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!

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

back disappearing ahead of him, he didn't know

a pair of soft slippers. There was a

her wisp around the kitchen triggered a memory long

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 the dinning room for dinner. They had always shared interesting experiences with

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

could not get past the thought which dominated his

him? He saw through her disguise. Never would he be fooled

kitchen to the dinning room. Her hands were filled with delicious offerings, and Jacob couldn't help feeling moved. Beryl

you so much. I've been dying all day to see you," Beryl whimpered. Her arms wrapped

as she listened to Beryl's complaints. She tenderly returned the hug and patted her back soothingly, saying, "Beryl, I am so sorry. Mommy missed you,

had thought that she would

a long road filled with twists and turns. She was happy, despite

her tightly as if her mother would disappear once she loosed her hands. She pleaded, "Mom, I don't want to be separated from you ever again. Promise me, you'll never leave me alone. I couldn't bear

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 want to be separated

but to take the risk and let Beryl go find Jacob alone because of the emergency situation. There really was no other choice at the

Beryl stay anywhere near that man, even if it meant she had to secretly sent her daughter away.

saved me. I am so proud of you," she smiled down

was not me, mom. It was dad. He saved you. He is a hero,"

She left Emily's arms and turned to Jacob. He smiled at her and bent

I know you won't leave mom alone again. You are

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

done. But now Emily's return had lit up her life again. It seemed that she had already forgotten what happened before.

her mother that

love any more. Why couldn't she

intended to tell all that Beryl had gone through to Emily. But he didn't know how to explain it to her. The right words

keep the secret forever and he already gave

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

you cook all of this?" he