Vernon was eager to leave, especially since he still had a lot of other things to do, but Jane's pleading voice and the housekeeper's inability to contain her distressed anguish, managed to persuade him to stay a little longer and wait for the arrival of Jane's doctor, who, judging by the way the middle-aged lady was talking him up as if attempting to convince Vernon of his capabilities, was a very esteemed professional.
The disheveled look of a damsel in distress was very becoming Jane––quiet, occasional groans and gasps for air, a raised arm covering the upper half of a pale but still-beautiful face, loose, unruly hair scattered all over the white couch cushion, contrasting its dark chestnut color against the milk shade of the soft fabric, and, of course, long, blush-pink tule skirt paired with chunky white Dr. Martens, which, as Vernon had gathered, were the sign of the princess's oppressed wild nature.
Jane Devold was famous for a reason.
It was not only her family's connections and wealth that put her under the spotlight wherever she went but also her undeniable beauty which, as it was well-known among those who were interested, was all thanks to her late mother, Virginia Anderson, who used to be a famous ballerina.
Vernon finally unglued his sharp brown eyes from Jane's pale face and took a good look around.
The first and only time he was in this house was thirteen years ago, on the day his mother and he learned that Mr. Lin senior had taken his own life due to the grave mistake made by none other than Ian Devold, Jane's father, which failed many people who put their trust in him and his allegedly successful business venture.
No matter how hard he tried, Vernon still could not forget every single detail he saw in this very same living room thirteen years ago, and that was precisely why he could not help but marvel at how drastically everything had changed in there.
Everything but one single item––the large portrait of the beautiful Virginia Anderson seated on the black velvet chair, with the little Jane Devold dressed in a blue ballet tutu and hugging a pair of white pointe shoes against her chest.
That portrait was young Vernon's first acquaintance with Princess Jane.
'You should have just kept dancing, Your Highness.'
***
When the doctor finally arrived, Vernon told him everything that had happened to Jane back in the university classroom, and when it seemed like neither his assistance nor mere presence was required, he started walking toward the door only to be stalled once again.
"V-Vernon! Wait!"
The guy let out a disappointed sigh and turned around, trying to maintain a nonchalant expression on his tired face.
Jane sat up on the couch and gazed at him with her large sky-blue eyes, which now seemed to glow, indicating a hopeful sign of her recovery. Perhaps.
"What is it? I don't have all the time in the world."
Jane was already well aware of that fact, yet she still hesitated to continue, not only because she still found it difficult to formulate coherent sentences after enduring that much pain, but also because she was afraid that after today's incident, Vernon's reply to the question she was about to ask would be disappointing.
But whether she liked it or not, she still had to voice it.
"When will we-we have our n-next lesson?"
Vernon took off his round glasses and rubbed his burning eyes.
Amidst the chaos of today's tutoring session, he had completely forgotten to inform Jane that there would be no lessons the following week as he needed that time to prepare for the Spring Expo presentation.
"I'm helping with the Department's presentation so I won't be available next week. We'll resume our sessions after it's over... Get some rest in the meantime."
That answer was better than what she had expected and yet she was still disappointed.
"...Alright."
The guy threw one last quick glance at the giant oil painting on the opposite wall, turned around, and said, almost under his breath.
"Yeah, see you soon... Your Highness."
As he approached the towering automatic gate, he couldn't help but notice the unbelievably heavy burden weighing down his steps.
It felt as though he was dragging his feet through a thick layer of mud, each step sinking him deeper and deeper.
Vernon had no choice but to pause and take a much-needed breather. He couldn't determine if this heaviness stemmed from physical exhaustion or if it was his heart that had finally surrendered.
When it came to the Devolds, he could never be certain about anything.
"Excuse me, young gentleman."
Vernon shook his head in an attempt to return to his senses and looked ahead, following the sound of a familiar male voice.
A tall, slim man with a sleek hairstyle that was giving away his real age with a few thin strokes of gray brushed over otherwise dark brown hair, dressed in a neat expensive suit and holding a thin black tablet in his left hand, gestured for his driver to leave, and walked up to the guy, whose eyes had been fixed on him that whole time.
"Are you the person who brought my Jane home?"
Vernon adjusted his glasses and only nodded in response, while the man in front of him curled his mouth into a rather friendly smile and offered him his hand, inviting the guy to share a handshake, which Vernon decided to accept.
"My name is Ian Devold, I'm Jane's father."
"... Vernon Lin."
"Oh, you're THE Vernon Lin whom Professor Taylor praises so highly? It's a pleasure to meet you! It seems you're not only my daughter's tutor but also her savior. I'm sincerely grateful for your assistance today and genuinely sorry if this incident inconvenienced you. I will ensure you are still properly compensated for today's lesson."
Vernon suppressed a sarcastic scoff that was desperately trying to escape his mouth with a fake cough and forced a polite smile. Yes, that was Ian Devold, the man who thought that money was the answer to everything.
"Thank you, sir, but that's fine. I don't take the money I did not earn."
Mr. Devold could not help but laugh at that bold remark.
"That is very admirable of you, young man. Anyway, please accept my gratitude once again and feel free to let me know if you happen to need anything I can help you with."
"Sure. Thank you. I'm sorry but I must go now. I hope... Jane gets better soon."
Vernon nodded at the still-smiling man and walked away, leaving Ian alone and in a rather bewildered state.
"Lin... Where did I hear that name before?"