Song of the Quiet Flame

Elaine had not really reacted yet.

Jasper's new flame looked a bit shell-shocked, rapidly blinking as she took in the scene.

The young girl's face was on the verge of tears, oblivious to the fact that she was the other woman. She held the man's hand, her voice trembling as she said, "Mr. Carter, I...I didn't realize you had... I should go."

Elaine had seen her fair share of delicate, helpless girls who played the innocent act, but ones as heartbreakingly pitiful as her? Those were rare.

She stood with her arms folded, watching them, a smirk playing on her lips.

Jasper caught her eye, paused, and calmly said, "No need to worry. Mrs. Carter is quite understanding."

He looked at her for confirmation. "Isn't that right?"

Elaine's reply was laced with sarcasm, "Mr. Carter, since when do I have a say in your matters?"

Jasper's smile was sharp, his tone biting as he said, "Elaine, you're finally getting the picture."

Elaine's role as a wife felt like a cruel joke.

Yet, she could not quite bring herself to laugh.

She still could not fathom how Jasper's feelings had turned so distant, so fast.

Once upon a time, a single tear from her would have Jasper beside himself with concern.

However, Jasper was not about to waste any more time. He turned to the girl and said, "Come on, let's go upstairs."

Before leaving, he threw a parting shot over his shoulder. "Mrs. Carter, enjoy yourself. Have a good time."

Elaine's retort was swift. "Oh, I plan to. I'm here for a room too."

Jasper halted, giving her a long, penetrating look. "Really? Seems like you're in for some good fortune, too."

The conversation took a turn. "You can't just grab the first thing coming your way when starving. You've got to be picky."

Elaine could not read whether Jasper bought her story, but his nonchalant shrug sent a chill through her.

He seemed utterly indifferent.

It might have meant he did not love her anymore.

However, Elaine was not ready to throw in the towel just yet. "Jasper, do you really not care at all?"

He paused, then replied dismissively, "Yeah, whatever makes you happy."

Her heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice grip. Elaine was gasping for air, feeling the life being crushed out of her.

Jasper wrapped his arm around Lucy Chapman, and they disappeared into the elevator, heading upstairs.

Elaine's fingers were white-knuckled, her eyes burned with unshed tears. Then, her phone broke the silence.

The man's voice was a deep, pleasing baritone, tinged with a cool, magnetic edge.

"Elaine, the room number," he said, all business.

She bit her lip and replied, "5208."

Then, she said, "Come over."

She had not lied to Jasper—she had plans of her own.

She had not been ready before that, but her resolve was ironclad.

Riding the elevator up, Elaine realized the top floor was the 52nd floor. A memory flashed—Lucy's room card, number 5209.

Right next door.

Elaine swiped her card and stepped into her room.

The executive suite was spacious and flooded with light, and the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows was nothing short of stunning.

Elaine tried calling Jasper, but he did not pick up, so she just let the call drop.

Clutching her phone, she felt a wave of numbness wash over her.

Behind her, the door chimed, and footsteps grew louder as they neared.

Suddenly, her phone was plucked from her grasp by the man behind her and tossed aside with an indifferent flick of his wrist.

He gripped her wrist tightly, pinning her against the window.

She looked down, his warm breath on her ear sending shivers down her spine.

"Been waiting long, my dear?" he murmured.