Billionaire's Bride

Back to comfort zone

Second Part

Comfort zones keep changing with environment.

...

Three months later, Robert Stark seethed with frustration. His obsession with that hotel had ensnared him, and now he was trapped by his own decisions. If only he hadn’t brought Janette back, things would have turned out differently. It had been three months since he released her, three months since she left Asher Norman. He had always known Asher was trouble, from the moment they signed the business deal—one that sealed Janette’s fate. Robert had returned the hotel to Asher and, in a desperate attempt to regain his company, he had even freed Janette, allowing her to reunite with her family. But his gravest mistake had been revealing Norman's secret, and Janette, a Stark through and through, couldn’t abide deception.

Asher Norman had become a thorn in his side, and Robert regretted ever making the deal. Now, because of Asher, investors were withdrawing their money. If things continued this way, the company would face bankruptcy, and his reputation would be in shambles. He needed a solution, and once again, that solution was his niece, Janette.

---

It had been three months since Janette last saw Asher, the man who had stolen her heart and soul. Three months since the accident, and since she had reconnected with her family. She had never thought she’d be back in her childhood bedroom, eating meals prepared by her foster parents, or chatting with her brother Tom about his upcoming wedding.

"You miss him, don’t you?" Her mother's voice snapped her out of her thoughts, but Janette shook her head, staring out the window where Rodger, the family’s German Shepherd, played with Betty, his companion.

"You can lie to me, but not to yourself," her mother continued gently. "You smile sometimes, but then you drift off. Anyone can see you're in love with him."

Janette sighed, wondering if she was really that transparent. She turned to her mother, Glenda Cameron, and hugged her tightly. She missed Asher more than she could express, but she missed her family too. And to keep them, she had to lose him.

"Mom, why is life like this?" Janette's voice cracked. "I was thrown into his life against my will, and just when I was starting to get used to him, I had to leave. I hate this separation. I hate Robert Stark."

Tears began to spill, and Glenda rubbed her back soothingly. "It’ll be okay, love. This bad time will pass. Have faith. Life isn’t always like this."

Her mother’s comforting words eased her pain a little, but before Janette could respond, the doorbell rang. Glenda and Janette exchanged a glance before heading downstairs.

By the time they reached the door, Mr. Cameron was already greeting the guests—Ana and her parents. Janette's grip tightened on her mother’s hand, discomfort welling inside her. Glenda gave her a reassuring look, silently promising that she would handle things.

Though it wasn’t quite her comfort zone anymore, Janette steeled herself and walked toward the door. Grace and Richard Hamilton’s faces brightened at the sight of her.

"It’s been too long," Grace said warmly, embracing her, followed by Richard. Ana hadn’t seen her yet, standing outside waiting for someone. When Mr. Cameron called her name, Ana smiled, and Janette returned the smile. But then she noticed Edward Parker walking toward the house, holding Ana’s wrist possessively. The sight reminded her of Asher, and her heart ached. She missed him more each time she saw a couple together.

Silently, she wished for Asher to miraculously show up.

"Nice to see you again, Mrs. Norman," Edward greeted, his tone surprised. He clearly hadn’t expected to see her here.

Janette sighed and stepped aside to let them in. She was about to close the door when a black car parked near the trees caught her attention. It felt as though she were being watched, but Ana's hand on her shoulder snapped her back to reality.

"What’s wrong, Jane?" Ana asked.

"Nothing," Janette replied quickly, shaking off the feeling. She closed the door, convincing herself it was her imagination.

The Hamiltons were old family friends, and Janette knew she owed Ana an apology for her behavior during their last meeting after the wedding. But right now, her mind was elsewhere. The living room felt small with so many people, but it wasn’t the size—she had just grown used to the space and grandeur of the life she had shared with Asher. Her heart sank at the memories.

Asher wouldn’t have given up on her so easily. He was either in danger, or perhaps her words had cut him deeply enough to make him reflect on his mistakes. Maybe he was waiting for her to cool down and return on her own. But if that was his plan, then Janette feared they might never meet again. Even if she wanted to go back, she couldn’t—she had to protect the innocent people she loved.

.....
..
....
....
....

Don't forget to vote, comment and share, your love for this chapter will decide the future of this remaining part.

Thank you!