Rebecca White found herself standing at the entrance of the Johnson Mansion, her finger pressing the doorbell. The grand door swung open, revealing a familiar face-one of the housemaids she knew. The maid leaned against the doorframe, looking at Rebecca with an awkward expression. Rebecca, oblivious to the tension, greeted her with a warm smile. Is James getting impatient waiting for me? She gestured towards the interior, ready to step inside.
Ms. White… the maid spoke hesitantly, not budging from her spot. You can’t come in.
Rebecca blinked in surprise, her smile fading. Why not?
Before the maid could explain further, Francis appeared. Rebecca’s eyes fixed on the man approaching her, momentarily taken aback. Was it really him barring her from entering?
You can go, Francis dismissed the maid with a wave.
Yes, sir, the maid replied, retreating into the house.
Francis stood before Rebecca, his presence commanding. Mr. Johnson, she stammered, anxiety creeping into her voice. The maid said I can’t come in…
That’s right, Francis nodded, his tone as cool as a winter breeze. It was my decision.
His gaze swept over her, assessing. You don’t need to see James anymore.
Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat, her face going pale with shock. Why?
The question tumbled out before she could stop it, and the answer was all too clear.
Is it because of Eddy? she ventured, uncertain.
Smart girl, Francis acknowledged, his voice detached, carrying a chill that cut through the air. Since you’re considering getting back together with Eddy, I’m afraid I can’t let you see James anymore. Rebecca’s lips parted in disbelief, her eyes widening in shock. This man standing before her seemed so different from the kind, gentle Francis she remembered.
Do you understand? Francis arched an eyebrow slightly, continuing, In that case…
He began to step back, You can leave now.
With a resounding ‘thud,’ the door closed firmly in her face.
Rebecca stood there, speechless and stunned, unable to process what had just happened. She glanced down at the bag of cookies in her hand. Would she really never see James again? Not just today, but ever?
As reality sank in, Rebecca realized Francis was using James as leverage against her. How could he hold something so dear over her head? What should she do? Just walk away?
Part of her wanted to storm off,
furious at Francis for being so cruel.
But as she turned to leave, she faltered, her steps growing heavy. She spun back, staring at the closed
door.
She couldn’t bear it. She couldn’t bear the thought of not seeing James. A mother’s heart is a powerful thing, and Rebecca’s was tied to James. What was James doing right now? Without her, would he be upset? Francis had a short fuse, and James often complained about it to her…
With a heavy heart, Rebecca closed her eyes and reached for her phone, dialing Francis’s number.
The line connected, but he didn’t pick up. Was he ignoring her on purpose, or did he just not hear it? Unsure and desperate, she dialed again.
Inside the mansion, Francis watched
the phone vibrate with Rebecca’s
call. Hi
eyes were cold, his brow
furrowed, but he made no move to answer.
When the ringing stopped once more, a message notification appeared on his screen.
[Can you please answer? Can we talk?]
Francis smirked slightly. Was she finally feeling anxious about not seeing James? But this was only the beginning.
He flipped his phone face down on the table. She could wait a little longer.