A Call That Changed Her Entire Life

It took a few seconds for the maidservant to respond. She was delighted by Emily's pallid face. Hiding a smile of glee, she turned to Jacob and asked in a servile manner, "Sir, finally you have returned. Please may I take your coat to hang it up for you?"

Jacob didn't respond kindly, but threw the coat at her instead.

Unperturbed with his disregard, the maid still fawned over him. She felt blessed to be able to serve him. Taking his coat, she proudly handled it like a precious treasure which she had been entrusted with.

Gloating, she cast Emily a shrewd glance before leaving the room. Her eyes were filled with scorn and contempt.

Happily she thought that Jacob didn't care for Emily at all. It seemed that she had fallen out of favor with him. Simply being the mother of his child was not enough to secure Emily a position.

She smiled gleefully and began planing what she could do next.

Realizing that Jacob must have heard her speaking to Emily just now, and that he had not taken her to task about her attitude, she began to scheme grandly. Did this mean that Jacob didn't like Emily any more and didn't even care how she was treated?

Unable to restrain her ecstasy, the maidservant began brooding on a plan of how to capture his attentions for herself.

Emily forced a tight smile for him and asked, "Jacob, what were you saying just now?"

His heart sank. He couldn't bring himself to repeat his words again for some unknown reason. "Are you deaf? Should I call a doctor to examine your ears?" he simply asked coldly.

"Stop treating me like this. It's enough!" She replied loudly as the smile faded from her face, "I heard every word, but I just can't believe that you would say such cruel words to me! Why?"

"Emily, come off it!" Jacob said angrily, "The jig is up. I am sick of you!"

She forced herself not to cry, clinging to the cold comfort that he didn't know the truth. He couldn't really be held accountable for his harsh words. Drawing strength from reserves, which she didn't even know she had, she knew that she could take the pain. She could suffer anything as long as it was for Jacob's good.

It was agony hearing such words from the man who she trusted and loved most. Every word from his lips was a dagger to the heart. It was so cruel!

She understood that he was riled by her behavior, because he had no idea of what was really going on. But it didn't ease the pain of his cold contempt. How could he treat her like this? She had been his cherished woman! But now she suffered disdain, like an enemy. Like an angel, she had been cast out of heaven and now languished in hell.

Her worst nightmare had come true. How miserable she was! But for his sake, she would make any sacrifice!

calm her emotions, "I have prepared dinner for you. Please sit down and I will bring the dishes for you," she smiled at him, as if nothing happened.

the kitchen. Watching her slender back disappearing ahead of him, he didn't know how to react. Suddenly he felt

was a lightness to her activity that intrigued him. Her dark-brown hair was loosely tied up, which made her white swan-like neck

wisp around the kitchen triggered a

cooked for him. Every time he returned home, there were always delicious meals waiting for him. She used to stand at the door, eager to see him. They would hug and kiss each other, before together going to

he could go back in time and they

was impossible. Such ridiculous thoughts quickly perished in the flames of his remembered hurt. He simply could not

him? He saw through her disguise. Never

and Jacob couldn't help feeling moved. Beryl returned then as Emily set the table. She instantly ran into her mother's arms with great excitement.

I've been dying all day to see you," Beryl whimpered.

to Beryl's complaints. She tenderly returned the hug and patted her back soothingly, saying, "Beryl, I am so sorry.

would never

road filled with twists and turns. She was happy, despite things being much changed

"Mom, I don't want

After settling down a little, she stroked Beryl's head and whispered to her,

and let Beryl go find Jacob

was a dangerous man. She could never let Beryl stay anywhere near that man,

don't cry. Mom knows that you are a brave girl. You saved me. I am so proud of you,"

was dad. He saved you. He is a hero," Beryl replied as she pointed to Jacob.

stopped crying and wiped her tears with her little hands. She left Emily's arms and turned to Jacob.

happily and said, "Dad, I know you won't leave mom alone again. You are

I will do anything for you," he replied smiling kindly

life

mother that much.

but Emily wasn't worthy of her love any more.

tell all that Beryl had gone through to Emily. But he didn't know how to explain it to her. The right words just eluded the tip of his

it didn't matter, he decided. Beryl wanted him to keep the secret forever and he already gave his word

hands and then returned to the table. Jacob's words came to her as she was ready to dish

of this?"