Janifer the maid 4

Janifer's eyes met Ethan's as he loomed over her.

For a moment, her mind cleared. She could see her reflection in his crimson gaze, and a strange sense of nostalgia washed over her.

Why… does this feel so familiar?

And then it hit her.

This scene—this very moment—was eerily similar to her wedding night.

Her husband had loomed over her the same way Ethan was now. He had looked at her with the same desire that burned in Ethan's eyes.

Her mind sharpened as memories flooded back—her marriage, the journey they had taken together, the ups and downs, the love they once shared.

A sharp pang of guilt stabbed through her chest.

How could I do this to my husband?

She swallowed hard, her voice serious as she met Ethan's gaze.

"Young master, let me go. This… this is wrong."

Ethan paused, as if registering her tone. But instead of listening, he leaned in again, aiming for another kiss.

Janifer turned her head to the side, clamping her lips shut.

Ethan didn't show any irritation. He didn't push. Instead, as if her resistance meant nothing, he dipped lower—pressing a soft kiss against her neck.

A shudder ran through her. Her body betrayed her, squirming beneath him at the sensation.

His breath was warm against her skin as he whispered, "Don't worry… no one will punish you. As long as I'm here, the mayor wouldn't dare."

Her breath hitched. She knew he was right.

Punishing her would mean proving she had committed a crime. But the other party involved—Ethan—was a noble. Accusing him of adultery would mean tarnishing a noble's reputation, something the mayor wouldn't risk. Even if rumors spread, no one would dare act against them.

But that wasn't why she felt this was wrong.

It wasn't fear of punishment that troubled her.

It was the simple fact that she was married.

"No…" she whispered, even as his lips trailed against her skin, making her mind hazy. "I can't do this. I have a husband."

Ethan barely paused. Between kisses, he murmured, "Yes… you do have… a husband…"

His teeth grazed her neck, giving a teasing bite that sent a jolt through her body.

"Mnnn—!"

A small, unintentional moan slipped past her lips.

Ethan pulled back slightly, his crimson eyes locking onto hers, intense and unwavering.

"How dare he hurt you? How dare he call you old?"

His voice was laced with quiet fury.

Janifer's breath caught.

His expression—it wasn't just desire anymore. There was something else. Anger.

Not at her, but at the man who had neglected her.

For a fleeting second, she felt as if Ethan were her lover—someone deeply offended that another man had mistreated his woman.

Her voice trembled as she tried to argue. "But… but I am old…"

Ethan scoffed. "No, you're not."

His gaze burned into her, filled with unwavering certainty.

"You're a mature and wonderful woman with a body that deserves attention. And today… I intend to give you all the attention you deserve."

Heat bloomed across her cheeks.

Why… why does this feel like I'm a maiden hearing sweet words for the first time?

She looked away, flustered, and mumbled, "You're… you're just lying to make me feel better."

Ethan smirked, tilting her chin back toward him. "No, I'm not."

His voice dropped lower, smooth as silk.

"You know… the older the wine, the richer the taste. The more desirable it becomes."

He leaned in, his breath fanning against her lips.

"If I had to compare… you're like a fruit that's left its sour stage—ripe, sweet, at its most delicious." His lips brushed against hers. "And I am a man with quite the appetite for such a fruit."

Janifer's heart pounded violently.

Her body screamed at her to stay still, to let it happen.

But at the last moment, she turned her face away again.

Ethan stopped, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Then he heard her voice, soft but firm.

"I… I'm a mother… I have two children… I can't do this, young master."

Silence.

For the first time, Ethan paused.

A moment later, he slowly pulled back.

His grip on her wrists loosened. Then, he let go entirely.

Janifer inhaled sharply, realizing he was actually letting her go.

She should have felt relief.

But she didn't.

Instead, a strange wave of disappointment and regret twisted in her chest.

Why… why am I feeling like this?

Before she could process it, Ethan suddenly grabbed her shoulders and pulled her up—straight into his bare chest.

"—!"

Her eyes widened as she found herself in his embrace.

But this time… there was no lust.

His hands didn't roam. He didn't try to seduce her again.

He simply held her.

Warmth. Steady. Comforting.

She could hear his heartbeat beneath her cheek, strong and unwavering.

Baffled and confused, she barely had time to react before he spoke again.

"So what?"

She blinked. "Huh…?"

Ethan's voice was soft but firm. "Why does it matter if you have kids? So what?"

She stared at him, not understanding.

"Does having children mean you can't find happiness?" His grip tightened. "Does having children mean you're not human anymore?"

His words made her tremble.

"Does having children mean you don't have the right to be loved?"

Something inside her shook.

Her heart pounded against her ribs.

Ethan looked her straight in the eye.

"No matter what—you are still Janifer."

Her breath caught.

He knows my name…

"You are an incredible woman. You don't have to endure more pain. You have the right to be happy. It's not a crime—it's your choice."

Tears welled up in her eyes.

Her heart fluttered in a way it never had before.

Slowly… as if moving on instinct, her arms wrapped around Ethan.

She buried her face into his chest, her shoulders shaking as silent sobs escaped her lips.

For the first time in a long time—she felt understood.

Ethan said nothing. He simply held her, his warmth engulfing her completely.

Time passed in quiet solace, the only sound in the room being her soft cries and his steady heartbeat.

Finally, as her sobs quieted, she whispered, "Thank you, young master."

Ethan remained silent, but his grip on her tightened ever so slightly.

Then—he moved.

His hands shifted, lifting her effortlessly as he pulled her into his lap.

Janifer didn't resist.

Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist.

She could feel him beneath her, his arousal pressing against her warmth.

She pulled back slightly, her breathing uneven.

Ethan's hands slid down, gripping her bottom and giving it a firm squeeze.

This time—she didn't resist.

Their eyes met.

A silent understanding passed between them.

Her hesitation melted away.

This time, it wasn't just Ethan leaning in.

Janifer moved too.

Just as their lips were about to meet—

"Yelp—!"

Both of them froze.

Their heads snapped toward the door.

A young maid stood there, her hands clamped over her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

Silence.

Janifer's heart dropped.