Chapter 6:A line crossed

The days that followed Olivia's warning left Jane uneasy. She had always been careful, always known her place within the walls of the Lawrence estate. But ever since Jack Lawrence had begun noticing her, speaking to her, seeking her out, it felt as though her world was shifting beneath her feet.

She tried to keep her distance. She avoided the grand hallways, the rose garden, and the library where Jack often spent his time. She made herself small, quiet, invisible. But it did not matter—Jack found her anyway.

And worse, she found herself wanting to be found.

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A Chance Encounter

It was a quiet afternoon when Jane carried a silver tray of tea through the dimly lit hallway, heading toward Mrs. Lawrence's sitting room. The scent of roses and polished wood filled the air as she stepped carefully, making sure not to spill a drop of the expensive tea.

She turned the corner—only to collide with something solid.

The tray tilted dangerously, but before disaster could strike, a firm hand shot out and steadied it.

Jane's breath hitched as she looked up and met Jack Lawrence's intense gaze.

His hand still rested on the side of the tray, his fingers brushing against hers. The warmth of his skin sent an unfamiliar shiver through her.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Jack was the first to break the silence, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "We must stop meeting like this."

Jane quickly stepped back, gripping the tray tightly. "Forgive me, sir."

Jack's eyes darkened with something she couldn't quite name. "You always say that."

Jane swallowed hard. "It is the proper thing to say."

Jack smirked. "And yet, I think you only say it to avoid saying something else."

Her heart pounded violently against her chest. She needed to end this conversation before it spiraled into dangerous territory.

"I should go. Your mother is expecting her tea," she murmured.

Jack took a step closer, blocking her path. "Tell me the truth, Jane. Do you wish I would leave you alone?"

Jane's throat went dry.

Yes. That was what she should say. That was the only way to protect herself.

But her silence stretched between them, betraying her true feelings.

Jack's eyes softened. "I thought so."

Before she could respond, the sound of a door opening down the hall shattered the fragile moment.

Jane stepped back in panic, lowering her gaze.

Jack hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but instead, he simply murmured, "Be careful, Jane."

And with that, he walked away, leaving her breathless and trembling.

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A Growing Threat

Jane forced herself to focus on her duties, but her mind remained trapped in that brief encounter.

Jack's words echoed in her head, stirring emotions she had long buried. But with those emotions came fear—fear of what Olivia and Mrs. Lawrence would do if they discovered the truth.

As she returned to the kitchen, Susan, the head maid, pulled her aside.

"You must be careful, Jane," Susan warned in a hushed voice.

Jane's heart skipped a beat. "Why?"

Susan glanced around to make sure no one was listening. "Miss Olivia has been asking about you. She's noticed Jack's attention."

Jane's face paled.

"I've worked in this house for years," Susan continued. "I know what women like Olivia are capable of when they feel threatened."

"I've done nothing wrong," Jane whispered.

Susan's eyes were filled with quiet pity. "It won't matter. They will find a way to blame you. Mark my words."

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The Confrontation

That evening, as Jane carried fresh sheets up the grand staircase, she turned a corner and found herself face-to-face with Olivia.

The other woman did not move aside.

Jane lowered her gaze. "Forgive me, Miss Olivia."

Olivia's eyes narrowed as she stepped closer. "I warned you, didn't I?"

Jane stiffened. "I do not understand."

"Oh, I think you do," Olivia said with a cold smile. "Do you truly believe Jack cares for you? That you're something more than a fleeting distraction?"

Jane remained silent, her heart hammering against her ribs.

Olivia's expression darkened. "Let me tell you what will happen, maid. When Jack grows bored of you—and he will—you will be cast out like filth. No respectable household will hire you. And your sick father? He will die in poverty."

Jane's breath caught in her throat as fear gripped her chest.

"I will ruin you," Olivia hissed, her eyes burning with hatred. "Unless you end this now."

With that, Olivia turned on her heel and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Jane trembling with fear and helplessness.

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A Heart in Turmoil

That night, Jane lay awake on her small, uncomfortable bed in the servants' quarters.

Her mind raced with Olivia's cruel words.

She thought of her father, weak and fragile, depending on her wages to survive.

She thought of Jack—his smile, his gentle touch, the way he looked at her as if she were more than a simple maid.

But was it all an illusion?

Would he truly risk his family's fortune and reputation for her? Or would he, like every other rich man, eventually discard her when the thrill faded?

Her heart ached with longing and fear.

For her father's sake, she could not afford to be foolish.

Tomorrow, she would find Jack.

And she would tell him—once and for all—that whatever feelings they shared had to end.