He's innocent
The next morning, Janice groaned as she came awake. She rubbed her temple and winced as she sensed a headache brewing.
She recalled doing what Margie had termed to be fun yesterday.
It wasn't her wearing a skimpy bikini to show off her backside to people in the castle nor did she seduce anyone as she had suggested.
They had a little tea party in her room yesterday. Only that it wasn't tea they had taken.
It was a brandy Margie had stolen from Jeremy's collection and hid in her bag.
Music had been played as well but was on low volume because of Prince Michael and even the dowager queen since she would term the choice of their music disapproving or vulgar.
Again, she had been trying to avoid the older woman since the situation with Jules. As much as she wanted out, she was certain if she talked with the queen, she would go back to Jules in no time even if it was the last thing she wanted.
Yesterday had been enjoyable and it had also made her forget about Jules, temporarily.
She had seen him before going to bed. His back was to her but she hadn't stayed long enough to see his face.
She had fled as soon as he was about to turn.
She could not stand seeing his face because of the pity she'd feel for him.
Janice glanced at the nightstand as her phone vibrated. She creased her brows whilst gazing at the screen.
Opening the content of the message which was from an unknown number, her frown deepened.
~Meet me at Carol's Inn~
She tried checking the details of the contact but nothing was helping. The person didn't want his or her information to be leaked, so the number was a private one.
The more she stared at the message, the more it confused her.
She had attempted to show it off to Margie as soon as she came around but had decided not to.
Perhaps, the person was trying to give her an important message and didn't want anyone to know about it. Hence, the number becomes a private one.
Also, she wondered if it had anything to do with the woman that was involved with Jules. She only hoped it didn't as she prepared her mind to visit the inn with a guard of course in case she was going to be kidnapped.
******
Janice twisted her hands and glanced around. She placed the dark sunglasses she donned properly on her face and the scarf on her head.
Discreetly, she gazed at her phone using it as a mirror. The disguise was a perfect one, at least no one would know she was meeting someone and make it into a new headline, worsening the situation in the palace.
Also, she had used the disguise because of Jules and his watchdogs since they were on her trail whenever she went.
She had used Margie's driver who had promised not to say a word even to Margie or even Jeremy since they could tell Jules.
She glanced at her wrist and around once more at the inn. The person she was supposed to meet was a woman since the voice that called her soon after the message popped up confirmed it.
Whilst waiting for the other woman to arrive, she observed her surroundings.
It was an exclusive cafe, boasting a sophisticated menu. As soon as it was handed to her, Janice was certain only the elite would come to a place like this. And maybe the middle-class people, if they could afford half of what was on the menu.
The cafe itself was perched on the mountainside, giving anyone who had the opportunity to sit by the window a unique and serene view of the outside world.
"Mrs Forrest?"
Janice glanced up to see a curvy brunette in front of her. She extended her hand and a wide grin spread on her face.
She noticed a man in a tuxedo beside her.
Her eyes trailed off the perfectly made-up face of the brunette to the man.
His square-shaped face tilted, "You are Jules' wife?"
"I am," Janice affirmed. Not minding her need for a divorce, she didn't think denying him in public was the best and it seemed like the man was familiar with him.
"That bastard," He chuckled. "He never said he had an angel as a Queen."
"Not for long," Janice murmured to herself. Then gazed back at the woman, "You sent me a message about wanting to meet me?"
"I did. And forgive my manners," She smiled. "I am Jenny."
Janice stared at the hand she extended and contemplated on whether to shake it or not.
But she was certain some people might be watching and not shaking her might term her rude or pompous. So, she went ahead and clasped the hand Jenny extended with her loved ones.
"How about we eat…"
"I am sorry to interrupt but I think telling me what this meeting is about straight-up would be the best."
Jenny shrugged, "Suit yourself. I am hungry and I like being well fed before discussing anything whatsoever."
She beckoned to a waiter, after placing her order, she gazed at Janice and assessed her.
The moment she saw Jules at the club, she was aware he was married. Aside from the costly golden ring that adorned his finger, she had heard a lot about him, only that she hadn't seen his wife.
Despite everything she did, he hadn't given in, making her wonder what it was about his wife that he couldn't forget because he kept on talking about her even as he didn't remember her the next morning since she drugged him.
She had wanted to leave the moment he dozed off since she had no use for a man that was sleeping, but she had been coaxed to do so by Max, a friend of his.
It was supposed to be a harmless joke, but it had escalated into something else. And Jenny was certain she had contributed to it escalating.
Aside from the pictures she had uploaded, she had called Janice to make it seem he cheated truly.
She felt guilty soon after. Hence the reason she was in Cherview to make amends.
Janice was beautiful without trying. Her skin was flawless even though pale, and her upturned nose added to how perfect her oval-shaped face was.
Her winter-blue eyes were enthralling, the most beautiful pair she had ever seen. If she had been a man, Jenny was certain she wouldn't hesitate in trying to have her.
Jules was lucky and she hoped she wasn't too late in trying to bring them together since they had met him beforehand.
And saying he was miserable would be an understatement.
As soon as the meal arrived, Jenny dug in.
Janice watched as the brunette ate every piece on her plate. She clasped the Bordeaux wine glass and took a sip of the red wine in it.
Jenny grinned and stared into Janice's eyes.
"Well, I won't beat about the bush, the reason I am here is because of Jules as I said. And before you say anything, I would like to apologize. I believe I have caused you some unnecessary pains which shouldn't be so and I am sorry for that, it wasn't intentional."
Janice listened as she went on with the apology. She shrugged, "I believe things happened and again some things are not meant to be. So, you only did me a favor and made me realize I was with the wrong person."
"You are not." Jenny asserted. "Perhaps, I should begin with what happened so you won't get the wrong impression."
Janice breathed out as soon as Jenny finished.
"He is innocent. We had nothing together. He so much adored you and I am sure he would never do anything to harm you."
Janice inhaled and exhaled again. Jules was innocent.
They were all right. She had been punishing him unjustly.
Still, it was not her fault since she didn't know what had transpired in the hotel room until now.
His friend had truly set him up according to what Jenny said. But, what kind of friends were they?
Janice was infuriated. But she could do nothing. Not even to Jenny. She was glad she had the dignity to let her know what had happened.
"So, am I forgiven?"
"I had nothing against you. It was between me and my husband."
"My bad." Jenny grimaced. "Perhaps, you should forgive him now, he did nothing wrong and the headline about him cheating will be refuted."
Whether refuted or not, the damage it caused to dem couldn't be undone.
Emotionally, she had given up on anything that concerns Jules and had even tried moving on and thinking of a way out.
However, now that she knew the truth, it didn't make her feel happy, rather she was sorry for everything she had said and all the false allegations she had laid on him.
She only wished they came back together and be as before.
