Where did the smile got lost?

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Come and
Embrace me in your arms.

Asher felt pessimistic leaving Janette alone, and after learning that she lost her virginity to him, it was harder for him. But this company is the main reason that he is here, moreover after two weeks they're going to leave back to their house, he wanted to complete all of his work before going back, plus today is an important day because he'd a special appointment with Anastasia who claims herself as Janette's best friend, he knows very little about his wife, and before confronting her about her true identity, he wants to make sure that is the information that Edward Parker gave her was correct or he was just talking in the air.

After two morning meetings, he decided to call Jane, he already saves his number in her phone when she was asleep in the morning, Yeah he was awake before her.

..

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Asher jolted awake to the sound of his morning alarm. He switched it off, feeling a nagging sense that something was amiss. It took him a moment to recognize his surroundings, with his wife’s arms wrapped tightly around him. Memories of last night flooded back—intimate moments shared with Jane, a connection unlike any he’d experienced before. It had been years since he’d been with anyone, and yet, here she was, more beautiful than he’d ever imagined.

He gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, mesmerized by her serene face. She rarely smiled, and he struggled to recall the last time he had seen her truly happy. The memory came to him—her radiant smile at Robert Stark's party, the first time their eyes met.

There had to be a reason for the sadness that had replaced her joy. He remembered seeing Anastasia comforting Janette at their graduation; neither had smiled that day. As he played with Jane’s hair, he was struck by how familiar she seemed, as if he had encountered her before, perhaps at her father’s business events.

Curiosity gnawed at him. He needed to uncover the truth behind Jane’s reserved nature. He picked up his phone, dialing his secretary to clear his evening schedule and arrange a meeting with Anastasia. The clients could wait; he had devoted ten years to this company, and now it was time to focus on his marriage.

He couldn't believe he had won the heart of the woman who had haunted his dreams, the one who unknowingly became his greatest vulnerability. The belief that everything happens for a reason resonated deeper than ever. He pressed a soft kiss on Jane's cheek and held her close, allowing sleep to claim him as he gazed at her beauty.

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Present

“Sir, Mr. Parker and Mrs. Hamilton have arrived,” George, his secretary, announced. George, in his mid-fifties, had been a vital part of his father’s team, helping to bring Asher’s parents together—a story for another time.

“Send them in, Mr. Kent,” Asher replied, standing as Anastasia and Edward entered. He shook hands with both and offered refreshments, which they declined.

“Miss Hamilton,” he began, addressing Anastasia. “Edward mentioned your connection to my wife. Can you provide proof that she isn’t Robert Stark’s daughter?” His tone was professional, but his curiosity was evident.

“First, call me Ana,” she smiled, opening her laptop. “And yes, I have strong evidence.” She displayed group photographs, showing her and Janette together, alongside images of Jane with Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, whom Ana claimed were her real parents. High school graduation videos and clips from Jane’s past followed, further substantiating her claims.

Asher’s gaze remained fixed on Jane’s smiling face in the photos, a stark contrast to the expression he saw daily. A wave of guilt washed over him. Where had that smile gone? He rubbed his temples, frustration mounting.

It became clear that Robert Stark was orchestrating something nefarious, using Janette as a pawn. He couldn't shake the feeling that Jane might be entangled in it, despite the locket Eric had made her wear—symbolizing a bond that felt unbreakable.

Does this mean Janette is Rose? The thought stabbed at his heart. He felt responsible for the pain she endured, and he couldn’t forgive himself for what his best friend had suffered. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration as Edward and Ana exchanged concerned glances.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Norman. We’ll figure this out,” Ana assured him.

“Maybe Stark is blackmailing Jane. She’s the kindest person I know—she couldn’t possibly hurt anyone. She wants to build a career before marriage,” he retorted, his glare aimed at Ana.

“Explain your behavior towards my wife that day,” he demanded, frustration edging his tone.

“Straightforward, just like your wife,” she smirked, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “I was hurt because I believed it was my right to be her maid of honor. I’m a fan of yours, and I thought Jane was hiding something significant from me.”

“My mother scolded me for jumping to conclusions, so I asked Edward to share my story with you. I want to mend my friendship with Jane,” Ana added, her tone sincere.

Asher rolled his eyes at the childishness of their interaction. “Jane could have explained her situation instead of ending her friendship so abruptly,” he muttered.

“Maybe Jane had her reasons. She wouldn’t sever a long-term friendship without cause,” Edward interjected.

“I confronted her, but she said I couldn’t understand her problems,” Ana said, pressing her lips together, frustration evident.

“She’s been struggling alone since our arranged marriage. She hasn’t smiled like that in years,” Asher said, eyes fixed on Jane’s joyful expression in the photographs. He vowed to restore her smile, no matter the cost.

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Something cute😉

Thanks for reading 😘😘

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