Taming The Billionaire's Obsession - Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Warren, Josie's older brother, walked up to Jane's table and smiled, "Jane, long time no see." He ruffled Jane's hair. "You look even prettier now. This is for you."
Warren had seen Jane grow up. He treated her almost like his own little sister. Without hesitation, he slipped the beautifully wrapped gift box into her hands.
"Hey Warren, that's favoritism! Jane gets a gift right away, but where's mine?" Josie said teasingly.
"Knew you'd ask," Warren said. "Your gift's already in your room." He tapped Josie's nose and sat down.
Jane held the heavy, nicely wrapped gift and paused. She didn't remember the last time she got a present just for her. "Warren, I can't take this..."
"Come on, Jane. I know what's going on," Warren said. "If I'd been in the country and Josie couldn't convince Grandpa, I wouldn't have let you get hurt." His handsome face showed a bit of worry.
Warren continued, "Forget that. This is to celebrate your new job. And don't be so formal with me."
"Yeah, Warren's like your brother, too, Jane. You weren't this shy before. You have to take this gift." Josie kept pushing Jane.
Jane took it anyway.
"Hey Jane, how's your love life? Seeing anyone?" Josie asked suddenly. She always wanted to set Jane up with Warren, but they never clicked.
"I... I..." Jane paused, biting her lip. Luke's serious face popped into her mind.
"I won't date until Mom gets better," Jane lied to Josie and Warren. She couldn't tell them about her love life—How could she say she married a guy she met less than a day ago?
Josie smiled, "Good you're not dating. I mean, your mom's health comes first. Jane, let's eat." Then she urged Warren, "Don't just stand there. Pour Jane a drink."
The mood got better right away. Jane missed Josie's hesitation and the hidden meaning. She was just relieved Josie stopped asking about her love life.
So, Jane smiled wider, her eyes crinkling as she chatted with Josie and Warren about old times.
But she felt a chill go down her spine. It felt like someone was staring at her, threatening.
After lunch, Warren drove them back to the studio. Even though Josie was her best friend, Jane didn't slack off at work. She worked even harder.
Jane spent the whole afternoon in the studio. When she looked up, it was almost 7 p.m.
"Oh no!" Jane's heart raced. She hurried to pack up. "Josie, I have to go. I'll finish this at home and bring it to you tomorrow."
"It's fine. No rush. Let's have dinner first, and then go to Warren's..." But before Josie could finish, she saw Jane running off with her bag.
Josie frowned, "That's weird. Her mom's in the hospital, and Jane lives alone. Why the rush?"
Jane pushed the door open and saw Luke sitting coldly on the couch. She panted, "Sorry, Mr. Drake. I'm late."
Luke's sharp profile was icy. Jane felt a jolt of fear. She looked at the clock—7:32—two minutes late.
"I... worked late, so I'm late," Jane murmured, glad she'd grabbed takeout downstairs. The place cost a lot and emptied her wallet, but Luke wouldn't find fault with the food.
"It won't happen again. Mr. Drake, just a second, dinner's almost ready," Jane said. She didn't dare look at Luke's stern face. With her head down, she rushed past him with the takeout bag.
But as she moved behind the sofa, Luke yanked her wrist hard. She groaned in pain, nearly dropping the food bags in her right hand.
Luke's cold voice came from above her. "Working late... Jane, you think I believe that lie?"
His handsome but dark face got closer. His grip tightened on her wrist. He stared down with clear contempt in his cold eyes, like she was nothing.
Jane didn't get why Luke was looking at her like that. She braced herself and explained, "I really was working overtime. I just got a new job today, at—"
"What job makes you work overtime at a fancy place like Falah?" Luke cut in coldly. He didn't believe she'd find a good job in one day. It sounded like an excuse to have fun.
Jane looked up, shocked. "You... how do you know?" Falah Restaurant was where she ate with Josie during the day.
Luke saw Jane's stunned look and thought she was guilty. His eyes narrowed, even angrier. "So your 'overtime' was it partying at Jovinia's fanciest restaurant? Or working there as a high-end escort? And this food, you call it 'hard-earned' takeout from your 'job'?"
Luke stared at her innocent face, thinking it was fake and ridiculous. Back at the restaurant, when she leaned on that guy, she wasn't so innocent.
"Jane, you're never happy. A woman like you... rotten through and through," Luke said those harsh words in his smooth, charming voice.
His big, handsome hand shoved hers away, knocking the food bag to the floor. Jane had spent a lot on that fancy meal. Now it was all spilled. The juices spread everywhere, filling the room with a sweet smell.
Jane opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She knew Luke hated her. But she never thought it'd go this far.
Her chest hurt so bad it felt like it'd burst. The air was still for a few seconds. Then Jane knelt right in front of Luke.