Billionaire's Bride

Alone with him

Sometimes, relationships forged by the heart eclipse even those bound by blood...

Stark had requested a private audience with Janette from Asher Norman, under the guise of wishing to soothe the ire his daughter held for him. Yet, Janette knew all too well that his true intentions behind this request for “privacy” were to issue her a stern warning.

“She’s your daughter; you can do whatever you please with her and take her wherever you wish.” Those were the devil’s words, spoken as though I have no agency or will of my own.

She had no desire to be alone with Stark, but she had little choice in the matter. Asher Norman's presence would be no sanctuary; he had merely added to her embarrassment before these two powerful businessmen, both of whom knew exactly where to wound her most deeply. Moreover, Janette was desperate for news of her foster parents.

One of Robert Stark’s many draconian rules was that she was forbidden from contacting her parents. Only he would deign to provide her with updates on their well-being. Even if she attempted to contact them using the mobile Eric had given her, Stark's pervasive network of informants would likely catch wind of it, and he might then forbid her from contacting them ever again.

She couldn't afford that risk. At present, Robert Stark stood by the window in the drawing room, his back to her, hands ensconced in his pockets, exuding an air of authority in his impeccably tailored navy-blue suit.

“So, Mrs Norman has finally found a moment in her busy schedule to speak to her father,” he drawled with a hint of sarcasm.

“Have you forgotten just how much you stand to lose,” he continued, “before you open that impudent mouth of yours and tarnish my reputation before your husband—such a distinguished gentleman.” He sneered. “There will be consequences if this happens again.” Janette had steeled herself for a harsh punishment for her brazen words, but this mild admonishment caught her off guard.

He produced his phone from his pocket and extended it towards her.

“Speak to your mother, Mrs Cameron. She phones me daily, desperate to hear your voice. I know I’ve been harsh with you and them, but I am your father, and everything I do is for your own good.” Janette had not expected to hear such sentiments from Robert Stark’s lips. For a fleeting moment, she could almost believe it was Mr Cameron—the man who had raised her—standing there. His expression even bore a semblance of paternal affection. But Eric’s words echoed in her mind, reminding her to remain vigilant and wary. “I’ll be waiting downstairs for you,” Stark added.

She watched him walk away, but as he reached the doorway, he halted and remarked, “I know it’s because of Eric that you’re treating me this way.”

“But remember, if he were truly your brother, he’d have stopped you from entering into this marriage of convenience.” With that, he departed.

Why would Eric deceive me? But there’s truth in what Stark says too. Why would he have allowed my marriage to Asher Norman if he knows the dangers he poses?

I’m at a loss. Both of them have their faults, yet they’ve each shown kindness to me in their own way. Perhaps I need time to fully comprehend the situation I’ve been ensnared in. Besides, nothing is permanent; this wretched period will pass as well. For now, I should speak to my mother. Janette decided to leave further deliberation for another day; she was not about to burden herself with more worry. Her mother answered the call after just two rings.

“Mr Stark?” Hearing her mother’s voice after nearly two months was like a balm to Janette’s soul. She closed her eyes, savouring the familiar sound, like a cherished melody. Yet, her mother’s tone was heavy with concern. Janette wanted to speak, but no words would come.

How would she respond upon learning of the monumental changes that had occurred in her daughter’s life?

“M-Mother…”

“Jane! My dear girl, are you alright?” Her mother’s voice quivered, and Janette could tell she was crying.

“Mum, please don’t cry, alright? You’ll only make things harder for me here,” Janette replied, a tear slipping down her cheek as she listened to the broken voice of the woman who had always taught her to be strong.

“Because of us, you’re ensnared there. How can I not cry, my love?”

“Mum, you know I love you more than words can say, and I can’t bear to see you distressed or in tears. If you lose heart, how can I ever hope to find my way out of this mess?”

Janette had never been a true member of the Cameron family by blood, yet this woman had raised her as if she were her own flesh and blood. Indeed, sometimes, relationships born of the heart eclipse those bound by biology. To reassure her mother, Janette offered her empty words of comfort—and her mother, desperate for solace, chose to believe them.