Chapter 5

The sound of running water inside the bathroom cut off. Silence, so heavy that even the air felt frozen, spread.

A few seconds later, Parker's voice finally came through the door, pitched a shade higher than usual and pulled tight with strain. "Leanne? Why are you up here? I'm washing up. Can you use the bathroom downstairs? I'll be done soon."

His voice was muffled by the thick door, but his forced calm and brittle attempt at sounding normal came through crystal clear to Leanne.

She leaned lazily against the doorframe like a cat, looking like she had all the time in the world as she tapped a finger lightly against the cold metal doorknob.

Tap. Tap.

Each soft click landed on the hearts of the two people inside the room like a hammer.

"Downstairs?" Leanne's tone lifted, carrying a hint of spoiled sweetness and easy entitlement. "No, it's such a hassle, going back and forth. Let's shower together—it'll be faster. I'll even scrub your back, Parker."

She dragged out the last syllable on purpose, her voice so sweet that it was almost cloying.

Her words hit the people inside the room like a stone thrown into dead water, instantly stirring up violent ripples behind the door.

Clang!

Something hit the tiled floor with a sharp crash, followed immediately by a woman's short, strangled gasp, which was then quickly smothered. Then came the frantic rustling of clothes, the chaotic scrapes and thuds of things being kicked aside in a panic.

How exciting.

The corners of Leanne's lips curled into a satisfied smile. She could practically picture the scene inside—Charlotte would be staring at Parker with her eyes wide and a hand clapped over her mouth; Parker would be ashen as he fumbled to pull his clothes back on, shooting her a look and telling her not to make a sound.

Leanne didn't want this game of cat-and-mouse to be over so soon. The real torment had only just begun.

Since she'd achieved her goal, she straightened up. When she spoke again, her voice had returned to its usual gentle, considerate warmth, as if the temptress who'd just suggested showering together had never existed.

"Okay, okay, I'm just teasing you," she said lightly. "Hurry up, alright? I'll wait for you downstairs. When you come down, remember to wake Charlotte up. I knocked on her door just now, but she didn't answer—she's probably still sleeping. You two should be quick. Don't keep your parents waiting."

With that, she turned and headed downstairs, her steps light. Her slippers hit the wooden stairs with brisk, rhythmic sounds, like the triumphant march of a winner.

…

Parker finally came downstairs 15 minutes later. He'd changed into a fresh casual suit, and his hair was slightly damp. His face was still a bit pale.

Seeing Leanne sitting on the couch sipping water, he forced a smile. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's fine."

Leanne set down her glass and stood up, naturally reaching out to straighten his slightly crooked collar. Her fingertips brushed deliberately against the sides of his neck. The cold touch made his whole body go rigid.

He opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something. But when he met her calm, guileless eyes, every word stuck in his throat.

She didn't seem to know anything. Yes, there was no way she knew anything. He was just overthinking it.

That was all Parker could do to comfort himself.

On the way to the Jewell residence, the atmosphere inside the car was strangely tense. Parker tried several times to break the ice, bringing up a few light stories and gossip from their social circle.

Leanne only responded with the occasional hum, her gaze fixed on the blur of receding streets outside the window, looking completely uninterested. Her profile was breathtakingly beautiful, yet so cold that it kept people at arm's length.

Parker's heart sank inch by inch. He suddenly felt like he had never really understood the woman that he pretended to call his wife.

…

Parker's parents belonged to a cadet branch of the Jewell family. Therefore, their residence wasn't as grand as the main family's house, Jewell Manor, but every detail still screamed old money.

The moment the car rolled to a stop, a stylish, well-maintained middle-aged woman walked out with a warm smile already fixed on her face. This was Parker's mother, Connie Johnson.

"Leanne, you're finally here! Come in, come in, it's chilly outside!" Connie grasped Leanne's hand with such enthusiasm that it was as if she were afraid Leanne might bolt.

Leanne let herself be led inside without resistance, a perfectly appropriate smile on her face. "Hello, Mrs. Jewell."

"Oh, you and Parker are already married. You should start calling me Mom."

As Connie spoke, she gave Leanne's hand an affectionate pat, her eyes running over Leanne from head to toe, appraising her the way one might examine a priceless piece of art.

In the living room, Parker's father, Stephen Jewell, and several relatives from the extended branch family were already seated. The moment Leanne stepped in, everyone stood up, faces lighting up with almost overflowing enthusiasm.

"Leanne's here!"

"What a beautiful young lady!"

"Parker is really blessed!"

Compliment after compliment washed over her. Leanne kept her polite smile in place, greeting everyone one by one. Her manners were flawless; she didn't make a single misstep.

Inside, though, she knew perfectly well that these people weren't truly welcoming her. They were welcoming the identity of the Knight family's heiress and only child, along with all the benefits that identity would bring to this branch of the Jewell family.

It was… disgusting.

The long dining table was laden with an extravagant feast. Connie personally prepared a bowl of yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some fruits for Leanne. "Try the yogurt, Leanne. It's good for your health. You young people are going to be busy with the wedding soon. There's lots to do, so don't wear yourself out."

"Thanks, Mrs. Jewell." Leanne accepted the bowl, stirring it slowly with her spoon in an elegant, unhurried motion.

"Parker, you too. Take good care of Leanne," Stephen chimed in, looking at Parker with open expectation. "The cooperation with the Knight family is about to kick off, and you'd better perform well. Don't embarrass your father-in-law, and don't give the main branch any excuse to look down on us."

"Got it, Dad," Parker answered quickly.

The mood at the table was carefully steered toward warmth and harmony. Everyone was busy painting rosy pictures of the bright future that awaited, now that there was a marriage alliance between the Knight and Jewell families.

Just then, a young cousin sitting in the corner took a sip of juice and suddenly piped up in a clear, bright voice, "Parker, I ran into Charlotte the other day. Didn't she come with you guys today? How come I haven't seen her?"

The moment Charlotte's name left her mouth, the atmosphere around the table seemed to freeze.

Parker's hand, holding a spoon, gave a violent twitch. Connie's smile went stiff on her face. Every older relative's expression turned subtly complicated.

The young cousin, Quinn Jewell, was oblivious. She kept chattering on. "She said she's feeling much better lately, and she also said—"

"Quinn!" Connie snapped, cutting her off sharply. The warmth on her face vanished, replaced by embarrassment and irritation. "The adults are talking. Why are you interrupting? Just eat your food!"

Startled, Quinn shrank in on herself, her lips quivering with hurt. She didn't dare say another word.

Awkwardness settled over the table like a heavy curtain.

Leanne acted as if she hadn't caught the undercurrent in the exchange at all. It was as if she hadn't even heard Charlotte's name. She lifted her head and gave Quinn, who was on the verge of tears, a gentle, harmless smile.

"Actually, I was just about to ask the same thing," she said mildly. "Charlotte came over with us, but I haven't seen her since."

In truth, Leanne had already noticed what had happened earlier. The moment they'd stepped through the door, someone had come up with an excuse to whisk Charlotte away, and she hadn't returned since.

Connie forced a strained smile. "I think she wasn't feeling well and went home."

"Oh, okay." Leanne let the words hang in the air for a beat, her tone light, then turned back to Connie. She lifted her bowl slightly, her smile bright and sweet. "This yogurt and fruit combination is really good. You're amazing at this, Mrs. Jewell."

No questions. No accusations. Not even the faintest hint of displeasure. With that one casual remark, she let the matter slide.

Parker and Connie exchanged a quick glance. In each other's eyes, they saw the same flash of relief and secret delight.

"I'm glad you like it," Connie said quickly. "Have some more."