Chapter Four: Hidden secret

Mary's pov.

As I stood before Jane the room was filled with a silence, burdened by truths. Her eyes, which were once so familiar, to me now held secrets that seemed to creep out from corners.

There was a tension, in the air indicating that something significant was about to be revealed. Jane spoke softly. With an imploring tone as she addressed me. "I want you to know that my feelings for you have never faded " she said earnestly. "The relationships you had with Victor and Noah in school were a facade, a way to hide our true relationship." The room filled with the weight of her words and memories, from our shared past came rushing. However doubts began to creep into my mind as I questioned Janes intentions.

"I'm trying to understand what you meant Jane" I said, hoping for some clarity, in this situation.

After a pause and averted gaze from her eyes she finally replied. "I asked you to decline their proposals because I missed having you Mary. It was difficult for me knowing that my siblings had access, to you."

Her words hung in the air with a tone that hid her emotions and motives. However having gotten to know Janes way of communicating over time it was not hard for me to identify any falsehoods.

“Besides,” I continued “why would you and your siblings love to offer help without not getting something out of it? That’s not how things work.” 

My curiosity piqued even further as fragmented pieces started falling into place forming answers within reach while opening up more questions on what else lay hidden beneath this convoluted tapestry of desire and half-truth.

Jane's response was a combination of hesitancy and earnestness. "Mary, I'm not sure. I care for you deeply, but I didn't want my siblings to take you from me."

The contrast in her words increased my suspicion. Strengthening myself, our eyes met as she spoke those words. "I am married now Jane - Johnson is the man that holds all my affections." 

Unexpectedly though it happened quite contrary to what I was thinking- coming closer towards me until we were nearly touching each other; memories coming back like waves hitting us over and again. Putting some distance between ourselves, I felt something go up washing away every little effort made earlier before questioning her, "You're lying Jane", dampening any hint of hope emerging through this conversation.

Unfazed, however, Jane continued trying to defy distances once more into proximity by bringing an arm around while caressing mine softly. A surge bubbling out of irritation at this point, I raises a firm objection: “This isn’t real love, Jane". Let’s stop dragging past remnants here.”

Though a smile played on my lips, skepticism showed clearly in my eyes. "Those are lies," I whispered.

"I swear they're not. And hey, by the way, we have this family dinner planned for two days from now and I'd love it if you could come along. Your expenses will be taken care of."

I hesitated before replying to Jane's offer as she left my doorstep with her proclamation hanging in the air between us. The game of truth versus deception continued to leave me navigating through an intricate dance that intertwined both memories and an unknown future.

Settling into my seat inside, I found myself reflecting upon a chapter within those same complexities - one that had unfolded unexpectedly due to Johnson's sickness which plunged me headfirst into a world full of unexpected challenges never fathomed prior until then.

Starting with a hint of nostalgia, I shared how my life was uncomplicated as a full-time housewife until Johnson's health took an unexpected detour. The surge in medical bills nudged me to search for employment and landed me the post of manager at a game-making firm; nevertheless, it came with its repercussions.

When Johnson further required more money for medications, my boss exploited this vulnerable situation shamelessly. Unable to endure any longer such maltreatment from our workplace leader on top of everything else we were going through at that time prompted me to resign then and there.

Even after quitting my job though - confrontations persisted: unsolicited advances kept following like unwelcome clones due to being perceived by opportunists throughout the city solely based on what is outside without looking deeper inside.

Confessing rather candidly about certain inner turmoil those unwanted moments have brought upon me ended up urging thoughts questioning why God blessed one type of body or face shape over another among other things unavoidable daily situations faced when experiencing trivial reactions and inconveniences all sweetened underneath socially constructed niceties veneer virtuosos call conventional norms these days.

Despite facing various challenges, Judith proved to be an unexpected ally in my life despite her occupation as a full-time sex worker which contrasted with mine. She provided me with valuable counsel on securing financial assistance and even extended the offer of introducing me to affluent members of our city.

Although I was intrigued by her proposal, I remained steadfast in upholding my principles, stating that "I couldn't give into temptation."

To alleviate some monetary burdens Johnson and I offloaded some assets we possessed while also acquiring funding from a bank. However, debt still loomed over us as we struggled to sustain his livelihood.

While dealing with the challenges at hand, encountering the Wilson siblings in New York City posed a bewildering situation. The notion of them making such drastic changes to their lives for my sake was perplexing. I found myself contemplating why they would do such a thing.

Reflecting on the matter, it dawned upon me that Victor, Noah, and Jane had left Chicago solely because of me. Choosing among them proved daunting as each possessed unique qualities that captured my attention but caused mental turmoil whilst deciding.

Amidst these thoughts, Victor called and arranged an evening meet-up at 7 pm in Hell's Kitchen; presenting an opportunity to unravel his proposal over dinner at one of its popular restaurants- holding immense promise towards resolving this conflicting predicament within me.

The sound of a knock echoed through the room, signaling the arrival of a delivery agent bearing my outfit for an upcoming evening with Victor. Though I accepted it readily enough, mixed emotions churned within me as I contemplated how this night could determine my future.

Summoning up determination, I answered Noah's message and arranged to meet him at a nearby restaurant before dinner with Victor commenced. As we embarked on our journey forward into unknown territory, endless possibilities loomed large in front of us.

Tearing open the package containing a Nightingale-designed dress from Victor filled me with joy; its exquisite red hue made it all more special. Laying out each intricate detail carefully upon my bed brought an irrepressible smile to my lips that lingered even after stepping beneath the hot shower tiles just moments later.

Adorning myself in such elegance proved effortless and highlighted every aspect of gracefulness about me- secured tightly by straps that hugged around curves perfectly without fail or exception- something only quality clothing can provide! The oddity of KFC Chicken provided unexpected laughs en route to meeting Noah--my heart pounding fast anticipating what lay ahead tonight...

As I walked into the restaurant, all eyes turned towards me. Noah was already seated and appeared uneasy with the sudden attention that followed my arrival. Even strangers standing by stopped to catch a glimpse of me.

I overheard Noah declare, "Her man is her; stop staring," which caused an uncomfortable silence in the establishment. Couples plucked from their conversations as disgruntled ladies hurriedly left out of dissatisfaction.

Asserting myself at once, I corrected him: "I'm not 'your woman' - I am married." Taking a seat opposite him, he seemed surprised at how opulent my outfit was, and how a woman who need help provid such expensive cloth.

Without hesitation or concern for his opinion about what I wore, I asked why had he invited me here in such grand fashion.

Noah commenced disclosing the story behind a photo that his mother had stumbled upon months ago, rekindling memories of our previous association. Though I was already married, he expressed an inclination to restore contact.

I reiterated the sheer impracticality of renewing what we once had and implored him for help with my sickly spouse. As our exchange progressed, I reached out and grasped Noah's right hand on the table while gently rubbing it in consolation – igniting nostalgic emotions that denoted a pivotal moment in our intricate past.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Noah decided to aid my husband without any binding agreement. This unspoken bond brought a new dimension to the complex network of connections that encircled me.