Janet’s Point of View
I stepped down in front of Bellevue Estate, the address Rowan had texted me three days ago after that terrible scene at the clinic. The memory still made my stomach tight with anger. I didn’t want to come–not because of Rowan’s threats, but because Grandma Stella was the only member of the Thayer family who had ever treated me like real family. She deserved
better than to have her birthday ruined by our drama.
I was free this weekend anyway. Jasper had wanted one of my brothers to come with me, but I told him it would be fine. I
lied, saying I was attending as a guest. I didn’t want my new family to have anything to do with Rowan or his family.
The banquet hall looked breathtaking. White and gold decorations covered everything, with beautiful roses and lilies in tall
crystal vases. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft light that made everything glow. It really showed how much
they loved Grandma Stella. Of course Rowan would host the party at one of his newest estates.
As I walked inside, I ran straight into Rowan. He appeared in a perfectly fitted black suit, his hair styled just right, his jaw clean–shaven. He looked… good. Really good. The kind of handsome that used to make my heart skip. Now it just made me
angry that he could still affect me.
“You came,” he said, walking straight to me with a smile. “I thought you wouldn’t come. Is this how much you value your job?”
I kept my face calm. I just wanted to get through this and leave. I didn’t want to share a room with Rowan, not after what he did at my workplace.
“You know this is just for show,” he whispered in my ear. “With your face expression, anyone can tell something is wrong.”
I forced a small smile. “We need to see Grandma first.”
“I think you’re hosting a party,” I said, trying to step away from him. “Don’t you have something else to do? I know where to
find Grandma.”
“And what will Grandma say when she sees you without me?” Rowan asked. “We both know how Grandma acts.”
His face said there was no time to argue. “Shall we?” He offered his right arm.
I took his arm, and we walked like the perfect couple anyone could dream of. Deep down, we both knew this wasn’t where we
wanted to be. I knew Rowan was just playing his game, but I wouldn’t buy into it.
As we walked, I could hear people talking about us. “They look so good together.” “Such a beautiful couple.” I spotted many politicians and socialites around us. Only if they knew that all this is a lie.
We made it to the elevator that would take us to the sitting room floor. Just then, Flora appeared.
Her dress was elegant but simple–black with small pearls, like she was still in mourning. She looked fragile, like a strong
wind could blow her away. Her eyes were red–rimmed, her face pale. She had dressed like the grieving widow everyone
should pity, playing her part perfectly.
“Rowan, I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” she said, reaching for his other arm with a clingy, desperate touch.
“I was busy downstairs…” Rowan started.
“Maybe you both can catch up later,” I interrupted. “Let me see Grandma.”
Flora glared at me for a second, then quickly switched back to her pitiful face. Her voice became soft and fragile. “Oh, Janet, I didn’t see you there. Since we’re all going the same way, why don’t we walk together? I also want to present Grandma her gift.
Her watery eyes and trembling voice were so fake it made me sick. But I couldn’t say anything.
Rowan grabbed my arm tighter while Flora held his other side. A few minutes later, the elevator door opened.
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“You have to act like a couple,” Rowan whispered as we stepped out. “It won’t end well if Grandma notices anything”
Just then, Grandma called out, “Janet!”
She was sitting in her favorite chair with the mayor. I went to her directly, and she pulled me into a warm hug. It had been too long since we’d seen each other.
“I was worried you wouldn’t show up,” Grandma said as I sat beside her.
Rowan joined us with Flora still clinging to him. “Oh, Rowan, why didn’t you bring Janet to me once she arrived?” Grandma asked.
“I was just coming now,” I replied instead. And Flora just want to steal the show. Making her existing noticable.
“Hello, Grandma Stella,” Flora said in her soft, broken voice. “Happy Birthday Grandma ?”
Grandma looked at Flora with polite but distant eyes. “Hello, Flora. thank you.”
Flora presented her gift with shaking hands, putting on her grief show. Grandma thanked her and set it aside without much interest, then turned back to me. Flora’s face fell–she clearly expected more attention.
“Flora, dear, would you mind joining the other guests?” Grandma said with a cold smile. “I’d like to have a private chat with my family.”
Flora’s face crumpled with disappointment. She clearly thought her pity act would work on Grandma, but it didn’t. As she walked away, I could see her struggling not to show her anger.
Rowan excused himself to take a call, leaving Grandma and me alone.
“So, my dear,” Grandma said, taking my hands in hers. “How have you been? It’s been far too long since we’ve talked properly.”
I wanted to tell her about our failing marriage, about the divorce, but the words stuck in my throat. She looked so happy to
see me.
“Everything is perfect grandma and I have a good news, I finally got a job,” I said instead, forcing a smile.
“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Grandma’s face lit up. “I’m so happy for you, Janet. You’ve sacrificed so much for Rowan and our
family. You deserve to have something of your own.”
Her words made me feel guilty and confused. How could I shatter her joy with the truth? How could I tell her that the
marriage she so cherished in her heart was already in ruins?
Grandma studied my face. “Are you alright, dear? You seem… off.”
“I’m fine,” I lied, smiling harder.
“Is there anything you’d like to discuss? You know you can talk to me about anything.”
I opened my mouth, then closed it again. “Everything’s fine, Grandma.”
“And how are things with you and Rowan? I hope everything is getting better between you two.”
That was it–the moment. I felt the breath catch in my throat. My fingers clenched in my lap.
“Well,” I inhaled slowly, feeling my resolve build. “Actually-”
The door creaked.
Rowan walked back in, casual as ever, but his eyes immediately flicked to my face. He paused–just for a beat–but it was enough. He knew. He could sense what I was about to do.
Before I could say another word, he strode over and smoothly slipped an arm around my shoulders.
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“Is everything okay with Janet?” Grandma asked, frowning. “She looks upset about something.”
“She does?” Rowan said lightly, then glanced down at me with just enough performative concern to make my skin crawl. ” Well, nothing gets past you, Grandma.”
He sighed, dramatic and weary, like a man unfairly burdened. “Janet has been angry with me for some days now. I keep apologizing, but you know how stubborn she can be.”
I blinked at him. Once. Twice. My brain stalled.
Was he serious?
“Oh?” Grandma looked between us with concern. “What happened?”
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