Chapter 3 The separation

Brandon's expression softened as he listened to Jane's words, his initial shock giving way to understanding and compassion. He reached out to gently cup her face in his hands, his eyes reflecting a mixture of love and empathy.

"Jane, you don't have to..."

At that very moment, Brandon's parents burst into the room, their faces a mix of shock and disapproval as they overheard Jane's confession. Mrs. Harrington's eyes narrowed as she took in the scene before her, her disapproving gaze settling on Jane.

"So, this is the woman you want to marry, Brandon? A former associate of that scoundrel Paul Normand?" she exclaimed, her voice laced with disdain.

Mr. Harrington's expression was a mask of disappointment, his usually stoic demeanor cracking under the weight of the revelation.

"Brandon, we cannot allow this union to proceed. It would tarnish our family name and reputation," he stated firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Brandon stood between his parents and Jane, his stance protective as he faced their accusations.

"Mother, Father, Jane's past is her own. It doesn't define who she is now. I love her, and I stand by her side," he declared, his voice unwavering despite the tumult.

"Will you for god's sake shut up your mouth? You're thirty-year-old, yet act like a fifth grader," said Mrs. Harrington in a fit of anger as she slapped Brandon across the face, the sound echoing in the tense silence that enveloped the room.

Jane gasped in horror at the violent outburst, her eyes wide with shock as she watched the scene unfold before her.

Brandon staggered back from the force of the blow, his hand flying to his cheek where a red mark bloomed from his mother's slap. His parents stood before him, their expressions a mix of anger and disappointment as they regarded him with cold eyes.

"Enough, Brandon. This charade ends now," Mr. Harrington spoke with finality, his voice cutting through the charged atmosphere. "You will not marry this woman with a tainted past. It is unacceptable."

Tears welled up in Jane's eyes as she listened to Mr. Harrington's words, the weight of his rejection crashing down on her like a tidal wave. She had hoped that love would conquer all, but now she saw the harsh reality of societal expectations and family reputation tearing them apart.

So, seeing her marriage with Brandon was never going to receive the blessings of the latter's parents, she knew she had to make a difficult decision. With a heavy heart, Jane turned to Brandon, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"Brandon, I can't let my past destroy your relationship with your family. It's clear that they will never accept me, and I can't bear to be the cause of strife between you and them. I think it's best if we call off the wedding," she said, her voice barely above a whisper as she choked back a sob.

Brandon's eyes widened in disbelief at Jane's words, his heart breaking at the thought of losing her.

"No, Jane, please don't do this. I love you, and I won't let my family come between us. We can find a way to make this work," he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation.

But Jane shook her head slowly, her resolve firm despite the pain in her heart.

"It's not just about your family, Brandon. It's about us too. Enough now, it's time to go both our separate ways."

And she walked up to the wardrobe and began packing her belongings in silence, her movements mechanical as tears streamed down her face. Brandon stood frozen in place, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions as he watched Jane prepare to leave.

"Jane, please, don't go," he implored, his voice cracking with emotion.

"I can't lose you. I won't."

But Jane remained resolute, her back to him as she zipped up her suitcase with a finality that hung heavy in the air.

"It's for the best, Brandon. For both of us," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper as she wiped away a stray tear.

With one last look around the room that held bittersweet memories of what could have been, Jane took a deep breath and walked toward the door. Brandon moved to intercept her, his hand reaching out as if to beg her to stay, but he hesitated, his heart torn between love and duty.

As Jane crossed the threshold and stepped out into the empty hallway, the weight of her decision settled heavily on her shoulders. She knew that leaving Brandon was the right choice, and yet the pain in her heart was unbearable. She paused for a moment, gathering her composure before taking a step forward, determined to walk away from the life she had envisioned with him.

But as she made her way down the dimly lit corridor, a voice called out to her from behind. "Jane, wait!" Brandon's voice echoed through the hallway, filled with urgency and longing. Jane stopped in her tracks, her heart aching at the sound of his plea.

She turned slowly to see Brandon standing in the doorway, his eyes searching hers with raw emotion. Without a word, he closed the distance between them in long strides, his hand reaching out to gently grasp hers.

"Please don't go," Brandon whispered, his voice breaking with emotion. "I can't imagine my life without you. We can find a way to make this work, together."

And suddenly a hoarse and upset voice resonated across the hallway. It was that of Mr. Harrington, Brandon's father.

"Brandon, if you don't come back here in the next second, I will disown you so you are free to go languish in poverty with that woman of ruined reputation. Mark my words."

Brandon's gaze flickered between Jane and the doorway where his father stood, his heart torn in two different directions. The weight of his family's expectations bore down on him, but the love he felt for Jane burned fiercely in his chest.

In that moment, Brandon knew he had a choice to make-a choice that would redefine his future and test the strength of his convictions. With a torn heart, he turned to face Jane, his voice wavering as he spoke.

"Jane, I'm deeply sorry but I have to go. I wish you happiness. Goodbye!"