Chapter 0009
Janet’s Pov
I gripped my bag tightly as I walked out of Rowan’s penthouse, my heart hammering against my chest. My Ankle was still paining me, but my heart hurt more, but I didn’t stop. The cold night air hit my skin, but it did nothing to cool the fire burning inside me.
I raised a trembling hand to my lips, brushing against them lightly. My heart sinks more as I remember
how Rowan kissed me.
Rowan had always been unpredictable, but this? What was he trying to achieve? Why was he playing with my emotions when he had already discarded me?
I clenched my fists, it doesn’t matter anymore whatever his plans or games are won’t work on me again.
My eyes landed on Jasper’s car. He was still waiting there, his face calm as he watched me approach.
I forced a smile as I took a deep breath trying to pretend like nothing happened. I opened the car door and slipped into the passenger seat, as I exhaled softly. Jasper’s voice came immediately. “Are you alright?”
“Yes,” I said quickly, I forced my lips into a bigger smile, hoping it would look more real. But Jasper seems not to buy it.
It still surprises me how he gets to know whenever I don’t feel alright. Rowan never did, in fact he never asked or checked if I’m alright or not. So far I’m not looking sick, I’m fine with him.
Jasper’s gaze flicked over my face, then dropped to my wrists. “Janet,” he said, his voice sharper now. You’re saying you’re fine, but your face says otherwise. And where is your bracelet.?” He paused as he continued but now his tone turned cold. “Did that bastard do something to you?”
((
I swallowed, forcing my body to relax. “Jasper, it’s nothing,” I lied.
“He didn’t do anything. I dropped it off since I’m not feeling comfortable with it.” I lied again.
Jasper’s expression darkened. “I can go in there and teach him a lesson,” he said, his hand already reaching
for the car door.
“No!” My voice came out louder than I intended. I gripped his arm, shaking my head. “There is no need for that, Just get me out of here.”
Jasper stared at me for a long moment before sighing. His fingers drummed against the steering wheel. ” Where are we going.?” He asked again the same way he asked while we are at the hospital. He always gives me a chance to decide where we are going.
”
I would like to go Home.”The word came out before I could think. I truly need to get myself together.
Jasper turned to look at me, as if making sure I truly meant it. “Are you sure?”
I nodded. Without another word, he started the car.
The city lights blurred past as we drove. Silence filled the car, thick but not uncomfortable. It was safe.
1/3
Jasper was the first to break it. “Look Janet, I respect your privacy, so I won’t ask about your marriage. That’s in the past. But I hope you know that whenever you need me-or any of your other brothers-we’ll stand by you without hesitation.”
I blinked, his words stirring something warm and unfamiliar in my chest. “Other brothers? You never mentioned them…”
He smiled, “You’ll be happy to see them.”
Would I? I wasn’t quite sure.
“So,” he continued, his voice calm. “What’s your next plan?”
I hesitated. No one had ever asked me that before. Not Rowan. He never cared about my thoughts, let alone my plans.
A small warmth spread in my chest as I answered, “I used to work as a caregiver at Sutton General Hospital. I want to work there again-this time, as a clinical psychologist.”
Jasper glanced at me, eyebrows raised. “You studied psychology?”
I nodded. “I have a PhD in psychology from Stanford University.”
His lips parted in shock. “That’s incredible!”
I let out a small laugh. “Thank you.”
Jasper’s eyes softened. “I didn’t know that.”
I made a small smile as my mind went back three years ago, while I was still working as a caregiver in Sutton General hospital, to collect material for my PhD graduating paper in psychology, when Rowan’s grandmother Mrs Thayer the senior was brought in.
I went through her reports and I noticed she was deeply affected by her grandson’s accident which sent him to a vegetative state. Doctors said his recovery was in a thin line and this affected Mrs Thayer the senior psychologically.
She needed someone to be by his side and possibly give him an heir. And I have a life-saving favor to repay.
And that’s how I ended up being with Rowan.
After a year, Rowan woke up and since then I was nothing but a gold digger who was clingy to him because of his money. Not just him but the rest of the family see me that way. Aside from Mrs Thayer the senior, who seems to understand what I felt for Rowan. But I’m done being the gold digger wife who only cares for nothing but his money.
I should have not even given up my career and my dreams for a marriage, I clearly know it won’t work out. But I always have hope then.
Then Jasper exhaled slowly and made me come back to my mind. “Since that’s your plan, we’ll look into it,” he said. “We might be able to help.”
I turned to him, eyes widening slightly. “You’re… willing to help?”
2/3
Jasper let out a short laugh. “Of course.”
I forced another smile, but deep inside, I was still processing everything. Were they really willing to support me?
”
Jasper’s voice softened. “Janet, we’re your family now. And I won’t hesitate to help anywhere I can.’
My chest tightened. Family? I had forgotten what that felt like.The car slowed as we entered a large villa.
My breath stopped as I looked at the house. It was huge, bigger than any house I had seen before. Tall white pillars stood at the front, holding up a big balcony with beautiful black railings. The walls were smooth and shiny like marble, glowing under the golden lights. Big arched windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling, showing a little of the rich rooms inside. A long driveway led to the entrance, with water fountains on both sides, their soft splashes making the place feel calm and magical.
Jasper parked the car and stepped out, walking around to open my door.
I hesitated before stepping out. Jasper smiled. “Welcome home, Janet.” His words sent a strange warmth through my chest.
I looked around, still in disbelief. “You live here?”
Jasper nodded. “Yeah. It’s not too fancy, but it’s home.” Did he really mean that?.Who can say that this is not too fancy?.
I swallowed hard as he took my bag. “Let’s go inside. The others are waiting for you.’
I froze. Others? My stomach twisted. He meant my other brothers. I wasn’t ready for that. What would they think of me? Would they welcome me- or judge me? My hands felt clammy as I clutched the strap of my handbag, my heart thudding faster. A lump formed in my throat, but I forced myself to swallow it down.
“Well, look who we have here.” A lady said as she walked closer to us.
3/3
