Chapter 2 Yearning Whispers

Jane woke up the next morning, her mind still restless from the sleepless night before. As she slowly opened her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar room, momentarily disoriented. The realization gradually dawned on her that she was now in her new husband's bedroom, in his house. The events of the previous day flooded her mind, overwhelming her with a mix of emotions. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to process the fact that she was no longer Miss Jane Baldwin but Mrs. Jane Jordan, a real Jordan, against her will.

Not only had they refused to go somewhere special for their honeymoon, believing it unnecessary due to their inability to even share the same room, but now Jane was faced with the reality of her new marital life. With a sigh, she sat up and stretched her limbs, her gaze instinctively drawn to the door as a soft knock echoed through the room. Curiosity piqued, she wondered who could be knocking so politely. The Alex she knew wouldn't bother with such formalities; he would likely barge in, perhaps even naked, pretending she wasn't there.

"Come in," Jane permitted, and the door opened softly to reveal a short, plump woman wearing a cook's apron. Jane immediately assumed that this woman, in her mid- or late-forties, was the cook of the house.

"Good morning, madam," the woman said, still standing by the door.

"Good morning, Mrs. or Miss..." Jane began, trying to ascertain the woman's marital status.

"Mrs. Anna Oceans, madam," the woman replied with a warm smile. "But please, call me Anna."

"Okay, Anna. How may I help you?" Jane asked, adopting a friendly tone.

"Breakfast is ready, madam," Anna replied warmly. "Shall I bring it up here, or will you come down?"

"Oh, I'll be downstairs shortly," Jane replied. Despite her husband's lack of enthusiasm for their marriage, she was determined to make it work. After washing her face in the bathroom, she made her way downstairs.

As she stepped into the dining room, Jane couldn't help but notice the absence of her new husband. The table stood bare of any human presence, but the tantalizing aroma of the sumptuous breakfast filled the room, tempting her to indulge even without his company. However, she knew she couldn't start without him if he was around.

"Have you seen my husband today?" Jane asked, with a slight hint of disturbance in her voice.

"Oh, madam..." Anna hesitated, a reluctance evident in her voice. "Please, don't make me say it."

Jane interrupted, insisting, "Please, call me Jane."

Anna sighed, her eyes filled with concern. "He left for work very early this morning."

Jane was taken aback. Work? On a Sunday? During their supposed honeymoon? Her disappointment grew, fueling her doubts about her husband's commitment to the marriage. Was he being intentionally heartless towards her? It seemed he didn't even want to give their relationship a chance.

As questions swirled in Jane's mind, she couldn't help but wonder if she had been overly hopeful. Should she simply let him be and accept their loveless marriage? After all, he had made his terms clear the previous night.

This wasn't the marriage she had always envisioned. What woman would willingly choose such a life? With a heavy sigh, Jane resigned herself to her fate and sat down to devour her breakfast.

Later that evening, feeling restless and confined within the house, Jane decided to visit the mall under the pretense of buying toiletries and cosmetics. It was just an excuse to escape her solitude after spending the entire day indoors.

Contemplating whether she should ask for the keys to one of her husband's smaller cars, she hesitated, unsure if he would approve of her driving his vehicle.

Arriving at the shopping mall, she began perusing through various items, searching for her favorite women's products. Lost in her thoughts, she was about to turn a corner when she accidentally collided with someone.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't..." Jane's voice trailed off as she recognized the person she had bumped into.

"James," she whispered, a mix of surprise and uncertainty filling her voice.

He reciprocated her forced smile, his eyes reflecting a pain she knew all too well. "Jane, how are you?"

She forced herself to maintain composure, not wanting to delve into the details of their past. "Uhh, how are you?"

"Just as you left me," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness.

Jane sighed, unwilling to reopen old wounds. "Umm, did you come here to shop?"

No, he came to workout. Of course he came to shop you idiot! What kind of lame question was that?

"Yeah," he replied, thankfully not echoing her thoughts. "I needed to restock some groceries and toiletries. How about you? I didn't expect to see you here on your honeymoon, especially without your husband."

"Well, I actually came for my toiletries as well," Jane answered, omitting the fact that she was driven by boredom and loneliness.

Thankfully, James didn't pursue the subject further. "Okay, so how have you been? I haven't had a chance to talk to you one-on-one for the past two weeks."

"I'm fine; I'm busy with wedding preparations and all. But it's over now," Jane replied, her tone devoid of enthusiasm.

"Jane," he whispered, his voice filled with longing. "I still can't believe any of this. I can't accept the fact that you're no longer mine."

She averted her gaze, her heart heavy with regret. "We've discussed this before, James. It's in the past."

"I know, but..." He took a deep breath, his words laden with unspoken desires. "Never mind."

"I'm truly sorry, John. I never wanted any of this to happen. I tried to stop it, but..."

"It's okay. You don't need to explain," he interrupted, his voice gentle yet tinged with resignation. "It wasn't your fault. I just can't accept the fact that you're no longer mine."

"I'm really..." Jane began, but he cut her off, his desperation evident.

"But tell me, Jane, tell me you still love me," he pleaded. "I need to hear it."

She shook her head, torn between her lingering feelings and her commitment to her new marriage. "James..."

"Just say it, Jane," he implored, his voice cracking with emotion.

A small, bittersweet smile graced her lips. "I still love you."

His expression transformed, a mix of sadness and triumph painting his features. Before she could react, his lips captured hers in a desperate kiss, momentarily freezing her in a swirl of emotions. Despite the longing she felt, she pushed him away, acutely aware of their surroundings. She was now married, and he had just kissed her in public.

"James! What has gotten into you? Can't you see we're in public?" She whispered coldly, her voice laced with both disappointment and reprimand.

He looked guilty; his eyes were filled with remorse. "I'm so sorry, Jane. I lost control. I shouldn't have done that. Please forgive me."

Jane stared at him, conflicted. His vulnerability tugged at her heart, but she knew she had to set boundaries. With a deep breath, she nodded. "It's okay."

His face suddenly brightened, and there was a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Thank you. So, why don't we shop together since we're here for the same things?" He suggested it cheerfully.

Jane hesitated, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. She knew it was unwise to spend more time with him, but the allure of familiarity and comfort was difficult to resist.

*********

"So she is with that ex-fiancé of hers?" Alex's voice crackled through the phone, filled with a mix of concern and frustration.

"Yes, sir," replied Max, his trusted informant. "They are currently together at the bustling shopping mall. I will send you the incriminating photos in a matter of minutes."

"Thank you, Max. That will be all for now," Alex acknowledged, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he hung up the phone. He reclined in his plush swivel chair, contemplating the situation that had unfolded before him.

That conniving son of a bitch! The anger simmered within him, threatening to boil over. How dare he betray me like this...

Alex groaned, grappling with his own emotions. He questioned himself, wondering if he had the right to feel outraged at the sight of his wife in the arms of another man. After all, he had delivered a heartfelt monologue to her just the night before. He had spent their wedding night in a cold, lonely guest room, only to depart early in the morning for work instead of embarking on the blissful honeymoon they had planned.

The urge to call her gnawed at him, but he resisted. What would he even say? That he was checking up on her? Or perhaps he should demand that she immediately sever ties with that despicable bastard and return home?

Just as his mind swirled with conflicting thoughts, his phone beeped, signaling the arrival of a new message. He swiftly unlocked the device, revealing an email from Max. The attached photos depicted Jane and John in various compromising positions. The emotions etched on their faces and the way they gazed at each other conveyed an undeniable connection that had endured.

But damn it all, what did he expect? Alex pondered bitterly. Their marriage had barely begun, and he had never been the doting and affectionate fiancé Jane might have desired.

Yet, one particular image froze him in place, anger coursing through his veins. It was beyond belief, utterly shocking. He had assumed his new wife was a woman of integrity and restraint, only to witness her engaged in a passionate kiss with her former lover. In public! And she had done so as a married woman, a mere day after their wedding!

This act of humiliation struck Alex deeply. He entertained the notion of smashing his phone against the wall, but he reconsidered. She wasn't worth such a display of rage. In fact, he questioned why he was allowing this to affect him so profoundly. Their union was merely a contractual agreement, a marriage on paper, devoid of genuine affection. He needed to remind himself of that truth continually.

***********

"Welcome back, madam," Anna cheerfully exclaimed, opening the door for Annabelle.

"Hello, Anna," Jane replied, her voice filled with a hint of weariness. "Thank you for your assistance."

"Did you manage to get everything you needed, madam?" Anna inquired, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Alex's return.

"Yes, I did," Jane affirmed, her gaze shifting restlessly, searching for her husband. "Is he back yet?"

"Oh, he came in just a few minutes ago. He's upstairs," Anna informed her, her tone carrying a trace of uncertainty.

"Alright," Jane responded, her mind slightly preoccupied.

Suddenly, the front door flung open with a flourish, and a cloud of perfume enveloped the living room. A tall, voluptuous woman sauntered in as if she owned the place. Her tight red sleeveless gown clung to her

like a second skin, accentuating her curves. Her face boasted a heavy layer of makeup, and the crimson lipstick she wore accentuated her flawless skin. Delicate tattoo designs adorned her upper arms, complementing the extravagant jewelry that adorned her. She sported an expensive black wig, meticulously styled to perfection.

Jane couldn't help but notice the stunned and confused expression on Michelle's face as she gazed at the audacious woman who had just arrived. This woman exuded an air of sophistication, sexiness, and perhaps even a hint of malice. She seemed to fit Alex's preferred type-someone far removed from Jane's own appearance and style. Jane couldn't fathom ever stepping out in public looking like that.

Michelle turned her attention to Anna, her voice low and seductive. "Anna," she purred, her voice dripping with a tantalizing allure.

Anna quickly snapped out of her initial shock, shaking her head to regain her composure. "Madam Michelle."

With an authoritative air, Michelle inquired, "Where's Alex?"

Anna's response faltered, her eyes darting toward Jane for guidance on how to handle the audacious woman's presence.

Curiosity piqued, Jane interjected politely, "May I ask who you are, Miss? Is there a problem?"

Michelle turned her attention toward Jane, a condescending smirk playing on her lips. "And who might you be?" she retorted.

"I am his wife," Jane asserted firmly, her voice laced with a subtle determination.

The lady scoffed, her eyes cynically scanning Jane from head to toe, her nose slightly wrinkling as if Jane were clad in rags or emitted an unpleasant odor. The woman's disdain was palpable.

Indeed, Michelle was a true embodiment of her title-a bona fide bitch.

Undeterred, Jane raised her chin, refusing to be undermined. "So, you're the arranged wife, I presume?" Michelle sneered mockingly.

"Excuse me?" Jane responded, ignoring the stinging truths that Michelle had revealed.

A wicked grin tugged at Michelle's lips as she extended her black designer handbag to her other arm, her long black nails glistening under the chandelier lights. "Allow me to introduce myself," she drawled, savoring each syllable. "My name is Michelle Davidson. I am Alex's girlfriend, lover, sex partner, trophy girlfriend, event escort," she paused dramatically, her smirk widening.

"In short, I am everything to him that you can never be."