Chapter 17: Nowhere to Run

Jane's breath hitched as she stared up at Jack, her wrist trapped in his firm grip. His blue eyes burned with anger, frustration, and something deeper—something raw.

She yanked her arm back, but he didn't let go.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jack's voice was low, rough with emotion.

Jane swallowed hard, glancing at the small bag in her hand. She had hoped to slip away unnoticed, but she should have known Jack would find her.

"I have to leave," she whispered, forcing her voice to stay steady.

Jack's grip tightened just slightly before he let go. He exhaled sharply, raking a hand through his already tousled hair.

"Why?" His voice was softer now, pleading. "Why are you running, Jane?"

Jane looked away.

Because Margaret and Olivia would never let her stay.

Because no matter how much she loved Jack, their love was doomed.

Because her heart couldn't take the pain any longer.

"Jack, please," she said, her voice breaking. "Let me go."

Jack stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "No."

Jane's head snapped up.

Jack's jaw was tight, his expression set with determination. "I won't let you walk away from me. Not like this."

Tears stung her eyes. "What choice do I have? Your mother hates me, Olivia is carrying your child, and—"

"I don't believe Olivia." Jack's voice was sharp, firm. "I confronted her. She refused to see a doctor."

Jane's breath caught. "She—"

"She's lying, Jane." Jack's gaze burned into hers. "And I'll prove it."

Jane wanted to believe him.

God, she wanted to.

But doubt still lingered. "And what if you can't?" she whispered.

Jack cupped her face, his touch achingly gentle. "Then I'll fight for you anyway."

A sob escaped her lips.

She wanted to stay.

But fear held her back.

"I can't," she whispered.

Jack flinched as if she had struck him. His hands dropped to his sides, and for the first time, true pain flashed across his face.

"Fine." His voice was hollow.

Jane felt the loss instantly, like the world had gone cold.

Jack turned away, his shoulders tense.

"If you want to leave so badly," he said quietly, "then go."

Jane's hands trembled around her bag.

This was her chance.

She should run.

She had to.

But her feet refused to move.

Jack didn't look back as he walked away.

And this time, he didn't chase her.

The Trap Tightens

Margaret watched from the shadows as Jane stood frozen in the hallway, her small bag clutched tightly.

A cruel smile played on her lips.

Good.

The foolish girl was finally realizing that she didn't belong here.

Margaret had been patient, had allowed Jane to entertain her little fantasy with Jack for far too long. But enough was enough.

It was time to end this.

She turned and disappeared down the corridor.

Tomorrow, Jane would be gone for good.

A Desperate Plea

Jane barely slept that night.

She lay awake, Jack's words playing over and over in her mind.

She had hurt him.

Again.

But wasn't it better this way?

Wasn't it kinder to break his heart now rather than let him waste his future on a poor maid?

As dawn approached, she forced herself to sit up. She had made her choice. She couldn't waver now.

But just as she was about to stand, the door to her small room burst open.

Susan, the head maid, rushed in, her face pale with urgency.

"Jane!"

Jane shot to her feet. "Susan? What—"

"You have to leave. Now."

Jane's stomach twisted. "What's wrong?"

Susan grabbed her hand. "Margaret knows you were trying to leave last night. She's furious. I heard her speaking to one of the guards—she's planning to have you thrown out today."

Jane's blood ran cold.

No.

Not like this.

She couldn't let Margaret win.

She had to leave before they could force her out.

Grabbing her bag, she nodded. "Let's go."

They slipped through the servants' hall, their steps quick and silent.

But just as they reached the back entrance—

A voice stopped them cold.

"Going somewhere?"

Jane's heart nearly stopped.

Margaret stood at the doorway, arms crossed, her expression dark with triumph.

Behind her, two guards loomed.

Jane's stomach clenched.

She was trapped.

Jack's Fury

Jack had barely slept.

Jane's rejection haunted him.

He had been ready to fight for her.

But she had walked away.

Still, something wasn't right.

Margaret had been too smug the night before. And Olivia—Olivia's refusal to see a doctor only solidified his suspicions.

He needed to act.

Now.

Throwing on his coat, he stormed downstairs. He needed to find Jane.

But when he reached the servants' quarters—

She was gone.

Panic slammed into him.

No.

Not again.

He turned on the nearest servant. "Where is she?"

The young girl trembled under his gaze. "I—I don't know, sir—"

Jack's hands clenched into fists. "Find out."

He spun on his heel, heading straight for the one person who would know.

His mother.

Jane's Last Chance

Margaret's eyes glittered with satisfaction as Jane stood frozen in place.

"This little game is over," Margaret said coolly. "You've had your fun. But it's time to accept the truth."

Jane swallowed hard. "And what truth is that?"

Margaret stepped closer, her presence suffocating. "That you don't belong here. That Jack is not your future. And that if you know what's good for you, you'll leave and never come back."

Jane's hands trembled.

She had known this moment was coming.

But that didn't make it any easier.

Margaret smiled coldly. "I've arranged for a carriage. You'll be taken far from here. I suggest you don't resist."

Jane's heart pounded.

This was it.

Her final chance to fight.

Or to surrender.

Jack's Arrival

Jack stormed into the grand hall just as Margaret was preparing to have Jane dragged away.

His fury was like a storm, his presence commanding.

Margaret turned, her expression momentarily faltering. "Jack—"

"Let her go."

His voice was lethal.

The guards hesitated.

Margaret's expression darkened. "Jack, be reasonable—"

Jack ignored her. He stepped forward, his eyes locked onto Jane's.

"Come with me." His voice was steady, unwavering.

Jane's heart twisted.

If she left with him now, there would be no going back.

Margaret scoffed. "You can't be serious."

Jack turned to his mother, his gaze ice-cold. "I am."

Margaret's nostrils flared. "And what will you do, Jack? Defy me? Throw away everything for her?"

Jack didn't hesitate.

"Yes."

A stunned silence fell over the room.

Jane's breath caught.

Jack held out his hand. "Jane."

She stared at him, her mind spinning.

If she took his hand, she was choosing him.

Forever.

Her heart pounded.

And then—

She reached for him.

Jack pulled her to his side, holding her close.

Margaret's face twisted with rage. "You'll regret this."

Jack's jaw tightened. "No. I won't."

And with that—

He led Jane out of the estate.

Straight into the unknown.