Chapter 254
Evadne disappeared into the bathroom, washing away the day's exhaustion. She changed into a fresh dress, hoping the night air would clear her thoughts.
That memory haunted her - Jason on his knees, tenderly wiping spilled wine from her feet before everyone. His devotion had always been unwavering.
But after that soul-searing embrace, she couldn't meet his gaze anymore. Their childhood bond had shifted into something she couldn't recognize.
Was she just a sister figure to him? Or had his heart harbored deeper desires all along?
The weight of it suffocated her.
"Miss Evadne?"
She startled at Jason's voice. He stood rigidly nearby, complexion pale. "You're still awake?" she asked.
"I was concerned about you." His throat worked as he stepped closer. "It's been a week. Why won't you let me resume my duties?"
"Because you needed time to think." She spun lightly, leaning against the wall. "Well? Have you reached a conclusion?"
His confession came in a tremble. "I love you. Hate me if you must, but you can't stop these feelings. I never expected reciprocation, but is loving someone a crime?"
Her eyes sharpened.
"My feelings won't overstep," he continued with forced brightness. "I know my place."
"You've done nothing wrong," she said bitterly. If unrequited love was sin, then her heartbreak with Thaddeus made her the greatest sinner.
"The part of me that could love is dead, Jason. Find someone who can return your affections."
She'd shattered countless hearts, yet gentleness softened her words for him.
"You'll find real love too," Jason choked out, eyes reddening.
"Foolishness doesn't bear repeating." She waved dismissively. "Money never betrays you. Long live solitude!"
"Then may I return to your service?" His earnest gaze pleaded. "This week's idleness has been torture."
She extended her hand regally. "Serve your queen, knight."
Joy ignited his features. Instead of kneeling, he bowed and pressed a reverent kiss to her knuckles. "My life is yours to command."
Their shared smile spoke volumes.
In the shadows, Nydia stood frozen. Each beat of her heart sent fresh agony through her chest. She'd thought herself resigned to Jason's devotion to her sister.
Witnessing this intimacy shattered that illusion. Tears streamed silently as she retreated into darkness. Nothing compared to watching the man you love cherish another.
"Speaking of which," Evadne flicked Jason's forehead, "what possessed you tonight? Switching sides so dramatically? Cedric's your brother - you can't disregard family for my sake."
"Your stance is mine," he stated firmly.
"Such brotherly devotion!" She teased, arms crossed.
"Miss Evadne!" He flushed, recalling Emeric's public acknowledgment of him. "That was merely Chairman Emeric pressuring Cedric! I'd be delusional to take it seriously!"
"Underestimate Emeric at your peril. His word is law. Though unscrupulous, he'd never use family as pawns." She patted his shoulder. "Relax - being an honorary son beats bastard status, no?"
Jason nearly choked.
Meanwhile, Nydia stumbled through the mansion's labyrinthine halls. Alcohol and anguish blurred her vision. The sprawling estate had become a maze.
"Jason," she whispered between ragged breaths.
Her foot caught. As she pitched forward, strong hands steadied her. Even through her haze, his resemblance to Jason made her pulse race.
"Careful, Miss Nydia."
"Jason..."
A chuckle. "I'm Cedric. Jason's brother."
The realization sobered her instantly. "Let go of me."