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!

took a deep breath, fighting to calm her emotions, "I have prepared dinner for you. Please sit down and I will bring the

into the kitchen. Watching her slender back disappearing ahead of

yellow apron across her chest. Silently she walked around the kitchen in a pair of soft slippers. There was

the kitchen triggered a memory long buried.

eager to see him. They would hug and kiss each other, before together going to

these sweet moments faded quickly. He wished he could go back in time and they could love each other and be sincere with each other

of his remembered hurt. He simply could not get past the thought which dominated his mind: that she had

and assume a look of innocence with him? He saw through her disguise. Never would he be fooled by

with delicious offerings, and Jacob couldn't help feeling moved. Beryl returned then as Emily set

see you," Beryl whimpered. Her arms wrapped tightly around Emily and tears kept flowing

eyes glistened with tears as she listened to Beryl's complaints. She tenderly returned the hug and patted her back soothingly, saying, "Beryl,

she would never

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

She pleaded, "Mom, I don't want to be separated from you ever again. Promise me,

wiped her tears silently, fighting for calm. After settling down a little, she stroked Beryl's head and whispered to her, "I know, dear. I don't

choice but to take the risk and let Beryl go find Jacob alone because of the emergency situation. There really was

let Beryl stay anywhere near that man, even if

that you are a brave girl. You saved me. I am so proud of you," she smiled down at her child.

saved you. He is a hero," Beryl replied as she

Emily's arms and turned to

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

he replied smiling kindly at her. Looking at her happy face, he was bombarded with an array of mixed

had lit up her life again. It

her mother that

worthy of her love any more. Why couldn't she love

all that Beryl had gone through to Emily. But he didn't know how to explain it

and he already gave his word on that. Maybe it was better not to say

returned to the table. Jacob's words came to her as she was ready

you cook all of this?"