FALLING FOR A HEARTLESS BETA

Amber’s POV

To my surprise, Bethany denied it and told me that she came to Clayland to work as per instruction by Jacob.  As the conversation progressed, I began to see her as a friend rather than a spy. We exchanged stories and laughed about our common interests. I realized that I had misjudged her and was glad that I gave her a chance to explain herself.

From that day on, Bethany became my confidant, and we spent time together whenever we could. She was kind, albeit, I could sense a little bit of stubbornness in the way she glowered her eyes toward Stefan whenever nobody was watching.

Because of Bethany, Stefan did not bother me anymore. He totally shifted his interest to their beautiful maid. When learned that Bethany was closed to Dale, I decided to do something naughty by using Stefan. The art of flirting and seduction was not new to me as I was trained to seduce the Alpha.

However, before Dale could learn about my naughty tricks with Stefan, Jacob learned first about Stefan’s interest in Bethany. It turned out that Bethany was one of Jacob’s mistresses, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, because Jacob seemed to truly care about Bethany.

With Jacob’s arrival in Clayland, I expected Dale to also come but he didn’t come this time. Then, I was invited to dine with them because I was part of their family now. I had no idea what’s going on but as soon as I arrived at the manor that belonged to my mother in law, Jacob immediately led me to the dining area.

Then, I couldn’t help but notice how elegant the room looked. The long table was set with fine china and silverware, and the soft glow of the candles added to the ambiance.

I took my seat at the table, and Jacob sat across from me. As we waited for the food to be served, he engaged me in small talk, asking about my hobbies and interests.

Just then, Bethany entered the room carrying a tray of appetizers. She looked stunning in her simple yet elegant dress, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.

As the dinner progressed, I found myself getting lost in conversation with Jacob. He was charming and intelligent…just like Dale.

As I sat down at the dinner table with Jacob, Stefan, and his mother, we exchanged pleasantries and small talk.

“So, Amber, how has Clayland been treating you?” Jacob asked, taking a sip of his wine.

“It’s been good, thank you. I’ve been busy decorating the residence,” I replied.

“That’s great to hear. And how is your husband doing?” Stefan’s mother inquired.

I hesitated for a moment before answering, “He’s been busy with work, as usual.”

Stefan interjected, “And how about you, Amber? Have you been keeping yourself busy?”

“I’ve been trying to. I’ve been spending time with Bethany, the new maid,” I said, trying to steer the conversation away from my personal life.

“Ah, yes. Bethany,” Jacob said, glancing at Stefan. “She seems like a nice girl.”

Stefan nodded in agreement, but I could sense tension between them. I wondered if there was something I was missing.

The rest of the dinner was uneventful, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something going on between Jacob and Stefan.

As we finished our dessert, Jacob suddenly excused himself, leaving me alone with Bethany. She looked at me with a serious expression, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread.

“What’s going on?” I asked her, my voice barely above a whisper.

“You need to be careful,” she said, her eyes darting around the room. “There are people here who don’t have your best interests at heart.”

Then, I was greatly surprised when Stefan expressed his interest in Bethany during dinner. I tried to hide my emotions, but deep down I felt a twinge of jealousy. I knew that I had no right to be jealous, but I couldn’t help it.

Bethany, on the other hand, seemed taken aback by Stefan’s interest. She stuttered and blushed, and for a moment, I thought that she was going to faint.

Jacob, who was sitting next to Stefan, couldn’t help but chuckle. ”

Looks like you have competition, Stefan,” he stated while subtly referring to him as the competitor.

Stefan, who seemed unfazed by Jacob’s remark, turned to Bethany and said, “Would you like to go out with me sometime, Bethany?”

Bethany, who was still blushing, nodded her head, and Stefan beamed with delight.

I couldn’t believe what Stefan just said. My heart started pounding fast as I looked at Bethany, who seemed to be taken aback as well. I didn’t know how to react, and for a moment, the room was filled with silence.

Finally, Jacob spoke up, “Stefan, are you serious? You know that Bethany is a maid here, and she works for me!”

Stefan nodded, “I know that, but I can’t help how I feel.”

Bethany looked at me as if asking for permission. I didn’t know what to say, but I managed to nod my head, trying to hide my feelings.

Jacob spoke again, “I think that’s enough for tonight. Let’s finish our dinner and retire for the night.”

After dinner, Jacob offered to take me home. As we walked towards the car, Jacob asked me how I was feeling about Stefan’s interest in Bethany. I couldn’t deny that it bothered me, but I also didn’t want to seem too invested.

“I don’t know, Jacob. It’s just strange to me. I mean, I barely know Bethany, and now Stefan is interested in her? It just seems sudden,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Jacob nodded, “I understand why you feel that way, but maybe it’s just a coincidence. Besides, if Stefan does pursue Bethany, it doesn’t have to affect you in any way.”

I smiled, grateful for Jacob’s level-headedness. “You’re right, Jacob. I shouldn’t let it bother me too much.”

As we got into the car, I couldn’t help but wonder if Jacob was right or if there was more to Stefan’s sudden interest in Bethany.

Then, Jacob started the engine, and I choose to be silent while we traveled toward my home. Fortunately, it was Jacob who offered to take me home, because Tom was waiting, and he looked furious upon seeing me disembark from a car. He only relaxed his expression when he saw that it was Jacob behind the steering wheel.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you worry,” I said to Tom as I stepped out of Jacob’s car and approached him.

“You’re sorry? That’s all you have to say after disappearing like that?” Tom’s voice was harsh, and I could see the anger in his eyes.

“Your mother just invited me for dinner,” I explained, trying to diffuse the situation.

“Dinner? With Jacob?” Tom’s voice was rising, and I could feel my own frustration mounting.

“Jacob is your brother, Tom,” I said firmly. “He was just kind to drive me back home.”

“Well, I’m your husband, Amber. You should be talking to me,” Tom said, his voice softening slightly.

“I know,” I said, feeling guilty. “I just didn’t want to burden you with my problems.”

“Amber, you can always talk to me. We’re in this together,” Tom said, taking my hand. “But you can’t just disappear like that without letting me know. I was worried sick.”

“I’m sorry,” I said again, feeling tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. “I promise I won’t do it again.”

“What did you say?” he asked angrily, and then he slapped me.

I tried to explain to Tom that Jacob was just being a gentleman and taking me home, but he wouldn’t listen. He kept on accusing me of cheating on him, even though I tried to convince him otherwise.

As the argument escalated, Tom’s anger grew, and he started to get physical with me. He grabbed me by the arms and shook me, screaming in my face. I could feel the tears streaming down my face as he continued to yell and accuse me.

Finally, he punched me in the face, and I fell to the ground. I was in so much pain, and I could feel blood running down my nose. Tom didn’t stop there; he kept hitting me, and I felt like I was going to die.

When he finally stopped, I lay there, battered and bruised, wondering what I had done to deserve such treatment. Tom walked out of the room without a word, leaving me alone and in pain.