Chapter 3

Jane's POV

I raised my arm, blocking his descending kiss.

Gabriel, who had never been rejected by me before, froze.

I turned and walked away.

"This is your house. Who you bring back to live here is your freedom."

At dinner, Gabriel kept showing concern for me.

"You've lost weight lately. These are all your favorites. Have some more."

Claire sat across from us, watching him being so attentive to me. She kicked him under the table in displeasure.

Gabriel looked up at her.

Claire raised her chin.

He sighed helplessly, using his eyes to signal her to stop making trouble.

But Claire persisted, taking off her shoe under the table. Her toes traced up along his calf until they reached a sensitive area.

Gabriel's body stiffened. His Adam's apple bobbed.

His eyes darkened, warning her to stop.

But Claire smiled triumphantly and became even bolder in her provocation.

I wasn't stupid. How could I not see them exchanging glances, even flirting shamelessly under the table?

The nausea churning in my stomach became unbearable. I abruptly put down my fork and knife.

"I'm full. You two take your time."

Seeing me get up and leave the dining room, Gabriel panicked and tried to follow.

"Jane..."

Claire stopped him.

"Are you going to comfort her, or stay here and keep me company for dinner?"

Her face was cold. Gabriel was helpless with her and ultimately just had a servant bring some fruit up to my room.

At ten o'clock that night, I came out of my home studio and happened to run into Gabriel just emerging from his study.

He looked at me, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself. Finally, he said.

"I have to work late tonight. Go to sleep first. Don't wait for me."

I glanced at the phone in his hand. The screen was still lit, stopped on his chat interface with Claire.

I said nothing and nodded, entering the master bedroom.

In the middle of the night, I woke up thirsty.

Out of habit, I reached toward the other side of the bed. It was empty and cold, without a trace of warmth.

Clearly, Gabriel hadn't come to this bedroom all night.

I frowned and got up to get water downstairs.

Passing by the study, I noticed light seeping from under the door.

I was puzzled. Just as I was about to push the door open, I heard a woman's moans coming from the adjacent room.

My whole body stiffened. My face instantly went deathly pale.

Gabriel's voice came low.

"Don't moan so loud. Jane will hear."

Claire hummed softly.

"What are you afraid of? She can't hear. Besides, it's because you're too rough..."

Gabriel chuckled.

"I think you're quite enjoying it though?"

The room was filled with panting and the sounds of the bed. I didn't need to think to know what they were doing.

After a while, Claire asked breathlessly.

"When do you plan to tell Jane about our relationship?"

Gabriel was silent for a moment, his voice low.

"Jane saved my life. Three years ago, if it weren't for her, I might already be dead... At least I need to give her some mental preparation."

So he still remembered I saved him.

Was this his way of repaying me?

I never wanted to use that favor to bind him. Back then, I even felt inferior because of my hearing loss and rejected him.

It was he who pursued me relentlessly, acting like I was the only one for him, finally winning me over.

But now I learned it was all fake.

He even wanted to continue deceiving me, having an affair with Claire right under my nose.

This was his repayment?

I pulled the corners of my mouth in self-mockery, turned off the recording on my phone, and silently turned to leave.