The aroma of home-cooked food filled the air as Jane Eyre moved about the kitchen, preparing a meal for Edward Cullen. She had quickly adapted to her new role within his grand villa, finding a peculiar comfort in the mundane tasks that filled her days. Todays menu included braised pork, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and stir-fried potatoes—dishes that were simple yet satisfying.
As they sat down for dinner, Jane eagerly pointed out the dishes she had prepared. "Braised pork, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, and stir-fried potatoes..." she listed, but as she mentioned the potatoes, Edwards face contorted in a look of disgust, prompting him to rush to the bathroom to rinse his mouth.
Standing behind him, Jane felt a pang of offense. "You can insult me, but not my cooking," she declared, hands on her hips, a clear sign of her irritation.
"I apologize, its just that I cant stand potatoes..." Edward explained, recalling the endless potato dishes his previous maid had prepared. The mere mention of the vegetable now triggered a strong aversion in him.
Reluctantly, Jane removed the offending dish from the table, muttering under her breath about the peculiarities of the wealthy who could afford fine dining yet chose to eat at home.
Despite the minor setback, Edward assured her that it wasnt her cooking that was the issue. "I enjoy watching you eat," he said, his gaze fixed on her as she began to eat. Jane, feeling self-conscious under his steady stare, questioned the taste of the food herself, taking a bite and finding it quite palatable.
"Please, eat," Edward encouraged, serving her a piece of meat, and soon her bowl was filled with various dishes. The meal, though eaten in silence, was a display of his affection, a fact that eluded Jane who found the whole situation quite awkward.
After finishing her meal, Jane cleared the dishes and announced her intention to wash them, but Edward stopped her, informing her that they were already taken care of. His consideration for her well-being was both unexpected and endearing.
However, his next request caught her off guard. "Help me with my laundry..." he said, pointing towards the stairs that led to the second floor where his room was located.
With a sigh, Jane followed his directions and found herself at the entrance of his room, taking in the sight of his disheveled space. Clothes were strewn about carelessly, a stark contrast to the pristine appearance he maintained elsewhere.
As she began to gather the clothes for washing, Edward entered the room, his expression stern. "Who said you could enter my room?" he questioned, his tone sharp.
"I thought I was supposed to wash your clothes," Jane retorted, confused by his sudden change in mood. His commands seemed to contradict each other, leaving her baffled.
"Take the clothes and leave. Do not enter my room without permission," he instructed, his voice cold. As she turned to leave, she couldnt help but notice a painting on the wall that caught her eye—a woman with porcelain skin, dressed in simple elegance, and adorned with a costly necklace that suggested a noble status.
Unable to quell her curiosity, she asked, "Who is this person?" But Edwards response was sharp and immediate. "Leave! Do not ask questions that do not concern you."
Jane quickly retreated, understanding that she had crossed a line. As she closed the door behind her, she heard Edward let out a pained whisper, "My dear..."
Outside, Jane gathered the clothes and began the laborious task of hand-washing them, a task made more challenging by the delicate and expensive nature of Edwards wardrobe. Despite her grumblings, she approached the task with her characteristic diligence.
Once the clothes were washed and hung to dry, Jane retired to her room for the night. The next morning, she awoke before dawn to prepare breakfast for Edward, who maintained a rigorous daily schedule that included a workout at the gym before heading to the office.
Jane left a note for him, "Porridge is ready, please have breakfast before you leave. I might be working late tonight, so Ill be back late." With that, she headed off to her job at the Evergreen Group, her daily commute a testament to her determination and work ethic.
Edward, a creature of habit, woke up at seven, his routine as predictable as the sunrise. After dressing in his suit and tie and freshening up, he was ready for his morning workout, a ritual that would take him to the office by nine.
Seeing Janes note, he felt a warmth in his heart. Though he wasnt in the habit of吃早餐, he didnt want to waste her effort. The hot porridge and two eggs were a simple yet delightful meal, made all the more special by the fact that Jane had prepared it herself.
At the office, Jane approached her supervisor with a heavy heart. "I would like to resign," she said, explaining her desire for a change of scenery and the lack of growth in her current position.
After a brief discussion, her resignation was accepted, and she began the process of handing over her duties to a colleague. Saying goodbye to her workplace of several years was bittersweet, but Jane knew that this was a necessary step towards a brighter future.
As she left the office for the last time, her colleagues expressed their regret at her departure. "Jane, cant you stay? Well miss you," they lamented.