Chapter 12
The cold, clipped tone in Jackson’s voice revealed his irritation, tinged with impatience.
Elaine gathered her courage and mumbled softly, “…I’m afraid it will hurt.”
Jackson frowned slightly and replied in a calm voice, “It won’t.”
She was only half convinced by his words, but still unsure. Hesitant, she leaned in to kiss him, allowing herself to be with him.
*****
Afterwards, she dragged her exhausted body into the bathroom. When she emerged, she found Jackson, wrapped in a towel, talking on the phone. His back was to her, and his sculpted body was fully exposed.
Looking at the messy bed, she couldn’t help but recall the events from earlier, her face flushing with embarrassment.
She glanced at the time–it was already 10 p.m. If she got home too late and woke up Abraham, she’d be in for another round of scolding.
Though she’d grown used to it, she didn’t want Constance to be
0.00%
07.21
Chapter12
dragged into this.
1288 Vouchers
Every time she made a mistake, Abraham would chastise Constance, complaining that she’d failed to give him a son.
It had happened countless times, often right in front of Elaine, and the tone was always dripping with disdain.
Constance was quiet and patient, never saying a word no matter how much pressure Abraham put on her. But Elaine had seen her crying alone in her room more than once.
For Constance’s sake, Elaine walked on eggshells in the Valentine family.
She often felt like one of the servants–always cautious, always afraid of making a mistake.
She waited for a moment, planning to say goodbye to Jackson before leaving, but his phone call seemed to drag on without any sign of ending.
After thinking for a moment, she grabbed her bag from the couch and quietly left.
Once outside the hotel, she glanced over and saw Rubin’s car still waiting by the mall.
25.94%
23
t
07:21
23
Chapter12
288 Vouchers
She used the same trick again–slipping through the back door of the mall, buying a few random items, then heading out, opening the car door, and sliding into the seat.
Rubin, who had been dozing off, rubbed his eyes when he heard the car door slam. “Ms. Valentine, should we head back now?”
Elaine tossed her shopping bags onto the back seat. “Yeah, let’s go.”
When they got home, the living room light was on, and Elaine paused for a moment.
It wasn’t too late–just 10:30–but she hoped the light was left on by the maid for her, not Abraham or Marcelo waiting for her.
She walked into the living room, where Constance was resting on the sofa, one hand propped up on the armrest, a thin blanket draped over her legs.
Abraham and Marcelo weren’t there, probably already in bed. It seemed Constance had been waiting for her to come home.
Kneeling down in front of the sofa, Elaine looked at Constance’s peaceful face, her heart aching. In this family, it seemed like only Constance truly loved her.
She softly called out, “Mom.”
51.61%
07:21
23
288 Vouchers
Constance opened her eyes, clearly tired and struggling to stay awake. She covered her mouth and yawned. “You’re back? Go get some rest.”
Elaine’s voice was thick with emotion as she responded with a tired “Yeah.” “Next time, if I come back late, don’t wait up for me. I’m not a child anymore.”
Constance smiled gently and said, “Aleshire has changed a lot over the years. You’ve only just returned, so I can’t help but worry.”
Elaine’s heart ached. “Let me walk you back to your room.”
Constance nodded.
Elaine helped her upstairs, saw her safely to her room, and waited until the light in her room turned off before she headed back to her own
room.
81.17%
