Song of the Quiet Flame

Elaine had never known Jasper could be so cutting with his words.

There were no curses or vulgarities.

Yet his remarks were so pointed and sarcastic that she could not stand it.

She felt like her heart was already torn to shreds by his words, bleeding out, but she still could not help feeling heartbroken.

The saying—Time changes everything—could not be more true for her and Jasper.

As she bit back the sting, Elaine shot back with a reply. "Don't kid yourself, Jasper. I'm not exactly pining for you."

Jasper gave her a look that was half-smirk, half-question. "Really?"

Elaine nodded firmly. "Absolutely. You were the one who said you wouldn't meddle in my personal life."

He had indeed said that to her, right after she saw a photo of him in the newspaper, cozying up to a movie star.

"Isn't it better to just do our own thing?"

She could still recall those words as if they were spoken yesterday.

Jasper looked at her up and down. "Maybe you're right."

He said, "Just try not to book the same hotel next time. It makes it tough for people not to get the wrong idea."

Elaine gave a half-smile. "Quite a coincidence."

Jasper said, "Mrs. Carter, we seem to be a magnet for coincidences."

Elaine fell silent, at a loss for words.

Maybe it was because she knew Jasper would not believe her anyway.

So she did not even try.

Her eyes briefly met the young girl next to Jasper, her eyes wide and innocent, then flickering with unease as she watched them.

The girl gripped Jasper's arm, her fingers showing no sign of letting go.

Gone was the shame of being the other woman she had felt the night before. She clung to him like a delicate flower in need of protection.

Elaine saw a ghost of her past self in her.

She had been that girl once.

As Elaine made to leave, Lucy caught her eye, a taunting smile playing on her lips, and she subtly gestured to her neck.

Elaine's gaze followed, taking in the pale, soft skin marred by a patchwork of love bites—the unmistakable signs of passionate affection.

Elaine could not help but chuckle.

She did—a real, audible laugh.

It was not until the pair had disappeared that she slowly stepped into another elevator.

Elaine's car waited outside. After checking out, she stepped into the fresh air only to spot Lucy again.

Jasper must have left on some errand, leaving his mistress waiting for the driver.

Elaine walked past her, without intending to strike up a conversation or flaunt her status.

However, the favored mistress, emboldened, was a stark contrast to the docile girl by Jasper's side. She called out, "Ms. Johnson."

Elaine paused before she turned to face her. "Yes? What is it?"

With a triumphant air, Lucy said, "I'm Mr. Carter's new favorite, so it's time for you to step aside. Love's gone; without it, marriage is like chewing on cardboard—it's enough to make you sick."

She was bathed in sunlight, her white dress cinching at the waist, showcasing her delicate figure.

She was undeniably youthful, stunning, and vibrant.

It was a sight that would catch anyone's eye.

Lucy's smile was tinged with pride as she boasted, "You saw it yourself, Mr. Carter adores me."

Then, she said, "As for you...

"I'm well aware he hasn't been home in ages."

Elaine gave a noncommittal hum, offering no argument.

She casually untied her scarf. With little concern, she said, "I've got one of those, too."