"They Cullens have more money than they know what to do with. The dowry alone would cover your fathers medical expenses," Melanie Hamilton continued, her voice dripping with malice.
Jane Eyre stared, aghast at the womans scheme. Everyone knew the Cullens reputation; if Claire Randall didnt marry into the family, the future of OR Corporation would be jeopardized. Melanie was effectively trying to make Jane mop up the mess Claire had created!
"You have time to think about it, but Im not sure your father can afford to wait," Melanie added, a cruel reminder that time was not on Janes side.
Without a word, Janes mind raced. She had only met Edward Cullen a handful of times, and the idea of marrying for anything other than love was abhorrent to her. Yet, if she refused, her fathers medical bills would remain unpaid, and Edward, already aware of Claires indiscretions, was unlikely to agree to marry her. If they called off the engagement, OR Corporation would suffer the consequences.
OR Corporation was the legacy of her parents, and she couldnt bear to see it destroyed. With a heavy heart, she acquiesced, "Very well, I agree."
Melanies face lit up with delight. "Thats the spirit! Dont worry about your fathers hospital bills; Ill have them taken care of immediately. You just focus on preparing for your wedding."
Jane watched as Melanies expression morphed from gloating to saccharine sweetness. She vowed to herself that one day she would reclaim what was rightfully hers.
* * *
At GM Corporations Aspen City shopping mall, Edward Cullen sat in his office, mulling over the phone call hed received from his father. His fiancée was now Jane Eyre, the sole legitimate daughter of the Eyre family, and it seemed the family was willing to marry her off to him, the disabled illegitimate son.
"Sir, Jane Eyre is here to see you," his assistant interrupted.
"Show her in."
Jane entered, and Edwards piercing gaze fell upon her, making her feel uneasy.
Edward immediately noticed the wound on her forehead, his brow furrowing slightly. "What can I do for you?" he asked, his tone neutral.
Jane blushed involuntarily under his scrutiny, her cheeks flushing as she approached Edward and handed him the suit jacket from before. "Heres your jacket from the other day," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Actually, I dont mind if you bring it to me on our wedding day," Edward replied nonchalantly. "Was there anything else?"
Jane took a deep breath. "Theres something I need to clarify with you. Our families are merely engaging in a business alliance through our marriage. Theres no emotional involvement, so even if I marry you, well only be husband and wife in name only," she declared, aware that her words might sound selfish but feeling she had no other choice.
Edwards fingers, which had been tapping rhythmically on the desktop, stilled abruptly. "Youre finished?"
"I said I dont agree. What will you do?"
"Not marry?"
His three successive questions left Jane speechless. She suddenly realized how ridiculous she was being; she had no right to negotiate with him.
She dared not not marry him!
"No other business? Ill have Adam Wilmont escort you home," Edward dismissed her without further ado, his gaze returning to the work before him.
"I can manage on my own," Jane murmured, her hands clenched into fists, her palms damp with sweat. The man was overwhelming in his silence, but when he spoke, it was like a weight pressing down on her, making it hard to breathe. She exhaled deeply, steeled herself, and turned to leave.
Through the floor-to-ceiling window, Edward watched as Adam escorted Jane away, a flicker of coldness in his eyes. He was the one who set the rules of the game!
* * *
Jane spent her days shuttling between home and the hospital, catching naps on the sofa when she was exhausted. Love and marriage might be gone, but she couldnt lose her only family member.
Claire Randall, carrying a shopping bag, saw Jane dozing on the sofa. She tossed the bag at Jane, startling her awake.
"Wake up, sleepyhead!" Claire sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
"What do you want?" Jane asked wearily.
"Seeing as youre getting married soon, I went to the market to pick out a wedding dress for you. Try it on and if it doesnt fit, I can get you some safety pins!" Claires tone was laced with mockery.
Jane took the bag, pulled out the yellowed wedding dress, and threw it back at Claire. "You can keep this second-hand dress for yourself!"
"You ungrateful wretch! This dress is more than suitable for you," Claire spat back, her anger palpable as she stomped on the dress.
Jane watched as her dress was ruined, her teeth clenched in anger.
"The second Miss Eyre has quite the temper, but the Cullens can certainly afford a wedding dress!" a voice rang out as the villas front door was pushed open. Adam Wilmont entered, pushing Edward Cullen in his wheelchair.
Claire looked at the man at the entrance, his chilling aura causing her to shiver. This was her first time seeing Edward Cullen in person, and she had to admit he was far more attractive than Jamie Fraser, despite his disability.
"Welcome, brother-in-law, to our humble abode. It must have been quite a journey for you, hasnt it? After all, with legs like yours, its..." Claires words were cut short as Adam swiftly stepped forward, immobilizing her arm in a lock.
"Ah! It hurts, let go of me!" Claire cried out.
"Miss Randall, your manners are as unrefined as those of a fishwife from the marketplace," Adam retorted sarcastically.
"How dare you call me a fishwife?" Claire glared at Adam, her eyes blazing with fury.
"You insult Mr. Cullen, and Ill do more than just insult you; Ill make you regret it. Apologize to Mr. Cullen!" Adam increased the pressure on her arm, his voice firm and unyielding.
Claire, in pain, had no choice but to apologize to Edward. "Im sorry!"
"Get out!" Adam released her and bellowed the command.
Claire, seething with resentment, cast a final hateful glance at Edward before leaving.
"Thank you," Jane said to Edward, her voice barely audible.
"It was a small act. You are my fiancée, and you represent my honor. I wont allow others to mistreat you," Edward replied indifferently.
Jane was taken aback by his words, feeling an inexplicable warmth in her heart. She stole a glance at Edwards chiseled features, her heart fluttering like a trapped bird. She turned her head away, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.
After a brief silence, she extended her hand, offering the necklace to Edward. "Mr. Cullen, could you assist me?"
Edward silently took the necklace and fastened it around Janes neck.
Jane looked down at the sapphire resting against her skin, a cold glint in her eyes.
Claire Randall, this time, I wont let you get away with it!