From His Ex-Wife to the World's Most Sought-After Restorer (Jade and Hudson) novel Chapter 6

Chapter 6 Just a Title

Jade came downstairs. Amara greeted her with a bright smile.

“Ms. Merchant,” Amara began, her tone light. “Our first meeting yesterday was a bit awkward, wasn’t it? A little misunderstanding. Let me properly introduce myself. I’m Amara, Hudson’s childhood friend.”

Jade forced a small, tight smile. “Hello. I’m Jade.”

After the introduction, Jade recalled the form of address Amara had used. Her gaze darkened slightly. “But, Ms. Hoyt, shouldn’t you be calling me ‘Mrs. Walter’?”

Amara paused, then looked at Hudson with a laugh. “With the history Hudson and I share, calling you ‘Mrs. Walter’ just feels strange to me. What do you think, Hudson?”

Jade dug her nails into her palm, her eyes also turning to Hudson.

Hudson’s face was impassive. “It’s just a title. Call her whatever you like.”

Amara’s smile widened. She looked back at Jade. “See, Ms. Merchant? Hudson agrees with me.”

Jade couldn’t even manage a weak smile. Her nails bit deeper into her flesh.

“Whatever makes you happy,” she said, her voice flat and dull.

With that, she turned and walked back upstairs. She held her head high, fighting desperately to keep the tears from falling.

Her heart felt like it was about to shatter. She wanted to scream, to throw this invader out of

her home.

But she could do nothing.

After all, she was a “Mrs. Walter” that even her own husband wouldn’t acknowledge. She wasn’t even allowed to be angry, let alone kick out Amara-the childhood sweetheart he had always cherished.

Downstairs, Amara watched Jade leave. She turned to Hudson with a feigned look of confusion. “Hudson, is Ms. Merchant alright?”

Hudson replied dismissively, “Just a mood. Ignore it.”

Amara covered her mouth with a light laugh. “You should still soothe her feelings. Don’t let her make a scene.”

“She won’t,” Hudson said, his tone certain. “She’s always been very compliant.”

A faint, dark glint flickered in Amara’s eyes. Her next question carried a hint of casual probing. “So, back then… was it because she was compliant that you allowed her to marry you?”

Hudson considered for a moment. “That was part of it.”

Amara’s smile grew. Her eyes swept over the villa’s interior, surveying it like it was her own domain.

Seeming to remember something, she looked at Hudson again. “Hudson, since losing her father, Cortney has been having nightmares every night at the hotel. I think being in a more familiar environment might help. Would it be too much trouble to clear out a room? I’d like to make it into a proper little girl’s room for her. And this living room… I’d like to add a few of her own things, to make her feel more secure.”

Hudson answered without hesitation, “Of course.”

Amara lowered her head slightly, as if embarrassed by his quick agreement. “You don’t think it’s too forward of me, making changes to your house? And Ms. Merchant…”

“No. Cortney’s situation is special. It’s understandable.” Hudson paused briefly, thinking of Jade. “As for Jade, don’t worry. She’s kind-hearted. Once I explain Cortney’s circumstances to her, she’ll understand.”

Hudson, as if not wanting to disturb her, walked softly toward her. The thick carpet muffled his steps, and Jade, focused on her drawing, didn’t notice him until he was there.

Suddenly, she was pulled into the solid warmth of his chest.

“What are you drawing?” he asked, his voice near her ear.

Jade tried to pull away. “Let me go.”

Hudson didn’t release her. Instead, he rested his chin on her shoulder to look at the sketchbook.

Jade had drawn a shattered mirror, fractured into countless irreparable pieces,

It was a simple graphite sketch, but it felt heavy and oppressive, utterly unlike her usual bright, colorful subjects-flowers, blue skies, cute bunnies.

He held her tighter. “Why draw a broken mirror?”

Jade’s tone was detached. “No reason. I just felt like it.”

She tried to stand, but Hudson, behind her, held her firmly, “Are you still upset about Amara and Cortney moving in?” he asked.

Jade pushed him away and stood up, putting the sketchbook in a drawer. “I’m not upset. What right do I have to be upset?”

She wasn’t even “Mrs. Walter” here.

Hudson came up behind her, clearly annoyed by her coldness. “Jade, Amara just lost her husband. Cortney just lost her father. They’re only staying for a little while, until they find a place. Do you have to be so difficult about it?”