No Way Back Through the Fog novel Chapter 3

A week later, the Reid family's monthly dinner arrived as scheduled. With Jason absent, Maya had to attend alone.

The moment Jason's mother, Anna Wales, saw her, her expression darkened. "Where's Jason?"

Maya lowered her gaze. "He's busy. He couldn't make it."

Anna scoffed. She was about to speak when the butler hurried over, handing her an entertainment magazine. The headline featured a photo of Jason and Sophia kissing on a yacht.

Anna slammed her spoon against the table, her fury erupting. "Victoria! Come to the study with me!"

Once in the study, Anna commanded sharply, "Kneel!"

Maya silently dropped to her knees.

"You're useless! You can't even keep your husband in line!" Anna shouted, trembling with rage. "I'm giving you two choices. Either call him back immediately, or face the consequences!"

Maya's lashes trembled slightly. She knew that even if she called, Jason wouldn't return. And she couldn't disturb him during his time with Sophia. If he got angry, it could jeopardize the partnership between their families.

"I'll face the consequences," she said quietly.

Anna's face twisted with fury. "What did you just say?"

"I'll face the consequences." Maya raised her head, her gaze steady. "Do whatever you want."

Anna's face turned ashen with rage. She grabbed the riding crop from the wall and lashed it across Maya's back.

"Will you call him now?" she demanded after each lashing. "Will you call him?"

Maya bit her lip hard, her back burning with pain, but she continued shaking her head. Finally, the agony made her vision go black, and she passed out.

When she came to, she was lying face down on a hospital bed, her back wrapped in bandages. Jason sat beside her bed, his brow furrowed deeply.

"Why didn't you call me when my mother was punishing you?" he asked coldly.

Maya smiled weakly. "I didn't want to interrupt your time with Ms. Page."

Jason froze. He stared at her pale face, suddenly remembering what the nurse had said.

"She loves Mr. Reid so much that she's even willing to take care of the woman he loves…"

Did she really love him that much? Enough to endure punishment rather than disturb him?

That strange feeling in his chest grew heavier.

Over the next few days, Jason unexpectedly stayed at the hospital to take care of her. Maya told him it wasn't necessary, but he didn't leave anyway.

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