At the grand Logan mansion, Lucas sat in the quiet sanctuary of his study. Reclining on the plush leather couch, his mind was entirely occupied by thoughts of Jane. He had been planning to go and talk to her the next time they met. Though he already knew practically everything about her background and history, he felt an undeniable urge to observe her closely and understand her on a deeper level. Behind her gentle demeanor, he knew she possessed a pure, good soul—one he couldn't help but want to protect.
Meanwhile, across the city at the Crescent Company, the clock struck 9:30 PM. The office was quiet as Jane gathered her things, packing her bag to head home after a long day. Just as she zipped her bag shut, her phone chimed with a message from her best friend, Mariana.
Mariana was currently sitting at a cozy neighborhood cafe, holding a warm drink. She tapped away on her phone with a smile.
Mariana:Let's meet at Gallery Resort for our hangout this Saturday!
Jane saw the message and immediately typed back.
Jane:Okay, I would love that!
Mariana grinned as she read the response, taking a sip of her drink before replying.
Mariana:How was your day at work? Mine was so boring.
Jane smiled softly at her screen. Knowing Mariana's lively personality, she knew her friend craved excitement.
Jane:My day was packed with back-to-back meetings, but it's fine.
Reading Jane's reply, Mariana smiled affectionately. That was so typical of Jane—she was the kind of person who never complained, whether things were going exceptionally well or terribly wrong. She just took everything in stride.
Mariana:Well, I'm at the cafe right now and waiting for Steven.
Jane:I'm glad you're meeting someone who'll make your day interesting!
Mariana couldn't help but chuckle. Jane knew how to lift her spirits; work had been dull, but time with Steven was always special.
Mariana:Yep!
Jane smiled to herself, genuinely happy that Mariana had found such a loving, responsible boyfriend in Steven. He truly cared for her.
A minute passed, and Mariana checked her watch.
Mariana:Steven is late... I wonder why he's two minutes late!
Jane:He's probably arriving in a minute. Don't worry.
Mariana:Oh yeah, true.
Just as Mariana read Jane's message, a tall, handsome man with fair skin, striking dark green eyes, and rich auburn hair walked through the cafe doors. Jane knew how easily Mariana could get pouty if Steven didn't show up on time, but as Mariana looked up from her screen, her face instantly lit up.
Mariana:He just arrived!
Jane:Okay! I'll let you go so you two can enjoy your evening. Talk to you later!
Mariana:Yes, bye Jane!
Jane locked her phone, happy that Steven had made it. Mariana set her phone face down on the table as Steven approached her table.
"I'm so sorry I'm a little late, Mariana," Steven said softly, taking the seat opposite her.
Mariana kept her eyes on him, her slight annoyance melting away instantly. "It's fine. Thank God you're here."
Steven smiled warmly. Reaching across the table, he gently took her hand in his, holding it with deep affection. His dark green eyes locked onto hers with undeniable tenderness. "I missed you so much today."
Mariana felt a rush of warmth bloom in her chest. "I missed you too... even though you texted me at work!"
Steven lightly stroked her knuckles with his thumb, his gaze unwavering. "Well, what can I say? I just wanted to hear from you and see your face."
Looking into his eyes, Mariana felt completely cherished. She loved him deeply, and seeing her bright, breathtaking smile made Steven promise himself that he would spend forever keeping her that happy.
After leaving the cafe, Steven took Mariana to a fine dining restaurant. The atmosphere was elegant, and Mariana thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal and the wine. Wanting to let loose after a long, dry workday, she drank a bit more wine than usual until a pleasant buzz settled over her.
Recognizing she was getting tipsy, Steven gently escorted her back to his car and drove her to her apartment. Arriving at her door, he carefully carried her down the hallway.
As Steven unlocked the door, Mariana lowered her feet toward the floor. "I can walk by myself," she giggled softly.
Steven carefully set her down, but kept a supportive arm wrapped securely around her waist so she wouldn't lose her balance. Once they stepped inside, he closed and locked the door behind them.
Mariana looked around her clean, familiar apartment and smiled softly before turning around to face Steven. Wrapped in a haze of affection and alcohol, she reached up, wrapped her arms around his waist, and pulled him into a passionate kiss.
Steven kissed her back softly, but as Mariana's hands moved to the buttons of his shirt, he gently caught her wrists and pulled back, gazing down into her dark eyes.
"You need to rest, sweetheart," Steven whispered gently. "You're drunk."
Mariana felt a sudden wave of longing crash over her. Hearing him tell her to sleep disappointed her—she wanted to feel close to him, to feel his skin against hers. "No... I want you," she murmured softly, searching his eyes. "I want you to touch me. Make love to me, Steven."
Steven's chest tightened with desire. He wanted her just as how she wanted him, but he hated the thought of taking advantage of her while she was under the influence, even if he knew she wasn't completely out of it.
"You're drunk and tired, Mariana," he said softly. "That's the only reason you're saying this right now."
Mariana shook her head earnestly. "No, I'm not that drunk. I want you, Steven. Don't you want me?" She wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, resting her head against his chest.
Steven sighed, his heart melting as his arms tightened around her waist. "Of course I want you, Mariana."
"Then make love to me... I want you so much," she whispered, placing soft, desperate kisses against his chest.
Steven couldn't resist her gentle pleading any longer. Holding her face tenderly between his hands, he leaned down and kissed her cheeks, his warm lips sending shivers of desire through her body. He trailed soft kisses down the column of her neck, making her gasp as a sweet, ticklish pleasure coursed through her skin.
He pulled back slightly, staring deeply into her dark eyes filled with absolute love and affection. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. Mariana kissed him back fervently as they undressed each other, their touch frantic and needy, like two starving souls finally being fed.
Steven lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. That night, he made love to her with profound passion and tenderness, giving in to every soft plea she made.
After hours of sweet intimacy, Steven gently carried a exhausted Mariana into the bathroom. She was so thoroughly spent she couldn't even raise a finger to wash herself. With endless patience, Steven bathed her gently using a soft sponge and scented soap. He carefully dried her off, dressed her in a comfortable blue nightgown, and tucked her into bed beneath a warm duvet.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Steven watched her peaceful, sleeping face. He smiled softly, placing a tender kiss on her forehead. He loved her deeply and vowed to always take good care of her—especially keeping her safe from drinking too much so no one could ever take advantage of her sweet nature.
Saturday afternoon, At the grand Logan mansion, Lucas sat in the quiet sanctuary of his study. Reclining on the plush leather couch, holding a tablet in his hand and sees the information of Jane's wherabout on his tablet, it is a Gallery Palace—a stunning resort venue known for its fine dining, recreational games, vibrant atmosphere, and breathtaking views. Through his private intelligence team, Lucas had learned that Jane was meeting her friend here today.
Inside the resort's open-air dining terrace, Mariana was already seated at a table overlooking the scenery. Spotting her, Jane walked over with a bright smile.
"It's so good to see you, Mari!" Jane said, sliding into the chair opposite her.
Mariana smiled warmly. "Me too! I was thinking we could order some food here. What do you think?"
"Their food is actually very fresh and delicious," Jane agreed, placing her bag on the chair beside her.
"Right? I remember the last time we came here, the meals were amazing," Mariana agreed happily.
As they scanned the menu, Mariana leaned across the table, her tone turning slightly hesitant. "So... Steven wants me to move into his place. He asked me to live with him."
Jane's eyes lit up. "That sounds wonderful! Living with him would be great. But... why do you sound hesitant?"
Mariana looked down, tracing the edge of her glass. "You know... it's because of where I come from. Steven comes from a wealthy, high-class family, and I came from nothing. Moving into his grand home makes me feel like I'll be completely dependent on him. What if... what if deep down, he looks down on me because I'm poor?"
Jane reached across the table and placed a comforting hand over Mariana's. "Mari, if Steven only cared about money and social status, he would have dated a wealthy heiress, not you. Riches don't define him, and they certainly don't define how he sees you. If background mattered to him, you wouldn't be his girlfriend in the first place."
Mariana listened quietly, the weight on her chest suddenly lifting. Jane's words hit the absolute truth—Steven loved her for who she was, finding his happiness in her heart, not her bank account.
"Thanks, Jane," Mariana said, a bright, relieved smile breaking across her face. "You're so right. He's never cared about my background. I guess I was just overthinking because... well, moving in makes me feel like he might want to marry me soon!"
Jane laughed softly, her eyes crinkling with genuine joy. "That is amazing news, Mari. I'm so, so happy for you and Steven."
Mariana felt a wave of gratitude for Jane's sincere, selfless heart. Even with her own quiet life, Jane was always genuinely thrilled for her friend's happiness.
Jane looked at Mariana, her smile fading slightly into a soft, nostalgic look. "You know... for a moment, I honestly thought someone wonderful had genuine feelings for me too. But I was wrong."
Mariana blinked, caught off guard. "Wait... who are you talking about?"
Jane looked down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. "I met this handsome man at work... He was so attractive, so articulate, and he used to compliment me and make me feel so special. I really thought he liked me... but he didn't care about me in a romantic way at all. I thought he truly cared, Mari."
What Jane couldn't bring herself to say out loud was the agonizing truth: she had given herself to Roman. She had slept with him, giving him her virginity because she truly believed he loved her. But afterward, when he discarded her without a second thought, she was left feeling like cheap, dispensable garbage. The memory bruised her soul, leaving her heart heavy with deep, unbearable pain.
Seeing the deep sorrow and heartbreak in Jane's eyes, Mariana's heart broke for her friend. She reached out and squeezed Jane's hand tightly. "Oh, Jane... I'm so sorry. Men like that are terrible. They just want attention and like making women feel special without ever caring about their hearts."
"Thanks, Mari," Jane whispered, forcing a small, appreciative smile through her heartache.
"Don't waste your tears on him," Mariana said firmly, her eyes flashing with protective anger. "That man is highly a folly and a selfish soul for hurting a sweet soul like you."
Jane felt a wave of comfort wash over her, grateful for Mariana's fierce loyalty.
The two friends spent the rest of the afternoon eating delicious food, chatting, and enjoying the beautiful views of the resort, letting the lighthearted atmosphere heal Jane's aching heart.
Later that evening, Lucas sat quietly in his parked luxury car near Jane's apartment building.
Through the tinted glass, he watched as Jane walked toward the front entrance, holding her handbag gracefully in her hands. Despite the subtle sadness he had been tracking in her life, she looked peaceful, her gentle smile radiant in the soft evening light.
As she unlocked her door and stepped inside her apartment safely, Lucas leaned back against his seat, a tender, affectionate smile touching his lips as he watched over her from the shadows.