Chapter 7: Stay Away

The morning light filtered through the high windows of the Lawrence estate, casting golden streaks across the polished floors. Jane's resolve had hardened overnight—she had to put a stop to this. She could not risk her position, her father's well-being, or her own heart for Jack Lawrence's fleeting attention.

But as she stepped into the grand hallway, her stomach twisted.

Jack was already waiting.

---

A Dangerous Conversation

Jane had intended to seek him out, to tell him firmly that whatever interest he had in her had to end. But now, standing before him, she found herself hesitating.

Jack leaned against one of the tall columns, his arms crossed over his chest. His dark blue waistcoat fit him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and strong frame. Yet, it was not his appearance that unsettled Jane—it was the intensity in his eyes, as if he could see through her very soul.

"You've been avoiding me again," Jack said softly.

Jane swallowed and lowered her gaze. "I need to speak with you, sir."

Jack arched a brow. "Sir? You didn't call me that the last time we spoke."

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "That was a mistake."

Jack's expression darkened slightly. "Was it?"

Jane felt her heart pounding violently against her ribs. She had rehearsed this conversation in her mind countless times, yet standing before him now, her carefully crafted words seemed to vanish.

"It does not matter," she murmured. "I cannot continue this… whatever this is between us."

Jack pushed off the column and took a slow step toward her. "Tell me the truth, Jane. Are you afraid of Olivia?"

Jane's eyes widened in panic. "You must not speak of such things. If anyone hears—"

"I don't care what anyone hears," Jack interrupted, his tone firm. "I care about you."

Her breath caught.

No. This could not happen.

"You shouldn't," Jane whispered.

Jack's jaw tightened as he took another step closer, closing the space between them. "Why are you so determined to push me away? Is it because of them? My mother? Olivia?"

Jane squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the tears that threatened to fall.

"I'm a maid, Jack. You're the son of this house. Your world and mine… they are not the same."

"I don't care about that," Jack said, his voice filled with frustration. "I know what I feel. Do you?"

Jane felt her chest tighten with longing.

Of course, she felt something—something that scared her more than anything. But her love for him would only lead to ruin.

"Please," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I beg you to stop this. For both our sakes."

Jack stared at her, hurt flickering in his eyes.

"If that is truly what you want…" he said quietly.

Jane couldn't speak.

She couldn't lie and say she didn't want him.

Her silence was enough of an answer.

Jack's eyes lingered on her face for a moment longer before he finally turned and walked away.

The sound of his footsteps echoed through the empty corridor, each step feeling like a dagger in her heart.

Jane pressed a hand to her mouth, stifling the sob that threatened to escape.

She had done what she had to.

So why did it feel like she had lost everything?

---

The Fallout

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Jane forced herself to focus on her duties, scrubbing floors, polishing silver, and changing linens. She kept her head down and her hands busy, hoping that physical labor would numb the ache in her chest.

But no matter how hard she worked, Jack's face lingered in her mind.

By late afternoon, whispers had already begun to spread among the servants. Jane heard the snide remarks, saw the judgmental glances from the other maids. They all knew Jack had been paying her attention, and now they believed she had been foolish enough to reject him.

It was worse when she passed by Susan in the hallway. The older maid's eyes softened with sympathy.

"You did the right thing, child," Susan murmured. "Men like Jack Lawrence don't marry girls like us. You've saved yourself from heartbreak."

But Jane didn't feel saved.

She felt broken.

---

Olivia's Victory

That evening, as Jane finished sweeping the corridor near the grand staircase, she heard the soft click of heels against the marble floor.

Olivia.

The woman's smile was cold and triumphant as she approached Jane.

"I see you've finally come to your senses," Olivia said, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Jane lowered her head. "I wish only to do my work, Miss Olivia."

Olivia let out a soft laugh. "You poor, foolish girl. Did you really think someone like Jack could love you? You're nothing more than a passing amusement to him."

Jane clenched her jaw, fighting back tears.

Olivia leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Stay in your place, maid. And pray that I don't grow tired of seeing you here. Otherwise, I'll make sure you're cast out with nowhere to go."

With that, Olivia turned and glided away, her gown sweeping behind her like the shadow of a predator.

Jane gripped the broom handle tightly, her knuckles turning white.

She had done what was right.

She had protected herself and her father.

But why did it feel as if she'd lost the very thing that made her feel alive?

---

A Heart in Turmoil

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

The other maids snored softly around her, but sleep would not come for Jane.

Her mind replayed every moment with Jack—the way he looked at her, the way his touch lingered, the way his voice softened when he spoke her name.

She longed for him, but the fear of losing everything held her captive.

Her father needed her. If she lost this position, they would have nowhere to go.

And Jack… he was from a world that would never accept her.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she buried her face in the pillow.

"This is for the best," she whispered to herself.

But deep down, she knew her heart would never be the same.