The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 217

Whenever guests were over, the servant would bring her food, or she would use it as an excuse to leave the house.

In the past, Suzie had guessed he was ashamed of her family background, feeling she wasn't presentable to his circle of wealthy friends. And now, with this belly...

Suzie used to be heartbroken over these things. Now, she felt no sadness at his actions. It just meant she had to put on another mask. Knowing Jamie, she could guess what his friends were like—they wouldn't be easy to please. She couldn't be bothered to put on a fake smile and play nice.

"No, that's alright," Suzie replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "I've never been one for big crowds anyway. You should let Ruby join in, though. She'd love it."

With a slight, respectful nod, she turned and started for the stairs.

Jamie's voice followed her. "What? Not satisfied with that identity?"

"Not at all," Suzie said airily as she walked. "If you gave me the role of a maid, I'd obediently put on the uniform..."

She said it flippantly, expecting him to drop it.

But Jamie replied, "At your size, Martha's uniform might fit. The only question is whether you can handle the work. They like BBQ."

What was this now? Did he really want her to be a maid?

Unsure how to respond, Suzie assumed he was joking and paused for only a moment before continuing up the stairs.

"You serve them tomorrow," Jamie said suddenly. "I'll write off a million dollars from your debt for the day's work."

It wasn't an exaggeration. Even if Jamie showered her with endless cash now, she doubted she would feel much joy. It wasn't that she didn't like money; she just preferred to earn it in a way that didn't compromise her dignity. She would rather work hard, even suffer, than be paid for enduring humiliation.

On the other hand, if she and Jamie were a loving couple, she would have happily and contentedly spent his money.

"Then it's settled for tomorrow. I'll have the staff prepare a uniform and apron for you," Jamie said, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes as he watched her.

Suzie gave a slight nod. After a quick glance at him, she turned and walked upstairs.

A million dollars... The number echoed in her mind. She couldn't figure out Jamie's motive, but serving at a single BBQ didn't seem so bad. If he was always this generous, she'd be willing to work every day. Maybe she could finally pay off her debt and be free to leave without worrying about implicating anyone.