Noah Calhoun had suggested the City Library, a place where Jane Eyre and he had first met. It was a simple yet meaningful spot; Jane, fresh out of college and on a tight budget, frequented the library to borrow books, as she couldnt afford to buy them. Her love for the works of Agatha Christie had led her to check out numerous volumes, a habit shared by Noah. Their shared interest in the mystery author had been the catalyst for their relationship.
"Are you here?" Noahs face was grave, and seeing his stern expression, Jane sensed what was coming. It seemed that their meeting was destined to have a somber outcome.
She nodded in response. Noah took a deep breath, steeling himself to speak the words that had been weighing on his heart for a year. "Jane, lets break up."
He had endured a year of uncertainty, and now, he finally mustered the courage to voice his decision. Jane didnt ask for reasons; she simply replied with a calm "Alright." Noah, surprised by her composure, pressed, "You... dont you want to know why?"
"Yesterday gave me the best answer, didnt it?" Jane responded with a bittersweet smile. People who were determined to leave could not be held back; all she could do was to carry on and live happily, which was the most appropriate approach.
Noah held a complete collection of Agatha Christies works, intending it as a parting gift. "These are for you. I know how much you love her books." It was his way of alleviating his guilt, a futile attempt to make amends for the end of their relationship.
Jane declined with a smile, "No need." She turned to leave, taking a few steps before Noah called out to her, "Jane."
She stopped but didnt turn around, fearing she might show reluctance or let her tears flow. She was, after all, an emotional person. Noah spoke with deep affection, "Take care!" His heart still held a place for Jane, and the outcome of today was, in a way, predestined.
After leaving the library, Jane took the bus home, determined not to shed a tear. A woman must be strong, she told herself, not easily brought to tears.
Back at her apartment, she was surprised to see a luxury Range Rover parked downstairs. It was an impressive vehicle, but she didnt give it much thought as she prepared to head upstairs.
"Jane," a voice called out her name. Initially, she thought it was Noah, but when she turned, she realized it was someone else. The man standing before her was strikingly familiar.
"Its you," Jane recognized him instantly. "What are you doing here?"
Edward Cullen, dressed in a tailored suit, exuded an undeniable charm. He opened the car door and said, "Get in."
"What do you want? Dont do anything rash, or Ill call the police," Jane warned, her guard up against this stranger.
Edward remained calm, taking out his phone and handing it to her. "Take a look..."
Carefully, she approached and took his phone, pressing play on the video he had queued up. The scene that unfolded was blurred, but her face was unmistakable. Her cheeks flushed a deep red, and she felt cornered.
Without another word, Jane got into the car. Edward closed the door and joined her inside. It was her first time in such a luxurious vehicle, and she had to admit, the comfort was unparalleled.
As they pulled up to a grand villa, Jane, lulled by the smooth ride, was nearly dozing off. "Were here," Edward said gently, waking her from her daze.
He led her into the villa, a place that screamed opulence with its sprawling garden and decadent decor. Jane couldnt help but feel overwhelmed by the wealth on display. It was a world she could never attain, no matter how hard she worked.
Inside, Jane sank into the soft sofa, impressed by the quality. "This must be real leather, right? It must have cost a fortune..." she muttered, running her hand over its surface.
Edward brought her a glass of water and some biscuits, treating her with a kindness that was disarming. "Have something to eat while we talk," he said, sitting across from her.
His demeanor shifted, becoming serious. For the first time, Jane felt a genuine connection with him, setting aside her initial fears.
Edward lit a cigarette, filling the room with an acrid smoke. Jane, not fond of the smell, asked him to put it out, which he did without protest.
"Alright, lets get down to business," Edward said, his tone businesslike. He had been lonely in his vast villa, and the presence of this beautiful woman might just change that.
Jane, however, was taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor. He had been a gentleman, but now he was all business.
"Since you took my first night, compensate me with half a million dollars!" Edward declared, his eyes cold.
"Youre outrageous! Ill take you to court!" Jane was livid, feeling cornered by this man who now seemed more like a devil than the charming man she had begun to see him as.
"You broke into my room with ill intentions. Lets see who has the upper hand in court," he retorted, pulling out his phone with a video that could ruin her reputation if made public.
Defeated, Jane said, "I cant fight you. I have no money, but my life is my own."
"Very well, sign this, and Ill exempt your debt," Edward said, producing a contract he had prepared for this very moment.
Jane took the contract, her eyes falling on the words "Maids Agreement." Her heart sank, realizing his intentions all along.
"Alright, three months it is," Jane agreed, looking at Edward. "But I have one condition."
"What is it?" Edward asked, leaning back on the sofa, confident she would sign.
"Delete the video," Jane said firmly, not wanting any evidence of that night to remain.
Edward obliged, deleting the video right in front of her, though he had made sure to keep a backup.
With a heavy heart, Jane signed the contract, resigning herself to three months of servitude. It wasnt the worst thing, considering the hardships she had endured growing up in an orphanage.
"Start by making me dinner," Edward commanded, pointing towards the kitchen.
The fridge was well-stocked, ready for her to prepare a meal. Two days prior, Edward had dismissed his previous maid for dishonesty, and now, he was looking forward to a change in his culinary routine.
Soon, the kitchen filled with the aroma of cooking food. Edward, engrossed in his work on his laptop, was reminded of the simple pleasures in life.
"Dinners ready," Jane announced, having prepared several dishes in record time.
Edward, hungry from the day, closed his laptop and stretched. He joined her in the dining area, offering her a napkin. "Here, wipe your forehead."
"Thank you," Jane replied, and they began to eat in silence. Edward watched her eat, not touching his own food.
"Why arent you eating?" Jane asked after taking a bite and finding it palatable.
"I like watching you eat," Edward said, a smile playing on his lips.
"What kind of habit is that?" Jane thought it was just one of his quirks, unaware that it was his way of showing affection.
After the meal, Jane cleared the dishes and said, "Ill wash these," before heading to the kitchen.
"The dishes are already done," Edward stopped her, having cleaned up after their meal, a considerate gesture that surprised her.
Before she could sit back down, he added, "Help me with my laundry..."
Jane felt a mix of emotions but knew she had to comply. "Where are the clothes?" she asked, resigned to her task.
"Upstairs, at the corner room," Edward directed her towards his bedroom.
Upon entering, Jane was shocked by the disarray. Clothes were strewn about haphazardly, a stark contrast to the opulence of the rest of the house.
"Goodness," she muttered, beginning to clean up the clothes, which amounted to over a dozen pieces.
As she was about to tidy up his room, Edward entered abruptly. "Who said you could enter my room?" he demanded, his tone sharp.
"You asked me to do your laundry, but you didnt say I couldnt come in. Are you kidding me?" Jane retorted, confused by his erratic behavior.
"Take the clothes and leave. Dont enter my room without permission," Edward ordered, his mood darkening.
As she was leaving, she caught sight of a painting on the wall. The woman in the portrait had an unnaturally pale complexion, dressed in simple yet elegant attire, and adorned with an expensive necklace that suggested a noble status.
Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked, "Who is this person?"
"Leave! Dont ask questions that dont concern you," Edward snapped, and Jane quickly retreated, understanding the danger of prying too much.
"Dont use the washing machine. You cant sleep until theyre washed. Your room is next door," Edward instructed before shutting the door.
Alone in his room, Edward gazed at the painting, his eyes filling with tears. "My dear