Chapter Twelve

For a long, tense moment, neither Ryan nor Jane spoke. The silence between them was suffocating as each second stretched out like an eternity.

His eyes locked onto hers, searching for answers she wasn’t ready to give.

His fists tightened at his sides as he struggled to keep his anger in check.

He exhaled quietly, deciding to break the silence.

“Jane?” he whispered.

"What’s this slap about? What did I do to deserve it?”

She scoffed in disbelief, taking a step back. "How can you even ask me that after what you have done? You’re unbelievable.”

“I honestly don’t know what you are talking about. I’m completely in the dark here,” he replied, his voice calm, though anger simmered beneath the surface.

She shook her head, frustration clear in her eyes. “I thought you were different, someone who wouldn’t abuse their change in status. But I guess I was wrong. Maybe people are all the same after all.”

But Ryan was still clueless. “I don’t understand what all this is for. Just explain, Jane, an