Chapter 301
As soon as the words left my mouth, I grabbed my bag from the chair and turned to leave.
“Slut!” Dorothy’s voice seethed with rage behind me. I clenched my hand, pretending not to hear. My only thought was to get away.
But unexpectedly, as I walked through the estate, I went lost. I wasn’t sure how many turns I had taken when something caught my eye: It was a courtyard that felt strangely familiar. Though large and pristine, the yard had an air of neglect, as if it hadn’t seen life for ages.
Compelled by some unseen force, I stepped inside. The moment I did, the door behind me slammed shut. A tall figure pinned me against the door, his familiar scent enveloping me, leaving no escape. I looked up, shocked, into his deep eyes.
His distinct and long fingers gripped my waist as he looked at me with a tender, entwined gaze. “What brings you to the Myers Mansion?”
“Mind your own business!” I shot back, struggling to break free, but it was useless.
Bryant held my gaze steadily. “Have things been okay these few days? Dorothy hasn’t been bothering you, has she?”
I scoffed at him, “Considering you almost had me killed on her behalf, what could she possibly want with me?”
He suddenly fell silent, his grip on my waist tightening, a frown creasing his brow. “You’ve lost quite a bit of weight, haven’t you?”
I replied calmly, “I’m just slimming down to celebrate the divorce, welcoming new love.”
In truth, work had been hectic, affecting my appetite and sleep, hence the weight loss. But admitting that felt too much like seeking pity, as if life had been unbearably hard without him.
His features tightened, his gaze darkened, and his lips pressed together. “Celebrate? New love?”
“What else?” I lost my temper and my words came out icy. “You’re the one who announced your engagement to someone else. You’re the one who told me to get the divorce papers. What more do you want from me? Am I supposed to sit at home, grieving and wearing black for months and years?”
“I’m not asking anything of you.” His shoulders drooped, a subtle desolation surrounding him, “It’s me. I’m the one who feels terrible.”
I blinked. “Bryant, stop with the nonsense. You couldn’t be faithful in our marriage. At least have the decency to disappear cleanly now.”
I thought, ‘Don’t disturb my life anymore. I won’t deny that I still need some time to erase those scars and heal.’
Bryant’s grip remained firm, his gaze almost obsessive, “Jane, please wait for me. I’ll sort everything out.”
“Why should I wait for you?” I asked, puzzled, a smirk spreading across my lips. “To be your fallback when things go south with Dorothy? Is that how little you think of me?”
“Then don’t wait.” His face edged with conflict, softened as he pulled me into his embrace, his chin resting on my head, his voice clear and compelling. “I’ll send you abroad, okay? Jane, please listen to me. Leave this place.”
“Is that Dorothy’s idea, too?” I felt a chill, struggling fiercely in his arms, my efforts futile, almost on the verge of breaking down. “Bryant, rest assured, as long as you both stay away from me, I won’t be a thorn in your side!”