The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

The realisation of what she had done began to dawn on Camille as Jane’s eyes brimmed with tears. A chill ran through her chest, the weight of her mistake pressing heavily upon her. She had made a grave error, one she needed to mend swiftly.

"Jane," Camille said, lowering her hand, her voice trembling with urgency. "I didn’t mean to. You insulted my marriage, so I acted as I would with anyone else. You must understand me."

Jane stepped back as Camille reached out, her hand hovering in the air like a shadow she wanted no part of.

Camille’s first words were not an apology for striking her, but excuses for her actions.

"Jane, dear. I didn’t mean to. Let me see your cheek. You must understand that you cannot go around speaking about others’ marriages," Camille pressed, her fingers twitching as though desperate to touch Jane’s face.

"But you were speaking about Damien’s marriage. That is all you have been focused on. I know it wasn’t my place to speak on your marriage, but it did not demand that you slap me," Jane said, her voice breaking with hurt. "I have never been struck, and neither have your children."

"Well, my children know how to behave-"

"No, they don’t," Jane cut in. "They misbehave each time I am there, and all you do is punish the servants who happen to be nearby instead of your children. That would never happen here, and that is why I want to stay at the estate."

"Jane, I love you, but do not act as though you are not spoiled," Camille said, her hand lowering slowly.

"I am spoiled," Jane admitted with raw honesty. "I know that I am spoiled, but I know how to treat the servants here. Damien would never have allowed me to mistreat anyone who serves me. I know how I am, but I am afraid you don’t see how you are."

"I can now admit that I have many faults, but you think you are always right. Well, you are not," Jane said, lifting her head as she took a stand against Camille. "You don’t raise your children. The servants do. I was raised by my brothers, and yes, there were times I felt left out, but I would rather be here."

"Jane, do not make a spectacle of yourself now. I remember all the days you spoke of not wanting to be here because there wasn’t a lady-"

"And now there is a lady!" Jane exclaimed, her voice echoing around them. "My wish has been granted, so why try to take me away now?"

"I told you before that it is impolite to interrupt someone speaking. I have taught you better than this. I don’t regret slapping you because you needed it to wake up. I see now more than ever that you need to be taken away from this estate," Camille said, her decision backed by Jane’s antics.

Jane stared at Camille before moving around her with determination.

"Jane? Jane!" Camille cried, panic rising in her voice as she worried Jane would run to her brother. "Do not walk away from me when I am speaking to you."

Jane quickened her pace, desperate to escape Camille’s suffocating presence. She returned to where she had last seen Quinn, but he was already gone.

Her pulse raced as she glanced back, checking how close Camille was.

"Jane!" Camille called, her voice echoing down the stairwell as she clutched the sides of her dress, rushing to catch Jane.

Jane didn’t stop. Her heart ached with longing for Damien’s presence, as he would have sent Camille away without hesitation. She kept her distance as she searched for Quinn.

At last, Jane stumbled upon Kyle.

"What are you two doing? Playing a game?" Kyle asked lightly, but his expression shifted when he saw Jane’s tear-stained face. "Jane? What happened?"

Without waiting for her answer, Kyle guided her behind him, shielding her from Camille’s reach. His hand squeezed hers gently.

"Aunt Camille. It is lovely to see you, but I need an explanation for Jane’s tears. What has happened?" Kyle demanded, but his voice was calm.

Camille sighed. "Nothing. She is merely overreacting."

"She struck me on my cheek," Jane whispered.

.

Kyle’s eyes narrowed. "You struck her? Please tell me that it isn’t so. You know that wouldn’t be a very wise move on your part."

"Jane was out of line when speaking about my marriage, so I gave her a little smack. Nothing that warrants her running away from me. I want to finish my talk with her, so if you could step out of the way," Camille said, stepping closer.

"That isn’t going to happen. If Jane speaks about your marriage, then scold her with words, not by striking her. I wouldn’t go into your home and strike your children for misbehaving," Kyle retorted.

"Jane is not your child. She is your sister," Camille countered.

"Yes, my little sister. She doesn’t have to be my child for me to be protective of her. Being my little sister is enough. Your husband would have a fit if I walked into your home and struck your daughter. It wouldn’t be my place to do it, just as it isn’t your place," Kyle said, angry that Camille didn’t see her fault.

Kyle glanced back at Jane, his tone softening as he said, "Return to your chamber, Jane. I shall take it from here."

Camille stepped forward. "I am not yet done speaking to her."

"Perhaps, but she is done. You are not going to slap her and have your way," Kyle replied firmly.

Jane turned and walked away, relieved that she didn’t need to speak any longer

"I think you are done here for the day. Were you acting out of order because Damien isn’t here? You do know that he will return, don’t you? This won’t remain a secret from him," Kyle said as his hands were tied.

"I don’t fear Damien learning about it because Jane was in the wrong. She needs to be taught manners, which is precisely why I want her to come live with me. What is so funny?" Camille asked, her voice rising with irritation at Kyle’s smirk.

"I am well aware that you have always asked to raise Jane, but Damien has denied you time and time again. After you have struck Jane, what makes you so certain he would allow you to take her?" Kyle asked.

"Jane needs a lady in her life."

"She has Eloise. If you came around more often, you would see that the pair are doing well. Whatever unease was felt at the start of Damien’s marriage has now passed. We are all a family here, so you have no place to interrupt it," Kyle said, ready to send Camille away.

"I’ve always adored you because you were a motherly figure, but before I lose my temper, I advise you to get out of the estate."