Chapter 2

Jane stayed out until the early hours of the morning before returning home.

Making the decision to leave took only a moment, but over 20 years of feelings weren't something she could just erase. She wasn't strong enough to truly let go without looking back.

To avoid regretting her decision, she thought it best to minimize her interactions with Tom during the remaining 2 weeks.

When she returned to the Howard family's residence, the house was pitch dark.

Jane didn't turn on the lights and dragged her exhausted body toward her bedroom.

But a voice from the living room suddenly called out to her.

"Jane."

She turned and saw someone sitting on the sofa.

"What is it, Miss Bundred?"

Hailey was wearing a black lace camisole nightdress, sensually leaning against the armrest of the sofa. She smiled. "Tom bought this nightgown for me. Does it look good?"

As she sat up straighter, the faint red marks on her body gradually became visible.

Against the black lace, they appeared even more provocative and seductive.

She lightly touched the marks on her neck and let out a soft moan, feigning pain as she complained coquettishly, "Your brother has no taste when it comes to picking wedding dresses, but his taste in nightwear is impeccable. He said I look so good in this that he couldn't hold himself back."

Jane stood on the staircase, looking down coldly at her performance. She curved her lips into a mocking smile. "Stop it, Hailey."

"Stop what?"

"Your lust."

Hailey burst into laughter. "But your brother likes it when I'm lustful. The moment he got home, he couldn't wait for me to change into this nightgown, and then…"

"You don't have to continue. I don't want to hear it."

"Whether you want to or not, it's the truth. He's obsessed with my body. So what if you've had over 20 years of feelings for him? Men will always choose the one who pleases them in bed."

Jane had no patience for further conversation. She turned and said, "Keep performing your little show. I'm not interested in watching."

But Hailey wasn't done. She lifted her dress and chased after Jane. "From this far, you probably can't see the marks your brother left on me. Jane, don't go. Come take a good look…"

As she spoke, Hailey caught up and grabbed Jane's arm.

A wave of nausea surged up in Jane's stomach, and she instinctively pulled away. "Don't touch me!"

Not far away, Tom emerged from his bedroom. "What are you two talking about so late at night?"

Just as Jane was about to explain, Hailey shot her a sly smile before immediately morphing her expression into one of terror.

"Ah—!"

Hailey tumbled down the stairs.

"Hailey!"

Tom put down the glass of milk he was holding and rushed over, scooping Hailey into his arms. "Are you okay?"

Hailey lay weakly in his embrace, speaking softly, "I'm fine. Don't blame Jane. She didn't mean to."

Tom looked up at Jane, his gaze filled with disappointment.

"Jane, no matter how dissatisfied you are with Hailey, you shouldn't have pushed her down the stairs! Do you know how dangerous that was?"

When he turned back to Hailey, his tone became one of tender concern.

He leaned down and gently picked her up. "Let's go back to the room. I need to check if you're hurt."

Hailey blushed and said coquettishly, "In the future, let's not be so affectionate in front of Jane. It's normal for a younger sister to be possessive of her brother. You used to spoil only her, and now I've suddenly appeared—it's hard for her to accept. We need to be more considerate of her feelings and give her time to get used to it."

"She'll have to get used to it sooner or later," Tom said coldly.

He carried Hailey steadily back to their room, and as he did, Hailey turned her head and flashed Jane a victorious "V" sign.

Jane suddenly felt like the world had become unrecognizable.

Hailey's arrival had shattered her world into pieces.

She couldn't understand why Tom would fall for someone like Hailey.

Was it, as Hailey claimed, that in the choice between love and lust, men would always choose lust?

Jane didn't know.

And now, she didn't want to know.

The next morning, Jane went to the magazine office.

She had been a columnist photographer there for three years and had great relationships with her colleagues.

The editor-in-chief, Jordan Robinson, was surprised to receive her resignation letter. "Is this about your salary? If so, just say the word, and I'll talk to the director."

Jane smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, Mr. Robinson, but it's not about the salary."

"Then why are you leaving?"

"I have other plans."

Jordan smiled knowingly. "Oh, I see. You're planning to marry Tom and become Mrs. Howard, right? It makes sense. He's been picking you up and dropping you off every day for years, rain or shine. He clearly cherishes you. If you're marrying him, that's a good thing—I won't stand in your way."

Hearing the first half of his comment, Jane wanted to explain.

Tom was indeed getting married, but the bride wasn't her.

But by the time Jordan finished, she no longer felt like clarifying.

The entanglement between her, Tom, and Hailey was too complicated to explain in a few words.

All she wanted now was to complete her resignation process quickly and leave this sad place in two weeks.

"Oh, Jane, what date is the wedding? Be sure to send me an invitation so I can toast to your happiness!"

Jane gave an awkward smile.

At that moment, the receptionist, Wendy, excitedly knocked on the door and peeked her head in. "Jane, your boyfriend is here to pick you up again! And he's brought a surprise this time!"