CHAPTER FOUR 4

He carried her with ease, stepping inside to reveal the polished marble floors of the living room. A chandelier glowed above, casting light over the soft cream couches, paintings (she made) and the spiral staircase curling upward. It was all luxurious-but still had comfort and care in it. Jace didn’t admire it all, he expected something like this and his stride was sure, as if he already knew his way around the house. Reaching her room, he gently pushed the door open with his shoulder. Her room scented of rose, bright and had the same paint color with his but the design differed a lot. Laying her on the bed, he turned on the AC to cool her body temperature and also opened the tall glass window by the side that overlooked both the estate gardens and the outside view of Canada. He could see the speeding cars moving to and fro, the sight was amazing.

Suddenly, the door opened and Lois stepped in, her eyes colliding with Laura’s.

‘I am sorry for not knocking. I had to check up on you real quick’ she apologized as Laura gave her a silent thumbs up. Jace shrugged, looking at them suspiciously

‘You need anything?’ he asked Laura. She glared at him, hissing to herself before replying voice low.

‘No. Lois, please take him to his room. I can’t stand it.’

Jace stood still, watching her turn her face away. Her words were cold and stinging but he didn’t flinch. He had expected it. Slowly, he let out a smile, nodding quietly.

‘Alright…I’ll be back to give you your drugs by 6pm’

He turned away before she could reply, his hands tucked into his pockets as Lois led him through the long hall way. The sound of their footsteps silently echoed against the marble floor. When Lois opened the door to his room, jace paused at the entrance. It was large-larger than he had expected-with walls painted in calm cream and gold tones. Tall glass windows stretched open to a soft view of the villa’s garden. He wished it overviewed the streets of the estate but is was still amazing. A long black couch sat neatly at the corner, and beside it, a shelf filled with books and a mini bar stocked with expensive wine. The bed stood at the center, perfectly laid with soft white bed sheets and velvet pillows. A massive chandelier hung above, catching bits of sunlight like broken diamonds. To his left was a long black couch and a digital clock blinked silently on the wall.

Lois glanced at him from the side-just for a second. She did not mean to stare, but it was hard not to. His broad shoulders and quiet face, the way he stood there, lost in thought-there was something magnetic about him. She only smiled politely and stepped back.

‘Your room sir’ she said softly. He nodded.

‘Thank you Lois’

As she turned to leave, he noticed a faint hint of nervousness in her walk-as if she were blushing but it was hard to tell. He closed the door with a shrug and once again, silence filled the space. Jace sat on the bed, the soft mattress sinking beneath him. He was tired. And his body language showed it-his elbows on his knees and eyes fixed on the floor.

A lot ran through his mind and for the first time, he actually regretted his actions towards Laura and it ached that he had to prove himself to her and earn her forgiveness. Beefing won’t help, but at least he could get himself together by trying to change and introduce a new personality in his life. He felt his cheeks get wet without a warning…no sobs…no shaking as he forced himself to breathe normally. He didn’t even notice time had passed until his phone buzzed faintly beside him.

He picked it up, wiped his face quickly, and called his villa assistant, Mark.

‘Send over my belongings. All of it.’ He said flatly. ‘Within an hour’

There was a pause from the other end.

‘Yes sir’ came the reply. He ended the call, drooped his phone, and leaned back on the bed. His eyes felt heavy. Slowly, his body gave in, sinking into the soft sheets until sleep quietly wrapped around him.

About an hour later, a gentle knock came at the door. No answer.

Another knock. Still nothing.

The maid pushed the door slightly open. ‘Sir?’ she called softly. Jace didn’t move. His hair fell over his eyes, his breathing deep.

‘Sir, your luggage has arrived.’

She stepped in further, the sound of her shoes barely touching the floor. ‘Sir?’ she called again, this time reaching his shoulder and shaking gently.

Jace blinked awake, eyes hazy. He turned slowly, his voice low and rough.

‘What is it?’ the maid smiled faintly.

‘Your luggage has arrived sir. I brought them in.’

Her eyes lingered for a bit too long. His shirt was slightly opened, his hair messy, and his jaw sharp in the warm light. She meant to look and she did for way too long that Jace noticed it, his gaze hardening, quiet, but clear.

‘Leave them there’ he said firmly

‘Yes sir’ she obeyed but didn’t move right away. The way she unwillingly shifted and tugged her lips at him, left him irritated.

‘I said drop them, and leave,’ he repeated, his tone sharper this time.

She slightly flinched, respected herself and hurried out, closing the door behind her. Jace scoffed, dragging a hand down his face, shaking his head. He reached for the maid bell and rung it for Lois attention. She came quickly, wondering why he indirectly sent for her.

‘Please send me a personal assistant. A humble one. I need help over here.’

Lois smiled and nodded, knowing that the previous made might have irritated him. He smirked back and she left. Later, she sent Maria, a quiet maid to him. When she knocked on his door, Jace let her in, and she slightly bowed.

‘You called me sir?’

‘Yes. Please help me unpack and arrange my belongings while I take a shower. I have already started, so just do the rest. There is no need to bow too’

‘Alright sir.’

Unlike the other maid, Maria moved silently, not a single, unnecessary glance. She folded his shirts neatly, aligned his shoes by size, and arranged his colognes on the shelf.

While she worked, Jace disappeared into the bathroom. Steam began to fog the glass almost immediately. He stood beneath the running water, his head bowed low, letting the warmth ease the stiffness in his shoulders. His thoughts drifted-Laura’s pale face, her voice-the way she wouldn’t even look at him.

He stayed there longer than usual, until the mirror was covered in mist. When he came out, the room smelled faintly of soap and clean linen. Maria had finished and left already. He looked at her arrangements, quite cool with it before grabbing a towel, drying his hair roughly. He slipped into a simple grey t-shirt and black baggy joggers, his favorite kind of comfort. His damp hair fell across his forehead, and his bare feet padded softly across the marble floor.

Even in his simplest clothes, he looked effortlessly put together with a natural and calm quiet aura around him. Just as he reached out for his phone, it buzzed again. Prisca Salvatore, his mother. His chest tightened. He ignored the call- she called again. This time, he became more nervous. But on the third ring, he picked up.

‘Hello.’

‘Jace Salvatore!’ Prisca’s voice was sharp- cold and she seemed pissed. ‘Do you know that what you did could have cost me a lot more than it would to you?’

Jace shut his eyes, taking a sharp breath, not even concerned about whatsoever she had called him for. He just continued oiling his hair while listening.

‘Please mum…’

‘Don’t you dare mother me Jace? Do you know that if the press found out what actually happened, it will be hell to control them? And our image will be destroyed. What is your problem Jace…what!’

Jace chuckled, almost bursting into laughter but he pressed it in.

‘But the media didn’t find out. Right? And I learned my lesson, I am paying for it. And when did you also start caring about what my problems are? He laughed. ‘Look mum, if you called to warn me, I get it. Is that all now?’

‘You are so arrogant! Just like your dad is reckless.’ Prisca spat, disgusted. He could hear the insults that she wanted to gush out at him but it didn’t.

‘I am your son, not a mistake that you can call and say as you wish. Learn this. Because I ain’t going to be like my dad who can let you say trash and let you walk on, I’m different. Being a good mother could have saved you this.’

Before she could reply, he ended the call. The silence afterward felt heavier than her voice. He stared at the phone for a moment, then placed it on the table gently, as he let out a long breath, straightened up, and finally walked out of the room.

The hallway outside was calm and quiet. He could hear the sound of his fast breaths and footsteps except for the gold clock on the wall that ticked silently. He looked at it-4:00pm blinked at him.

Maria appeared again, her hands folded politely.

‘Sir, the garden is ready if you’d like some air.’

Jace nodded and followed her lead to the garden.

The garden stretched out beautifully-a masterpiece of calm. The grass was beautifully trimmed, the roses arranged in clusters of red, white, and yellow. A small fountain whispered quietly in the middle, and by either sides of it was a white oval swing chair, hanging in a carved wood frame. The cushion on it looked so soft enough, two people could sit on it. Maria left immediately as he walked over, brushing his fingers across the cushion before sitting down. The swing moved slightly, creaking softly as he leaned back. Beside him was a book- wuthering heights- Laura’s maybe. He picked it up, flipped through the pages and smiled faintly. He didn’t read. He just stared at the words, enjoying the cool evening breeze that made his hair dance as he thought about his life, about mistakes, about how people saw him. He wasn’t heartless. He was just tired of proving otherwise and no one cares to see how hurt he is.

Once the sun begun to dip slowly, he got up, pocketed the book, and decided to take a walk around. He walked out of the garden and eventually found himself at the swimming pool. It shimmered beautifully under the soft sunlight. Clear blue water rippled gently according to the breeze movements. Palm trees and lanterns were at the edge. There was a sitting area with a glass table, two modern hammocks and a row of potted lilies. Everything looked peaceful- too peaceful. He smiled and let his hand play with the blue water before walking away. After a slow stroll, he found himself standing in the hallway that led to Laura’s room. His heart thumped fast, with an itch to turn around and leave but he continued walking and stopped right at her door.

He knocked. No answer.

He knocked again but there was still silence from inside. Sighing lightly, he turned the knob and opened the door, expecting to see her up, but she was asleep, her face soft and calm, her hair spread like dark silk over the pillow. The sight of her like that- peaceful- tugged something deep inside him. He stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

‘Laura,’ he whispered. Her eyes opened slowly, blinking at him. She looked tired and weak but still managed a small glare. He smiled faintly.

‘Time for your medicine.’

He helped her sit up, carefully supporting her back against the soft cushioned headboard. She hissed quietly- frustration flickering in her eyes. Jace smirked a little, not mocking, just softly. ‘Still the same.’ He mummed as he opened the pill container. The air hung between them quiet- full of things neither of them was ready to say. He handed her the medication with a glass of water, watching silently as she hesitated before taking it. She squeezed her face bitterly and quickly suppressed the urge in her throat to throw up the drugs. He patted her back gently to ease her nauseous feeling before standing up from the bed, calm as ever.

‘You should go back to resting now,’ he said plainly.

‘I don’t need you telling me that. You came in and woke me up anyway.’

Jace only exhaled, a soft sigh that barely broke the silence. Turning toward the door, he checked the hanging clock on the wall.

‘I’ll send your diet soon.’ Laura didn’t reply. She only turned slightly, facing the other side of the bed. Jace lingered for a second, his expression, unreadable. Then he walked out quietly, closing the door behind him.

Outside, the house was still. He made his way downstairs, stopping at the massive kitchen were two chefs were already preparing dinner.

‘I hope her diet is well made as the doctor prescribed. Less spice.’ He simply said moving closer to check the tray by himself. Everything looked neat and it was warm enough for someone recovering.

‘What about the juice. Is it prepared already?’ he murmured, slightly knotting his brows.

‘It’s been prepared sir.’ the chef answered respectfully. Jace gave a small approving nod before leaving the kitchen. When he got to the dining room, he stopped at the door way for a second. The lights were dim, soft golden reflections dancing off the long polished table. The villa was quiet - too quiet and it was the kind of silence that reminded him of how empty most of his nights had always been. He sat down, letting his body sink into the chair. The sound of clinking cutlery from the kitchen felt distant. There was food before him - grilled chicken, salad, steak, cold juice and water – but he barely touched any of it.

After a while, he leaned back, staring at the ceiling as a slow sigh escaped his lips. Maybe it was guilt, or exhaustion, but his chest felt heavy. He picked up a fork and toyed with the salad for a while, then pushed the plate away. The cold juice caught his appetite and he quickly gulped it down his throat, letting the chill substance cool him down. He breathed, wiping his mouth with the wiper just as Maria came in to clear the table since he rejected the meal. After a long silence, all by himself, he stood up and got Laura’s meal from the kitchen before proceeding to her room. He couldn’t lie to himself, he debated on turning back but he shook his head slightly, convincing himself to proceed.

He knocked gently on the door before pushing the door open. The soft scent of lavender hung in the air, mixing with the wild fragrance of her lotion. She was sitting were he’d left her, her back resting against the upholstered headboard. She scrolled weakly through her phone, pretending not to notice him.

‘I brought you food,’ he said quietly setting the tray down on the bedside table. She didn’t even look up.

‘Lois could have done that. And I am not hungry.’

He let out a small sigh.

‘She could’ve but I wanted to make sure it was right.’

That made her glance at him, briefly – her expression sharp, defensive. ‘I’m not hungry.’

Jace crossed his arms, studying her for a moment.

‘You haven’t eaten properly in weeks. You should try.’

‘I said I am not hungry.’ she snapped, her tone cold but weak. He didn’t react. His voice stayed calm, patient.

‘Fine. I’ll stay here till you are.’

Her eyes lifted again, this time meeting his – puzzled. He wasn’t trying to argue. He simply sat at the edge of the bed and waited, the quietness between them stretching out. After a long pause, she sighed and muttered, ‘You’re stubborn.’

He gave a faint smirk. ‘Takes one to know one.’

She looked away, but the corner of her lip twitched – almost a smile. Almost. Finally, she gave in a little. ‘Just one spoon’ she murmured, considering that she was actually hungry but was just trying to get him away from her. He nodded silently and lifted the spoon to her. She took a small bite, avoiding his eyes the whole time. He didn’t rush her; each spoon was slow, patient, and gentle but it was obvious of how hungry she was.

When she was halfway through, she pushed the tray slightly away. ‘Enough.’ She whispered.

Jace paused for a moment, spoon still in his hand. ‘Just a few more,’ he said quietly, almost like a plea.

‘I’m fine,’ she muttered, though her eyes drifted toward the bowl as if it tempted her. He gave a small, patient smile.

‘Come on, you’ll feel better if you finish this. It’s still warm.’

Laura looked away, trying not to meet his gaze, but the smell of the soup was comforting. She hesitated and nodded lightly as he fed her again. She ate and low-key enjoyed the meal until it finished without her noticing.

‘You see?’ he quietly said, amused. ‘Didn’t take much convincing.’

Laura’s lips curled with a smile, though she quickly hid it by gulping down the glass of water he offered her. He placed the plates on the tray and wiped the stain on her lips gently. Damn!

She froze, numb for a second as she leaned her head against the pillow to relax.

‘You didn’t have to feed me though.’ She said sounding soft but nonchalant at the same time.

‘I know,’ he replied with a small smirk, ‘but that’s what I’ll keep doing till, you are stable.’ Then he picked up the tray and turned for the door, his steps light, and his expression unreadable.