as thin as tissue paper.

"Do you have a satisfying answer, Irena?" Fabian asks sharply. Ready to bombard his secretary with a barrage of questions, cornering her. How could he not? If this project fails, it's not just tens of millions at stake. It's hundreds. And he can't bear to see SEO Fashion collapse just like that.

He won't ever agree to it.

"We have a new breakthrough for the new brand about to launch, Sir. Everything's scheduled for next week."

Fabian chooses to stay silent, listening to Irena's explanation.

"We can still execute the strategy with the same system. The influencers we've contacted have confirmed their help. Even Sucay Dilretta has agreed to contribute to our fashion show later, Sir."

Fabian quickly shakes his head. "That's not enough, Irena. You know that, right?"

Irena immediately nods, feeling like she has a chance to give further explanation. Fabian's persona indeed tests the heart endurance of his workers. If anyone makes even the slightest mistake, everyone gets hit. If those hits were a rain of golden coins, maybe they could all smile cheerfully. Unfortunately, Fabian's wrath leads to unpleasant aftermaths. Their overtime surely extends endlessly. Instead of peacefully resting when the weekend arrives, they're all drained mentally and time-wise, still working.

"Live streaming while promoting specific items has become the most effective solution for transaction growth now, Sir. We've tested samples on several products, and the results have shown a significant increase."

Fabian rubs his chin. His eyes still fixed on Irena talking about the steps to be taken. Often, one after another, the heads of departments gathered there offer their opinions. Most of them summarize and conclude the best course for the event scheduled to take place in a month.

Fabian doesn't pay too much attention to their chatter. His mind drifts to a particular person he believes hasn't yet been found to present the theme of this fashion show. He needs a new face. Not just an influencer he can pay with endorsements or popularity alone.

Right. He needs a new icon for the latest SEO brand.

"Continue your discussion. I'll expect a summary in an hour, Irena. And do what you think is best. But I want you all to take full responsibility." Fabian grabs his jacket from his chair and strides away, leaving them all gaping at their boss's behavior tonight.

"Tomorrow, we'll meet at Grand Lucky at 1 PM. You can take your time getting there late because of tonight's meeting," he says before disappearing behind the glass door, leaving his subordinates heaving sighs of relief.

He doesn't care about whatever they might discuss afterward. He needs some fresh air.

His steps halt right by his latest red Lamborghini. He settles in comfortably, ignites the engine, ready to have some fun. He purposely opens the windows, feeling the night breeze slicing through the streets, now much quieter than before.

He feels the night air might help him think a little more calmly. A purposeless drive tonight encounters no obstacles until...

"SH*T!!!" he curses. Quickly, he jerks the wheel to avoid someone crossing suddenly. The screeching sound as the tires meet the asphalt is immediate. So are the shouts around him that start to reach his ears. And then...

BRAKE!

Fabian can't believe what just happened to him.

"Merry!" he yells. He immediately exits the car. His eyes widen as he witnesses his beloved car—Merry, crashing into a utility pole. "Oh, God!" Fabian ignores the questioning voices nearby. Some ask about his condition, while others are surprised to see the expensive sports car dented after hitting the pole. Also...

"Are you okay, Miss?"

Fabian's consciousness returns. Right. He avoided someone earlier. His hand clenches suddenly. He has to reckon with the person who casually crossed without paying attention to the road.

"I'm okay," the woman smiles nervously. She quickly stands up, reaching out her hand to help someone beside her. "Luckily, this kid isn't hurt. You're okay, right, Sweetie?"

Fabian is stunned.

In the glow of the streetlamp stands a beautiful woman. The same lamp post he just crashed into. Her smile is remarkably gentle towards the small, frightened figure. Her voice sounds like a stream in the middle of a forest—calm and soothing.

Especially... her eyes.

"She's the one I've been looking for."