Autumn in Greystone always brought a touch of cruelty, and the leaves fell in the wind, like a silent sigh. Alison stood in front of the gate of Greystone Manor, holding a delicate invitation in her hand. It was from Jackson himself, inviting her to a private dinner at the manor. She knew that this was an opportunity, a chance to get closer to the truth.
She took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and rang the doorbell. The door opened slowly, and the servants respectfully ushered her into the manor. The interior of the manor was lavish and elegant, the light from the crystal chandeliers spilling out onto the marble floors, as if the space was gilded with a golden halo.
Jackson stood in the center of the hall, and when he saw Allison, a warm smile appeared on his face. "Allison, you're here. I'm so glad you accepted my invitation."
Allison smiled slightly, a hint of just the right amount of softness in her voice. "Thank you for the invitation, Jackson. It's beautiful here."
Jackson took a few steps closer, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You look beautiful tonight, Allison."
Alison bowed her head and smiled with feigned shyness. "Thank you, you're too kind."
Jackson reached out and gently took her hand in his, his voice low and soft. "Come on, I'll give you a tour of the estate."
He led her through the long corridors, describing the history and artifacts of the estate. Allison listened quietly, responding occasionally, but her mind was not on the ornate decorations at all. Her eyes scanned every corner of the room, trying to find any clue to Sarah.
"This is my study," Jackson said as he pushed open a heavy wooden door and motioned for her to enter. "I like to read in here during the week, or take care of some family business."
Allison walked into the study, her eyes quickly scanning the bookshelves and desk. Her heart raced, but her face remained calm. "It's very tasteful here, Jackson. You know how to enjoy life."
Jackson smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "That's the way it's supposed to be, isn't it? We should savor every moment."
Alison nodded and her eyes fell on a picture on her desk. It was a picture of Jackson and Sarah, smiling so brightly as if they had no worries in the world. Her heart sank, but she quickly squelched the flutter.
"This is Sarah," Jackson said with a hint of nostalgia in his voice, noticing her gaze. "She was a special girl."
Allison turned her head and gazed into his eyes. "You miss her, don't you?"
Jackson was silent for a moment, a hint of pain flashing through his eyes. "Yes, I miss her. Her departure ... was a great shock to me."
A wave of complex emotions swept through Allison's mind, but she quickly suppressed the turbulence. "I'm sure she misses you too."
Jackson looked at her with mixed emotions in his eyes. "Allison, you're so much like her. You both have that ... irresistible charm."
Allison smiled slightly, a hint of a test in her voice. "Really? Maybe that's why we're friends."
Jackson took a step closer, his voice low and soft. "Maybe it's more than just friends, Allison. I have a special feeling about you."
Allison's heart raced, but she quickly calmed down, keeping the smile on her face. "Jackson, you're so good at talking."
Jackson gently took her hand in his, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I'm serious, Allison. My life hasn't been the same since you came back to Greystone. You've given me hope, a future."
Allison looked into his eyes, trying to find the slightest hint of hypocrisy in them, but they were so genuine that she was confused. She knew that it was just part of the game, but she couldn't deny that Jackson's tenderness did touch her heart.
"Jackson," she whispered, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "I don't know what to say."
Jackson smiled slightly, a hint of anticipation in his voice. "You don't have to say anything, Allison. Just let me know that you're willing to give me a chance."
Allison was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Okay, Jackson. We can try."
Jackson's smile widened and he gently took her into his arms, his voice filled with joy. "Thank you, Allison. You won't regret it."
Allison leaned into his arms, but her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She knew that this false love was just part of her revenge plan, but she couldn't deny that Jackson's tenderness did give her a warm feeling.
"I won't regret it, Jackson," she whispered, a hint of icy determination in her voice. "Because this game, it's just begun."