Song of the Quiet Flame

What a small world. As Elaine Johnson was checking in at the hotel front desk, she happened to bump into Jasper Carter's young mistress —a girl who looked like an innocent college student. She was dressed in a simple white cotton dress, pure and demure, with a shy, sweet smile. "Hello, here's your room key. You'll be staying in the executive suite on the top floor," the receptionist said. "Thank you, miss," the girl replied softly, taking the key. Just then, her phone rang. Elaine overheard her speaking bashfully to the person on the other end: "Mr. Carter, I... I'm already here. When will you be coming?" Her tone was soft, a little nervous, filled with affectionate anticipation. A moment later, Elaine heard her add, "Mhm, I'll wait for you. No rush. Please drive carefully, Mr. Carter." The girl's voice was so sweet and tender, it could have melted anyone's heart. Elaine could not help thinking that her husband had good taste — the girl was young and beautiful, gentle and thoughtful, the kind of woman any man would find hard to resist. Chapter 1 Maybe she had stared at the girl for just a moment too long. The girl caught her eye and seemed a bit taken aback, her eyebrows knitting in a frown, her face taking on a look of annoyance. Clearly, she did not appreciate being gawked at. Elaine Johnson mused that the girl's sweetness seemed to be reserved solely for Jasper Carter. "Ms. Johnson, your room is ready. It's on the 52nd floor." Elaine accepted the room key from the front desk clerk, noticing the girl also shot her a quick look. It turned out that they were both staying on the 52nd floor. Elaine was about to head off when she spun around and nearly crashed into Jasper, who had just shown up. He looked just as taken aback to see her there. Elaine had thought about acting like she did not know him. She wanted to keep things less awkward in public. Jasper stepped in her way and said, "Mrs. Carter, what brings you here?" Elaine regarded him, weighing her words. It was not like she could have admitted she was there to have an affair, too. Jasper asked, "Since when have you dropped by for a surprise visit?" Elaine laughed, trying to play it cool. "Mr. Carter, don't worry, it's purely coincidental. I'm not here to play detective." Five years of marriage had taken them from college sweethearts to barely tolerating each other's presence. She was not about to lose her cool like she did that first time she caught wind of Jasper's not-so-secret fling with his secretary. She wanted no more scenes, no more hysteria. Whenever Elaine got into a spat with him, he would tell her to take a good look in the mirror. Then, with a dismissive air, he would say, "Elaine, it's a real turn-off when you look like a total harpy. " However, Jasper was not buying her story. He stood there, hands in his pockets, towering over her with an air of arrogance. "Come on, it's not like you haven't pulled this kind of stunt before. What's the point in denying it?" "Well, I didn't do it tonight," Elaine said. She glanced at the girl beside him, swallowing the sharp pain in her chest, and said calmly, "She's pretty, the girl." Jasper paused, a smirk playing on his lips after a moment. "Yeah, I suppose she's prettier than you." Elaine had always thought her heart was fortified, untouchable, but Jasper's words still managed to cut deep. Unable to stay calm, she said, "I'm just curious how long you'll stay entertained this time around." With his arm casually draped around the waist of the slender girl beside him, Jasper said, "Definitely longer than the time I wasted on you. "Mrs. Carter, why put yourself through this? It's downright pitiful," he said, his words sharp as needles, his lips curled in a faint, mocking smile, utterly indifferent to her feelings. Chapter 2 Elaine had not really reacted yet. Jasper's new flame looked a bit shell-shocked, rapidly blinking as she took in the scene. The young girl's face was on the verge of tears, oblivious to the fact that she was the other woman. She held the man's hand, her voice trembling as she said, "Mr. Carter, I...I didn't realize you had... I should go." Elaine had seen her fair share of delicate, helpless girls who played the innocent act, but ones as heartbreakingly pitiful as her? Those were rare. She stood with her arms folded, watching them, a smirk playing on her lips. Jasper caught her eye, paused, and calmly said, "No need to worry. Mrs. Carter is quite understanding." He looked at her for confirmation. "Isn't that right?" Elaine's reply was laced with sarcasm, "Mr. Carter, since when do I have a say in your matters?" Jasper's smile was sharp, his tone biting as he said, "Elaine, you're finally getting the picture." Elaine's role as a wife felt like a cruel joke. Yet, she could not quite bring herself to laugh. She still could not fathom how Jasper's feelings had turned so distant, so fast. Once upon a time, a single tear from her would have Jasper beside himself with concern. However, Jasper was not about to waste any more time. He turned to the girl and said, "Come on, let's go upstairs." Before leaving, he threw a parting shot over his shoulder. "Mrs. Carter, enjoy yourself. Have a good time." Elaine's retort was swift. "Oh, I plan to. I'm here for a room too." Jasper halted, giving her a long, penetrating look. "Really? Seems like you're in for some good fortune, too." The conversation took a turn. "You can't just grab the first thing coming your way when starving. You've got to be picky." Elaine could not read whether Jasper bought her story, but his nonchalant shrug sent a chill through her. He seemed utterly indifferent. It might have meant he did not love her anymore. However, Elaine was not ready to throw in the towel just yet. "Jasper, do you really not care at all?" He paused, then replied dismissively, "Yeah, whatever makes you happy." Her heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice grip. Elaine was gasping for air, feeling the life being crushed out of her. Jasper wrapped his arm around Lucy Chapman, and they disappeared into the elevator, heading upstairs. Elaine's fingers were white-knuckled, her eyes burned with unshed tears. Then, her phone broke the silence. The man's voice was a deep, pleasing baritone, tinged with a cool, magnetic edge. "Elaine, the room number," he said, all business. She bit her lip and replied, "5208." Then, she said, "Come over." She had not lied to Jasper—she had plans of her own. She had not been ready before that, but her resolve was ironclad. Riding the elevator up, Elaine realized the top floor was the 52nd floor. A memory flashed—Lucy's room card, number 5209. Right next door. Elaine swiped her card and stepped into her room. The executive suite was spacious and flooded with light, and the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows was nothing short of stunning. Elaine tried calling Jasper, but he did not pick up, so she just let the call drop. Clutching her phone, she felt a wave of numbness wash over her. Behind her, the door chimed, and footsteps grew louder as they neared. Suddenly, her phone was plucked from her grasp by the man behind her and tossed aside with an indifferent flick of his wrist. He gripped her wrist tightly, pinning her against the window. She looked down, his warm breath on her ear sending shivers down her spine. "Been waiting long, my dear?" he murmured. Chapter 3 Elaine's blood ran hot through her veins. The presence that she could not escape made her want to bolt. She inhaled deeply. As she turned, the man caught her chin and kissed her fiercely and possessively. Her mind was a whirl of irritation and confusion. Part of her wanted to pull away. He seemed to read her thoughts, nipping her lip in a warning. "Having second thoughts?" However, before Elaine could respond, her eyes brimmed with tears. The man laughed and locked eyes with her, a smirk playing on his lips. "You weren't scared when you were pushing your card into my hand." Elaine could not blame anyone but herself; she had had too much to drink that night. Spurred on by her friend, she boldly gave her card to the most dashing guy there. Little did she know that he was Jasper's cousin, who was always overseas. She had figured Stephen Carter would lose interest once he knew who she was. Yet there he was, showing up for their date. Elaine's voice tightened, and there was a whisper of urgency as she said, "They're right next door." Stephen hummed a low note. "What's next?" He gently turned her face to his, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Is this getting in the way of us?" Elaine met his dark, penetrating gaze and felt exposed, as if he could see right into her soul. For the last two years, Jasper's romantic escapades were relentless, his flings and affairs splashed across the tabloids were too many to count. Stephen said, "Or are you holding out for him, keeping yourself pure?" The words pierced Elaine's inner turmoil like a needle. She paused, her heart racing, and then she made her move. With a boldness that surprised even herself, she cradled his face, rose on her tiptoes, and pressed her lips to his. Passion did not always need love to ignite into a blazing fire. Elaine had not touched a drop of alcohol that night, yet she felt utterly drunk at the moment. Lost in the intensity, she wrapped her arms around his neck, her short nails carving fervent trails across his skin. As the night wore on, Elaine's mind wandered. Thoughts of Jasper invaded her senses, unbidden and persistent. Through her haze, the shrill ring of her phone pierced the silence. Jasper, who had ended their call just two hours before, was on the other end. Elaine picked up the phone and heard his voice—low, husky, and lazy. "Why are you calling me?" "It's nothing," she replied, a sense of finality in her voice. With a soft grunt, she said, "It's done." A wave of vindictive satisfaction washed over her, a silent victory over Jasper. Without another word, she ended the call. Stephen noticed the redness at the corner of her eyes and gently wiped it away, murmuring, "My dear." Elaine bristled at how he addressed her, as a mix of discomfort and embarrassment washed over her. "Please don't call me that." Traditionally, she was supposed to refer to him as her husband's cousin. Stephen's eyebrows knitted in a frown. "Aren't you two in the middle of a divorce?" Elaine was taken aback, not expecting Stephen to know her personal affairs. She was the one who had asked for the divorce. Jasper had agreed without hesitation. He had even swiftly set up a lawyer and drafted the paperwork. Of course, he expected her to walk away empty-handed despite lacking a prenup or any division of assets. However, Jasper had the means to leave her penniless after the divorce if he chose to. The old Elaine could never have imagined Jasper turning his company's formidable legal force on her. It was a harsh, icy slap of reality. There was not even a trace of their past affection. Chapter 4 Elaine took a refreshing bath and slipped into clean pajamas, but her respite was short-lived. Stephen's arms ensnared her once more, his kisses reigniting with an intense heat. It was a long while before their fervor subsided. Feeling drained and sticky with sweat, Elaine was too weary and drowsy to consider another shower. She sat in a daze, her feet still not touching the floor. Suddenly, someone caught her wrist. A deep, chilling voice cut through the silence. "Where do you think you're going?" With a raspy voice, Elaine replied, "To take a bath." "Got any energy left?" Stephen's voice was gentle. Elaine was too spent to answer. Before she knew it, Stephen had swept her up and carried her to the bathroom. They ended up sharing another bath, the steam or maybe the closeness turning her cheeks a rosy red. It was a detail she would keep to herself, too shy to share. Jasper, her husband, had grown distant. His touch had become a memory. His visits home were rare, and those nights together? Even rarer. The first six months were the hardest. She would confide in her friends, her voice tinged with shame as she said, "It's like he doesn't even want to touch me anymore. Am I that undesirable?" He had lost interest in her. However, no one could comfort her, just empty reassurances that Jasper must be blind. It took her over half a year to start feeling a little better. Then, all she wanted was to sleep, but Stephen's words cut through her haze. "You're not in the best shape, are you?" She flushed with embarrassment but quickly brushed it off. There was no future with Stephen, Jasper's cousin, so why dwell on it? The bed was empty when she woke up, but a note lay on the nightstand. [Text me when you wake up. Found you a lawyer.] Elaine stared at the elegant script, her mind a whirl. Was Stephen offering to help her divorce Jasper? Elaine stopped herself from spiraling into a whirlwind of thoughts and resisted the urge to text Stephen. The events of last night were a blur. It was a chapter she wished she could erase. There was never supposed to be anything more between her and him. She shredded the note and watched it swirl away in the toilet bowl. Stepping into the bathroom, she caught sight of her reflection—a face flushed with a healthy glow, as if it had been revitalized. Her complexion had noticeably improved, and the usual sadness in her eyes seemed to have faded. After getting herself together, Elaine grabbed her room key and headed out, ready to check out and leave it all behind. However, fate had other plans. As she closed her door, another door clicked open. Jasper emerged, locking eyes with her. His brows knitted, his gaze icy, and he watched her in silence, making her feel as though she might sweat under his scrutiny. She was not without morals—guilt and regret gnawed at her. Jasper's expression was unmistakable—pure disdain. It was as if his patience had evaporated. "Elaine, are you trying to get on my nerves?" he asked, his voice sharp as ice. His words were few, but they hit her like a wave of rejection. It was as if she was the one who could not take a hint, the unwanted shadow that would not leave his side. Elaine inhaled deeply, trying to calm the tightness in her chest. "I told you last night—I had my own room," she said, her voice steady. Jasper had doubted her then, and his disbelief was even stronger, certain she was desperate for his attention. He studied her, and after a few seconds, a mocking smile crossed his lips. "Did you have fun eavesdropping on us all night?" Jasper was angry, and his words cut deeper than just being mean. Then, he calmly said, "Mrs. Carter, if you'd told me about this little hobby of yours, I could've just brought a woman home next time. "That way, you wouldn't have to go through all this trouble. It must be exhausting." Chapter 5 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." Chapter 6 Lucy's eyes widened as she stared at Elaine in disbelief. "You..." Elaine gave her a knowing smile. "Ms. Chapman, if you're that capable, try snagging Jasper for marriage. However, let me tell you, being his wife isn't all it's cracked up to be." Lucy was too caught up in excitement to really listen. "You're not worried about me telling Mr. Carter? You think he'd want a faded beauty? Plus, you're cheating while still being married." Elaine could not help but laugh at the irony, especially since those accusations were coming from Lucy. Lucy seemed blissfully unaware that Elaine and Jasper were already navigating their divorce. She was entirely in the dark. "Go ahead and tell him," Elaine said dismissively. "I don't need you to speak for me. I'll tell him to his face." Elaine was not about to make her life more complicated than needed, especially since her words that morning had fallen on Jasper's deaf ears. She did not waste too much time on a back-and-forth with Lucy. On her way home, Jasper's assistant rang her again. "Mrs. Carter, Mr. Carter would like you to come to the old mansion tonight. Please don't be late." The Carters had their ritual family dinner every month. Every time, Elaine had to play the part of the doting wife beside Jasper, smiling sweetly in front of the family. "Got it," she replied, though she dreaded returning to that house. Jasper's mother, Mandy Parker, was a piece of work—always on Elaine's case. Since Elaine became Mrs. Carter, Mandy had been hounding her for a grandchild. Lately, she had taken to sniping at Elaine, suggesting she was as barren as a hen that could not lay eggs. The elders did not know about the impending divorce yet. Elaine had no clue when Jasper would spill the beans. That evening, Elaine arrived at the Carter old mansion on time. Sure enough, Mandy zeroed in on her the moment she walked in, her first jab sharp as ever. "No baby on the way yet?" Then, Mandy's brow furrowed as she said, "I've heard Jasper hasn't been around your place in ages." That was the truth. Elaine nodded without a hint of embarrassment, as if her husband's escapades were nothing to fuss over. Mandy's irritation spiked at Elaine's unflappable attitude. "He doesn't come home, and you don't bother to chase after him?" Elaine's lips curled into a smile. Who said she had not tried to take matters into her own hands? However, all she got for her troubles was a slap of shame. Jasper had come home on a rare occasion, only to hole up in the study. She had slipped into a slinky nightgown and boldly knocked on his door. Jasper had barely looked at her before saying, "Mrs. Carter, I'm sorry, but no desire means no desire. You could be naked, and it wouldn't make a difference to me." Chapter 7 "Elaine, you've been part of the Carter family for a long time. "In all these years, we've never shortchanged you, right? No kids yet—how does that look? The gossip is unbearable. "You might not worry about your reputation, but the Carters have a name to uphold. "If things don't change, it may be time for you to step aside." Mandy's words were calm, her tone low, affording Elaine her pride. Elaine was about to respond when Mandy said, "I wasn't happy when Jasper wanted to marry you. I only agreed with great reluctance. "To be frank, you're from a modest background, and well—" Mandy hesitated before she said, "You're just not in the same league as the Carter family. "However, Jasper was smitten with you, dead set on marrying you. He didn't want anyone else. "We had to give in. "I used to think Jasper was head over heels for you. Now, it seems that was all there was to it." Love was often a fair-weather friend—easy to come by during tough times, but hard to hold on to. Even the most steadfast love could not outlast the wear and tear of time. Just a few years had passed, and the man who could not live without her had grown indifferent and distant. However, Elaine was still stuck in the same spot, endlessly asking herself why. Why would he do that to her? Why did he claim to love her, only to quickly change his mind? Elaine's smile was forced as she listened to Mandy, and her laughter strained. "Mom, you can take that up with him. When it comes to divorce, my word doesn't count." It was not like Mandy had not said as much to her son, but he had been stubborn as a mule. With a dismissive huff, Mandy dropped the subject. When Jasper returned, he found his mother and wife both looking sour. He nonchalantly straightened his tie, approached them, and cheerfully asked, "What's the scene here? A major drama?" Mandy's irritation flared up when she saw her son. "You're such an annoyance. You're still causing trouble at your age." Jasper just smiled and sweet-talked her a bit. Mandy perked up and dropped the subject, as there were other things on her plate. Jasper finally turned to Elaine and said, "You and Mom had it out?" Elaine gazed at him, noting that the years had not changed his looks; he was as dashing as the day they met. However, his heart had turned into something so unfeeling and unreadable. She snapped out of her thoughts. "Your mom's on our case about having kids." The relentless pressure to get pregnant had always been her burden alone, and she had kept it from Jasper—until that night, when she just could not keep it in any longer. Maybe it was Mandy's words that brought it all rushing back. Her mind was haunted by the boy she fell for. How did they end up like that? She could not accept it. She could not accept that she and Jasper might not make it to the finish line. She still needed to prove that Jasper loved her. She still hoped to mend their fractured love. Elaine bit her lip and said, "However, you were never home. How was I supposed to get pregnant, to have a baby?" Jasper was quiet for a beat, his brooding eyes fixed on her. After a pause, he carelessly said, "If I were not home, Mrs. Carter, you could always have a baby with some other guy." His words cut deep and were not delivered with a hint of humor. Then, he said flippantly, "It wouldn't bother me, Mrs. Carter." Elaine felt like she had been hit in the head with a sledgehammer, stunned into silence. She took a deep breath to steady the sharp ache in her heart and asked, "Jasper, do you mean that?" Jasper locked eyes with her, his voice devoid of humor. "There's nothing funny about this. "We had an understanding, remember? You do your thing, I do mine. "If you're having trouble choosing, I can introduce you to some top-notch guys, perfect for starting a family. Then you won't have to stress over this anymore." Elaine felt like she was drowning, gasping for air, the weight of his words like a tide pulling her under. However, it was not tears that her heart wept. It was boiling blood. After a moment, Elaine's voice cut through the silence. "Alright. However, don't come to regret it." Jasper's smile was thin, his voice icy. "Regret? You're overthinking it, Mrs. Carter." Suddenly, Elaine remembered the previous night, the final encounter with Stephen, unprotected because they had run out of everything. She had meant to take a morning-after pill. However, in the rush of the day, it had slipped her mind. At that moment, it seemed unnecessary.