Chapter 4 Ghosts From The Past

Before returning to the country, Jane had rented a spacious apartment, eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, two living rooms, facing the sun, with a large floor-to-ceiling window and balcony. The layout was very comfortable.

As soon as they entered, the children started unpacking and cleaning up.

Liam took the lead in tidying up Jane's room before working on his own. The apartment had been professionally cleaned beforehand, so it was already clean. They just needed to organize their daily necessities.

Watching the capable children, who didn't need anyone to take care of them, but would instead take care of others, Genevieve felt very gratified.

She had been worried when Jane wanted to have the children, but now, she thought that fate had been kind to her, giving her such sensible and caring kids.

While they were unpacking, Genevieve didn't sit idle. She prepared a table of dishes, all of Jane's and the children's favorites.

When Jane arrived home, she was greeted by a heartwarming scene: warm lights, fragrant food, and her family gathered together, creating an exceptionally cozy atmosphere.

Living abroad alone had been tough. Being in a foreign land, she constantly missed her best friend and the food she made. Now, she was finally back.

This time, she would never endure the pain of separation from her loved ones again.

"Bestie" Jane called out softly.

Genevieve turned around, her eyes instantly reddening upon seeing Jane.

"My runaway girl is back."

Jane couldn't help but rushed to give Genevieve a big hug. "Gen, I missed you so much."choking with tears 

Genevieve gently patted her back, her joy mixed with relief. "You're a mother now, and still acting like a child."

Jane didn't say anything, tears welling up in her eyes. After being an adult for so long, she just wanted to be a child again.Knowing the hardships she had faced, Genevieve didn't speak, just patted her back.

Bryan appeared in the dining room, watching Jane and Genevieve hugging, the corners of his mouth slightly curved. He was relieved to see his Mommy happy.

...

Dinner was lively. Genevieve didn't even bother to eat, putting food on the kid's plate, the smile on her face never stopping. 

Seeing Genevieve enjoying the children's company, Jane knew she had made the right decision.

Returning had risks, but it was all worth it.

Genevieve looked at Jane. "I've found school for the children, just as you requested. The conditions are excellent in every aspect. I'll personally take them there on Monday."Jane smiled, looking at the six little ones. "See? Godmother personally found the school for you. All of you need to study hard, or else I won't be so nice!"

"Oh, mother, which one of us hasn't inherited your intelligence? You and Godmother can rest assured about something as small as studying!" Isabella said sweetly.

"That's the best!" Jane laughed.

"mother, Godmother, we're full. Have a good chat, we're going to wash up and go to bed!" Clara said.

"Alright, get some rest!" Genevieve eyes were full of affection.These children were too adorable.

"But I want to stay with Godmother!" Scarlett didn't want to leave, snuggling lazily in Genevieve's arms.

So, Liam gave a look, and immediately Benjamin picked up Scarlett and left, scolding as he walked, "Are you dumb? Mom has to chat with godmother alone!"

"But I wanted to chat too!" Scarlett's coquettish voice echoed from a distance.

Watching the children being so sensible, genievieve smiled.

"These six children are very sensible, like gifts from heaven to you Jane."

Jane didn't deny it. The arrival of these children had indeed filled a void in her heart.

After a few seconds of silence.

Genevieve glanced around the quiet living room, then leaned in, her voice low. “Jane… does Logan know you’re back?”

Jane’s lips curled into a cold smile. “No. But he will soon. And when he does, it won’t be a reunion. It’ll be his downfall. I didn’t come back for closure. I came back to destroy him.”

Genevieve blinked. “You’re serious.”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life,” Jane said sharply. “I transferred here for one reason only to destroy Logan Anderson piece by piece. His company, his pride, everything.”

“But Jane,” Genevieve’s voice trembled, “what happens when he finds out you and the kids are alive? The man is dangerous.”

“So am I,” Jane said coldly. “And unlike him, I have nothing left to lose.”

Genevieve stared at her, heart sinking. “I don’t recognize you anymore… The Jane I knew wouldn’t speak like this.”

“That Jane died six years ago, Genevieve,” Jane said, eyes like ice. “The night she was betrayed, tortured, and left to drown. What you’re seeing now is what’s left someone forged in betrayal.”

“And the children?” Genevieve whispered.“They’re mine. Not his. If he ever asks, I’ll tell him I got rid of them. He doesn’t deserve to know they exist.”

Genevieve exhaled shakily. “I saw a headline… Logan’s getting engaged soon.”

For a split second, something flickered in Jane’s eyes pain, but it vanished just as fast.

“Perfect,” she said. “Let him be happy. I want to see the look on his face when I take it all away.”

“I’m not here to play games, Gen.” Jane’s voice was low, calm… too calm. “I want him to feel what it’s like to lose control. To be stripped of everything he values. Just like I was. He may not have held the knife, but he handed it to the ones who did.”

“What if… what if he wasn’t behind it? What if you were wrong?”

Jane’s eyes darkened. “Then he’ll suffer for being weak. For letting it happen. For leaving me in the hands of monsters.”

Genevieve stared at her best friend. A woman whose heart had been carved hollow by betrayal. “You’ve changed, Jane.”

“No,” Jane murmured. “I’ve simply stopped pretending to be soft.”

Just then, Jane’s phone buzzed. A message. No name, just a number. She tapped it open and read the single line of text.

"You’re not the only one back in town."

Beneath the massage was a photo of Jane in bed with another man, both of them naked.  

It was taken six years ago on the ship.  

At the corner, a laughing emoji was added… like someone was making fun of her.

Jane’s fingers clenched around the phone.

Genevieve noticed the shift in her expression. “What is it?”

Jane stood slowly, slipping the phone into her coat pocket. Her lips curled into something unreadable.

“Looks like the ghosts of the past are knocking early.”

And this time… she was ready to open the door.