Chapter 18: A New Beginning,A New Threat

The cold morning air bit into Jane's skin as she clutched Jack's hand, her heart pounding with every hurried step away from the Lawrence estate.

She could barely believe what had just happened.

Jack had chosen her.

He had defied his mother, humiliated Olivia, and risked everything—his wealth, his name, his future—to be with her.

But was it truly over?

Would Margaret let them go so easily?

Would Olivia accept defeat?

Or had their fight only just begun?

---

Running into the Unknown

Jack led Jane through the quiet streets of town, his grip firm but gentle. He didn't speak, but Jane could feel the tension radiating from him.

Every now and then, Jack glanced over his shoulder, making sure they weren't being followed. The town was still asleep, the streets dimly lit by the soft glow of dawn.

Jane's heart raced, not just from fear, but from the sheer disbelief that Jack was truly by her side. He had abandoned the world he knew, the wealth and status that came with the Lawrence name, all for her—a simple maid.

Finally, when they reached the edge of town, near a secluded inn that looked old and forgotten, Jack pulled her to a stop.

"Jane." His voice was rough with emotion.

She looked up, her eyes filled with worry. "Jack, what are we going to do?"

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his tousled hair. "We leave. We start over. Somewhere far away from them."

Jane's heart ached.

As much as she wanted to escape, she couldn't.

"My father…" she whispered. "I can't just leave him behind."

Jack's jaw clenched, as if he had been expecting that answer.

"I know," he said quietly. "Then we'll get him out too. I swear it."

Jane searched his face for any hint of hesitation, but all she found was fierce determination.

Her eyes softened as she nodded. "Okay."

Jack cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a tear she hadn't realized had fallen.

"I won't let them take you from me again."

Jane's breath hitched.

She believed him.

She had to.

---

Margaret's Fury

Back at the Lawrence estate, the air was thick with tension.

Margaret paced furiously in the grand drawing room, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

"Gone," she hissed, her eyes burning with rage. "He ran away with that maid."

Olivia sat stiffly across from her, her expression pale with shock and barely concealed fury.

"We should have stopped him when we had the chance," Olivia muttered through clenched teeth.

Margaret shot her a sharp glare. "Don't be foolish. Jack may be blinded by passion, but he won't last long out there. He has no real plan. He's running on emotion, not logic."

Olivia's lips tightened. "But what if he never comes back?"

Margaret's eyes narrowed. "Oh, he will come back. And when he does, he will regret ever laying eyes on that girl."

A slow, wicked smile spread across Olivia's lips.

She had lost Jack for now.

But not forever.

Margaret would make sure of that.

---

A Temporary Haven

The small inn on the outskirts of town was far from the luxury Jack was used to, but for the first time in his life, he felt free.

Inside their dimly lit room, Jane sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting together in her lap.

Jack crouched in front of her, his gaze softening. "Talk to me."

Jane hesitated before letting out a shaky breath. "I'm scared, Jack."

Jack reached for her hands, threading their fingers together. "I know," he admitted quietly. "So am I."

Jane blinked in surprise. "You are?"

Jack let out a dry chuckle. "Jane, I just abandoned my entire life for you. If I wasn't scared, I'd be insane."

Jane managed a weak smile. "You are insane."

Jack grinned. "Only for you."

Despite the fear and uncertainty that hung between them, Jane felt a warmth spread through her chest.

Even in the chaos, he could still make her smile.

And that meant everything.

---

Margaret's Next Move

Margaret wasted no time.

By the next morning, whispers spread through the town like wildfire—

Jack Lawrence, heir to the Lawrence fortune, had run away with a maid.

The scandal shook the elite society, but Margaret cared little for gossip.

She had already sent her most trusted men to track them down.

But Margaret knew Jack.

He wouldn't abandon Jane's father.

If she couldn't bring Jane back...

She would bring her father to her.

And Jack would have no choice but to return.

---

Jack's Promise

That night, Jack sat at the small wooden table in their room, staring into the dying embers of the fireplace.

Jane had fallen asleep, curled beneath the thin blankets, her face peaceful despite the storm they were facing.

Jack couldn't sleep.

He knew his mother too well.

She wouldn't let this go.

And Olivia...

He clenched his fists at the thought of her deceit.

Jack had spent his entire life trapped in a world of greed, manipulation, and control.

But not anymore.

He wouldn't lose Jane.

Not now.

Not ever.

---

A Dangerous Turn

The faint light of dawn filtered through the cracked window as Jane stirred awake.

She found Jack pacing near the window, his expression tense and distant.

"Jack?" she murmured.

He turned, forcing a soft smile. "We need to leave soon. I don't trust that my mother won't try something."

Jane sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "But where will we go?"

Jack hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

"I have an idea," he said slowly. "There's a small village further west. We can hide there until we figure out how to get your father out."

Jane nodded, her heart pounding.

Suddenly, loud knocking echoed through the small inn room.

Jane's breath caught in her throat.

Jack was on his feet instantly, stepping in front of her protectively.

Another knock.

And then—

A familiar voice.

"Jack Lawrence, open this door. We need to talk."

Jack's stomach dropped.

He knew that voice.

It was his father.