Chapter 44: Chapter 44.

Jane's POV.

Leaving the apartment, I took a taxi, but I wasn't going back to the court or to Ethan's home.

The taxi pulled up at the familiar gates, and I stepped out.

Sucking in a deep breath, I pressed on the bell.

The gate opened and the security stepped out. Seeing me, he gave a slight bow, "ma'am."

He stepped aside, giving me room to enter.

Everything is just as it is, nothing has changed. Well it shouldn't. It's just last night I didn't spend here so it's still too quick for things to change.

As I walked in, the staff gave their respect.

"I'm going to need your help, please, come with me," I said to the staff in the living room.

Without any words, they followed me upstairs to the bedroom.

I opened the door to the bedroom, and I paused. My feet were hesitant to take any step further. Memories flooded into my head— lonely nights, a wife seeking her husband's attention, our chaotic last moments together.

I brushed them all aside and walked in, the staff following closely behind me.

"Pack them all up..." I ordered. "...my things."

I saw the hesitation in their faces but they didn't have a choice but to obey me. They began packing up my things while I watched them.

"There's a taxi outside, put the things in it," I instructed.

I had booked the taxi for the whole evening so everything was perfectly put in place.

Soon, I got hungry. Actually, I had been hungry all along from the apartment but I tried to bear it so I could finish up the evening as quick as possible, but now, I don't think I can pull through any longer.

I made my way to the kitchen, and thought of what to put together quickly to feed my stomach.

Finally, I settled on instant noodles, and fried eggs. The chef in the kitchen offered to help me out with the meal, but I turned down his offer.

I put the cooker on, and got cooking. In less than five minutes, the meal was ready. Serving it out into a plate, I went to the fridge, and took out a cold bottle of orange juice.

I took the plate and settled at the small kitchen island, twirling the noodles absently before taking a bite.

The taste was… normal, simple, nothing special. But somehow, it dragged something out of me, a memory.

I paused mid-bite, my gaze unfocused as the past forced its way in.

It was that very unexpected day when Adrian had decided to cook. I almost scoffed at the thought.

I remembered walking in that day, the sharp smell of something burnt hitting my nose instantly. Smoke filled the air, the chef standing helplessly at the corner while Adrian— Adrian of all people stood at the center of it. And in the end? The food was terrible, absolutely terrible. I didn't even taste it.

A quiet breath slipped past my lips. I took another bite of my noodles. This… was better, much better, and yet my chest felt tight.

"Ridiculous," I muttered under my breath. Why was I even remembering that?

Finishing the last bite, I pushed the plate away and stood up. Just as I rinsed it, one of the staff appeared at the kitchen entrance. "Ma’am, we’re done packing."

I nodded. "Good."

No hesitation this time, no looking back.

The taxi ride to my new apartment felt longer than before, probably because this time, I wasn’t just going somewhere… I was leaving something behind for real.

When we arrived, I stepped out, watching as my boxes were carried upstairs one after the other.

It didn’t take long. There weren’t that many things. Not from a life that was supposed to mean everything.

Inside, I stood in the middle of the empty living room, now filled with boxes. "Just start," I murmured to myself, and I did.

I began unpacking, arranging, folding, placing things where they should be.

It felt strange. No maids, no instructions, no one waiting for my next order, just me.

By the time I was done, the sky had darkened slightly, and the apartment finally looked… lived in.

Mine.

I sank onto the couch, exhaling deeply, and then my stomach growled.

I blinked. "Seriously?"

I let out a small, tired laugh. Of course, there was nothing here yet. No groceries, no snacks, nothing.

I pushed myself up, reaching for my phone and bag. "I’ll just get a few things," I muttered.

Locking the door behind me, I turned toward the stairs.

My phone buzzed in my hand with a notification. Absentmindedly, I glanced at the screen, and froze.

Breaking News: Billionaire CEO Adrian Blackwood steps down temporarily due to sudden illness.

My brows furrowed instantly. Illness?

My fingers tightened slightly around the phone. What illness?

I didn’t know him to be sick, not once, not even a sign.

A strange feeling stirred in my chest, something between confusion and concern. But why should I care?

I exhaled sharply, locking my phone. "It’s none of my business," I said firmly.

Yes, it wasn’t. Whatever was happening in his life had nothing to do with me anymore.

I took a step forward, and then my body collided with something… no, someone, a firm chest. Warm... familiar scent... my breath caught.

Hands instinctively reached out, gripping my arms to steady me before I could fall.

My heart skipped because I knew that touch.

Slowly, painfully slowly, I looked up, and my world stilled.