Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

As Patrick finished his speech, he turned to Jane, extending a hand towards her. With a polite request, he asked, “May I?”

His demeanor was reminiscent of Prince Charming, and Jane was utterly captivated. The allure was undeniable, and she couldn’t bring herself to decline his invitation to dance.

“Of course,” Jane replied with a smile, slipping her hand into his.

Patrick led her gracefully to the dance floor, where they moved in perfect harmony, almost floating. It was their first dance together, yet it felt as if they had been partners for years. Their steps melded seamlessly, making it appear effortless and natural, as though they were meant to be in each other’s arms.

“Jane, do you feel we’re in sync?” Patrick inquired, his voice gentle and tender as he leaned in to speak discreetly.

“We’re doing fine,” Jane replied with a contented smile. Her heart warmed at the realization of how well they complemented each other.

Patrick couldn’t help but smile too, his expression softening. He leaned in even closer, his warm breath against her ear creating a delightful sensation. “I wasn’t talking about our dance.”

His words sent a shiver down her spine, and Jane’s cheeks flushed as the heat of the moment enveloped them. Their bond was undeniably strong, considering all they had been through in the past month.

From Monica’s wrongdoings to their collaborative efforts at the press conference, they worked together seamlessly. It was as if destiny had intertwined their paths.

“We are in sync,” Jane finally affirmed with a heartfelt smile.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The sincerity of her words warmed Patrick’s heart, and his expression softened even more. In a tender tone, he asked, “Since we’re in sync, would you reconsider my proposal?”

Patrick’s proposal was a delicate topic, and Jane met his gaze with a fluttering heart. She knew exactly what he was referring to. While their synchronicity was evident, their compatibility was another matter altogether.

Jane couldn’t commit to a serious relationship with a man still harboring feelings for another woman. The mere thought of Candy sent chills down her spine.

“Is it really appropriate to discuss that here?” Jane deflected.

“Is it not?” Patrick queried, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course it’s not,” Jane replied firmly. “And let me remind you, I’ve been perfectly clear on this. Please, try not to forget it.”

Patrick’s expression darkened, frustration evident in his silence. They continued their dance, Jane quietly lamenting his unpredictability.

This man, always quick to anger!

Despite her irritation, Jane chose to focus on the dance. The graceful couple on the dance floor caught Florence’s jealous eye. The mere fact that Patrick had chosen Jane as his first dance partner indirectly confirmed their relationship.

Envy burned within her. What was the secret to capturing Patrick’s heart so thoroughly for an ordinary girl like Jane?

“Don’t worry, Florence,” Erica consoled her friend. “Jane’s moment of glory will be short-lived.”

Florence regained her composure and turned her gaze away from the dance floor. “Jane, enjoy it while you can,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

Once the song that Jane and Patrick danced to concluded, the banquet officially began. Patrick received a flurry of compliments, which he acknowledged politely but with little emotion. After a series of toasts, he noticed that Jane was no longer present.

Jane, feeling overwhelmed by the boisterous party, had retreated to a quieter corner. She was about to help herself to a slice of cake when a familiar voice broke the silence.

“May I join you, Jane?” Osborn inquired.

Jane, without bothering to hide her indifference, replied, “I don’t mind. Feel free to sit.”

Osborn took a seat beside her. “I never had the chance to share my plans for Star Entertainment with you.”

They had planned to discuss it over dinner, but Patrick’s unexpected presence had disrupted their evening. “That’s all right. You can email me the details, and I’ll take a look when I have time.”

Instead of agreeing, Osborn shifted the conversation. “Jane, can I ask you a question?”

Jane nodded, indicating her willingness to answer. “Sure, what is it?”

Osborn delved straight into the matter. “Your relationship with Patrick… is it genuinely just contractual?” He knew the answer but wanted to hear it from her.

Jane responded with a question of her own. “Why do you want to know?”

Osborn took this as encouragement to continue probing. “Have you ever had true feelings for Patrick?”

Jane had been evading this issue, and it made her uncomfortable. The truth was that she wasn’t certain about her feelings for Patrick. However, she knew that Patrick’s feelings for Candy were authentic, and that was something she couldn’t accept.

While pondering these thoughts, Jane’s frustration began to manifest on her face. She pursed her lips and replied, “No. I don’t have romantic feelings for Patrick. Our relationship is strictly contractual, nothing more.”

Unbeknownst to Jane, Patrick had been lurking in the shadows nearby, searching for her. He had seen her seated with Osborn in the corner, and he had overheard their conversation.

Jane’s dismissive tone cut through him as she reiterated her stance. “I don’t have romantic feelings for Patrick. Our relationship is strictly contractual, nothing more.”

Patrick approached her with a stern expression. “Could you please repeat that for me, Jane?”

Jane was taken aback as Patrick seemingly appeared out of thin air. Had he heard her conversation with Osborn?

She hesitated but then replied, “I’m sorry, but no. I prefer not to repeat myself.”

Their gazes locked, and Patrick’s stern glare seemed to paralyze her. Florence seized this opportunity to approach Patrick and asked with a flirtatious tone, “Would you like to dance?”

Patrick paused for a moment before finally agreeing, though his voice remained cold. “Indeed.”

Florence was overjoyed by his acceptance. “Really?”

Her incredulity was palpable, and she couldn’t believe her luck. Patrick recalled the night when Jane had been jealous, believing that he and Florence had engaged in sexual activity. With a smile, he seized the opportunity that Florence was providing. It would serve as a fitting response to Jane.

With an arm around Florence’s waist, he led her to the dance floor.