Edward Cullens eyes were filled with fury, his expression dark as he stared at Jane Eyre. Yet, the woman seemed oblivious to his anger, smiling back at him with a defiance that only served to fuel his frustration.
Their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills, but it was Edward who eventually broke the stalemate, rolling off the bed and stalking towards the bathroom with purposeful strides. The sound of running water filled the room, but it did little to soothe the tension that hung heavily in the air.
Jane Eyre took the opportunity to slip away, quietly changing the bedsheets and tidying herself up. By the time she had finished, Edward had emerged from the bathroom, his demeanor as cool and collected as ever, despite the undercurrents of anger that still lingered.
"Are you planning to hide in the bathroom all day?" he asked sharply, his tone belying his irritation.
Jane Eyre bristled at his words but chose to ignore the provocation. "I was just getting ready," she replied, her voice steady.
Edwards gaze swept over her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her composed appearance. "You seem to be enjoying yourself, Mrs. Cullen."
The use of her new title sent a shiver down Janes spine, but she refused to show any weakness. "I find a certain satisfaction in justice being served," she retorted, her chin held high.
He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by her response. "Justice? You make it sound like a personal vendetta."
Janes expression hardened. "You could say that." She thought of Claire Randall and Noah Calhoun, the so-called sister and fiancé who had betrayed her so cruelly. The satisfaction she felt at their current predicament was indescribable.
Edward moved closer, his presence overwhelming. "And what about us, Mrs. Cullen? Are we not in this together?"
Janes heart skipped a beat at his nearness, but she maintained her composure. "We have an agreement, Mr. Cullen. Nothing more."
His eyes glinted with a dangerous light. "Is that so? Then perhaps we should renegotiate the terms of our... agreement."
Before Jane could respond, a knock on the door interrupted them. A sweet voice called out, "Edward, are you awake?"
Janes heart sank. She recognized the voice immediately—it belonged to Lucy Honeychurch, Edwards sister. The last thing she needed was for Lucy to find her here, especially given the fragile state of their so-called marriage.
Panicking, Jane whispered urgently, "You have to hide me!"
Edwards expression was one of mild amusement. "Hide you? From my own sister?"
"Yes," Jane insisted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Our marriage is supposed to be a secret."
He considered her plea for a moment before nodding slightly. "Very well."
He led her to a nearby closet, opening the door just as Lucys voice sounded again, closer this time. "Edward, I know youre in there. I need to talk to you."
With a swiftness that took Jane by surprise, Edward pulled her into the closet, closing the door behind them and shrouding them in darkness. They stood close, so close that Jane could feel his breath on her neck, could hear the steady rhythm of his heart.
The door to the bedroom opened, and footsteps entered the room. "Edward?" Lucy called out, her voice laced with confusion.
"Im here," Edward responded, his voice muffled by the closet door.
The door to the closet opened, and Lucy stood before them, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the scene. "Edward! Whats going on?"
Edwards arm was wrapped around Jane, pulling her close in a protective gesture. "This is Jane Eyre," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "My wife."
Lucys face paled, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief. "Your... wife?"
"Yes," Edward confirmed, his gaze never leaving Janes. "Now, if youll excuse us, we have matters to discuss."
Lucy stumbled backward, her eyes never leaving Jane. "I... I didnt know."
With that, she turned and hurried from the room, leaving Jane and Edward alone once more.
Once the door closed behind Lucy, Edward released Jane, stepping back to regard her with a thoughtful expression. "It seems our secret is out, Mrs. Cullen."
Jane sighed, the reality of the situation settling over her. "So it would seem, Mr. Cullen."
The scandal would be the talk of Aspen City, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
But for now, all Jane could do was face whatever came next, with Edward Cullen by her side. Whether they liked it or not, they were in this together.