Chapter 1

"Jasmine, haven't you delivered the documents yet?"

The man's voice on the phone sharpened with growing irritation.

"Almost there, almost."

Jasmine was still a little over a mile from the Ford Group building, but roadwork up ahead had brought traffic to a complete standstill.

She stared at the downpour. Finally, she braced herself, paid the fare, and plunged into the rain. Then, she shrugged off her coat, bundled it around the folder, and ran.

The rain pelted her, soaking through her thin layers. But she didn't care about appearances anymore. She just wanted to reach the Ford Group building, fast.

Jasmine finally reached the building, only for the security guard to bar her path. She was soaked and would track water everywhere.

Stranded at the entrance, she pleaded with the receptionist to take the documents upstairs.

Then, she messaged Calvin Ford and his assistant, Vanessa Graham, on WhatsApp to let them know that the documents had been delivered. But no one replied.

One of the receptionists, noticing Jasmine's plain attire, mistook her for a courier. With a sympathetic sigh, the woman handed her a glass of water.

Jasmine thanked her, drank it, and turned to leave the Ford Group building.

Just then, the elevator doors in the center of the lobby slid open, and a tall figure emerged. It was Calvin, the CEO of Ford Group, and her husband.

Jasmine instinctively shrank back when she saw him stride toward the entrance.

"Mr. Ford, Ms. Zeller's car broke down on the road. We've already sent a driver, so there's no need to worry."

Calvin looked at his phone, frowning. "I can't reach Olivia's phone. Get her assistant on the line."

"Got it."

Jasmine stood in the corner, her expression icing over when she heard Olivia Zeller's name.

So Olivia was back in the country.

Her gaze flicked to Calvin as he hurried into the car, and a mocking smile curled her lips.

Just moments ago, he'd been frantic, demanding that she deliver those documents for his urgent meeting as if the sky were collapsing. And now? He'd dropped everything without hesitation, racing to his first love instead.

Meanwhile, she stood there like a fool, soaked and disheveled, invisible to him.

Jasmine wiped the rain from her face and felt the sting of her own patheticness sharp in her chest.

…

Back at the Ford residence, Jasmine peeled off her soaked clothes, downed a glass of water, and called Calvin's mother, Amelia Watson.

"Amelia."

Amelia's voice softened with concern. "What's wrong, Jas? You don't sound well. Are you sick?"

"No." Jasmine tightened her grip on the phone, drew a deep breath, and forced out the words she'd been holding in. "I want a divorce from Calvin."

Silence stretched on the other end of the line.

Jasmine forced the words out in a rush. "The agreement I signed with you was for three years. The time is up now. And Olivia is back."

Amelia let out a sigh. "Alright, Jas. I understand. I'll have the lawyers draw up the divorce agreement. And as we agreed, the villa in Jesceria will be your compensation. I'll make sure the transfer goes through quickly."

Jasmine accepted the financial settlement without protest. "Okay."

Three years ago, she'd just graduated from college and was about to sign with an orchestra, poised to begin her career as a musician.

Then, Scott Group collapsed overnight. Her father, James Scott, took his own life. Her mother, Delilah Mercer, broken by grief, spiraled into a mental breakdown.

Overwhelmed by crushing medical expenses, Jasmine had nowhere to turn until Amelia appeared.

Amelia, one of the orchestra's investors, learned of Jasmine's situation and offered to cover the medical expenses on one condition.

As it turned out, Amelia's son, Calvin—heir to Ford Group—had been in a car accident that robbed him of the use of his legs.

Olivia, his first love, had abandoned him and fled abroad. The betrayal shattered him, leaving him isolated and drowning in self-pity.

Amelia wanted Jasmine to enter into a marriage of convenience with Calvin to pull him back from the brink of despair. Jasmine needed the money, so she agreed.

Back then, Jasmine had asked Amelia why she'd chosen her. Amelia's answer was simple—Jasmine bore a faint resemblance to Olivia and played the piano, too.

With that, Jasmine became a stand-in. She quit her job, married Calvin, and threw herself into caring for him. Day after day, she weathered his outbursts and tended to his meals, needs, and rehabilitation like a dutiful maid.

Calvin's legs finally healed six months ago. His first act was to buy a plane ticket to Elandra. He had to find Olivia. From then on, he flew to Elandra every month without exception.

His younger sister, Sonia Ford, lived in Elandra too. Jasmine had her contact information and often scrolled through Sonia's Instagram, watching the three of them smile at her from the screen.

Calvin's face remained stern around Jasmine, but his smile came effortlessly with Olivia. The sight of those champagne roses in Olivia's hands sent a sharp ache behind Jasmine's eyes.

Every Valentine's Day, Calvin had Vanessa deliver champagne roses to her, too. She'd been touched and confused, wondering why he'd chosen that particular bloom.

Only when she saw the photos did it click. It was because Olivia loved them. They were never for Jasmine, who was just a pitiful stand-in. Now that Olivia was back, Jasmine could finally step aside.

She dialed the number of her former senior, Penny Sloan. After college, Penny had started as an instructor at a music academy, climbing her way up to partner.

For three years, Penny had kept inviting Jasmine to join the academy. Each time, Jasmine refused since Calvin needed her. But now that she was leaving him, she needed work.

Penny's voice lit up the moment she heard Jasmine's request over the phone. "That's wonderful, Jasmine! I've been hoping you'd come on board for ages. I always thought it was a waste of your talent for getting married so young and becoming a housewife."

Penny still wanted Jasmine, even though she had been out of the workforce for three years. Jasmine's eyes burned with sudden warmth. She said, "Thank you, Penny. I'll treat you to a meal soon."

"I'll hold you to that."

After ending the call, Jasmine began gathering her documents. A photo of her and Calvin caught her eye when she pulled out the marriage certificate, and she found herself drifting into a memory.

It all began when Amelia brought her into the Ford family to care for Calvin. Back then, he had resisted her, and marriage had been the furthest thing from his mind.

There were nights he tried to end his life, and Jasmine was the one who stopped him. She stayed by his side for countless sleepless hours, lighting calming incense and playing soft music for him.

She never left, no matter how harsh his words or how cruel his outbursts. And then, one day, he finally agreed to marry her.

Calvin was gentle with Jasmine in the early days of their marriage.

Back then, she'd come close to loving him. She told herself that she'd stay by his side forever if he kept treating her this well, even if he never left his wheelchair.

But then Sonia revealed the truth. Calvin had only married her because Olivia had started seeing someone else. His pride had taken the hit.

And just like that, Jasmine's feelings for him became a joke.

Now, their agreement had run its course. It was time for her to go. Calvin had never been hers to begin with. Their marriage was a transaction, meant to be walked away from without a backward glance.

Three years of her life, traded for a villa in downtown Jesceria? She thought that it was fair enough.

Chapter 2

Calvin never came home that night, but Jasmine knew exactly where he was. Sonia's Instagram had broadcast every moment of Olivia's homecoming party in real time.

He'd booked the most luxurious hotel in Jesceria, where fireworks streaked across the sky until dawn. The ballroom overflowed with champagne roses, and his circle of friends toasted in Olivia's honor.

The whole scene shimmered with celebration.

This was a world Jasmine had never been part of. To Calvin, she would always be just the maid. He never brought her around his friends, never even acknowledged her existence to anyone.

After breakfast, Jasmine received the divorce agreement Amelia delivered. She signed without hesitation, left them on the dining table, and headed out to buy groceries.

The terms of the divorce were clear. She'd care for Calvin until the divorce was finalized. So she still made dinner that evening, though he might never walk through the door.

At 8:00 pm, he did. She figured that he must've changed at the office as his suit still looked freshly pressed.

Jasmine turned toward the kitchen to reheat his meal when his voice stopped her. "Don't bother. I'm leaving again."

He strode past her without a single glance, climbing up the stairs two steps at a time. She followed just in time to see him vanish into the bathroom.

Silently, she arranged fresh clothes on the hallway dresser before retreating downstairs. She sat at the dining table, waiting for him to finish his shower so they could discuss their divorce.

Calvin descended while fastening his watch, his tone detached as he said, "I'm leaving for Baelbury tomorrow night on a three-day business trip. Pack my things."

Jasmine quietly hummed before gathering the papers from the table. "You should look these over—"

Calvin barely skimmed the pages, his impatience cutting through her words. "Another request for Delilah's medical expenses?"

Jasmine had to submit a formal request monthly, detailing each expense whenever she needed money. The largest sum always went toward Delilah's medical expenses.

By now, it was routine. His signature slashed across the final page before he'd even bothered to read its contents.

"Done. Don't forget to pack my things," Calvin said as he pushed the door open and left.

Jasmine watched his figure disappear, her lips curling into a hollow smile.

The truth was, Delilah had gotten much better. Jasmine hadn't even bothered asking Calvin for her medical expenses for the past six months, though it wasn't as if he had noticed.

Jasmine called for a same-day courier and shipped the signed divorce agreement to Amelia.

Thanks to Amelia's connections, they could finalize everything without ever stepping into a courthouse. But the cooling-off period held Jasmine back one last month until she could finally go.

Jasmine unlocked her phone and saw Sonia's Instagram post. It was a photo of a plane ticket. She was tagging along with Calvin and Olivia as they flew to Baelbury to attend a concert of their favorite celebrity.

So that was why he had been in such a hurry. He was going to watch the concert with Olivia.

...

Jasmine kept herself busy while Calvin was away on his so-called business trip. She reached out to a realtor, toured several apartments, and finally decided to rent a one-bedroom unit.

Amelia's villa was undeniably luxurious, but the distance from her music academy made the commute a hassle, and the steep maintenance fees only added to her burden.

Once the property was officially transferred to her, she intended to sell it, freeing herself from the financial pressure.

Moreover, Delilah's condition had improved significantly, so the medical expenses weren't as crushing as before.

Then, Jasmine returned home and continued packing her things.

She glanced at the clothes in her wardrobe, which had all been brought with her before the marriage. Calvin had never bought her a single piece of clothing.

And the clothes she had bought for him? He had never worn them. The tags still dangled from the fabric.

Calvin had worn clothes only from two brands all these years. Thanks to Sonia, Jasmine knew that Olivia had been the one to recommend them.

Seeing no reason to keep the clothes she'd bought him, Jasmine packed them up and posted everything at a steep discount on an online marketplace.

Three days passed in a whirlwind of activity. By the end, everything that belonged to her had been sorted, packed, and shipped to her new home.

Jasmine never had much to begin with. Even if Calvin returned, he wouldn't notice anything missing since he'd never paid attention to household matters or where things belonged.

Before returning to Jesceria, Calvin had called her. "Jasmine, be ready. Tomorrow we're attending a funeral at the Langley residence."

The Langleys had a close relationship with the Fords. Jasmine had accompanied Calvin to their dinners before, so attending their funeral was simply expected.

She'd always loathed these gatherings because she rarely received respect in Calvin's circle.

Their scrutinizing gazes prickled like needles against her skin. Social grace had never been her strength, but refusal was never an option.

At least there was an end in sight. Once the divorce was finalized, these obligatory appearances would finally be behind her.

Just as Jasmine expected, Calvin didn't notice a thing when he returned. The glaringly half-empty walk-in closet didn't even earn a second glance. Then again, she had always been the one to pack his bags for him.

"That outfit you wore last time was inappropriate. You should let Mom advise you."

Calvin didn't look up from his phone as he said it, his fingers still tapping out a text.

"Alright," Jasmine replied.

He'd never cared what she wore before. He only bothered to comment on important occasions—and even then, it was never out of concern, only pride.

Jasmine called Amelia, who immediately sent someone to deliver a new outfit to their doorstep. She tried it on, decided it fit well enough, and put it away without another thought.

…

The next day, Jasmine wore that outfit as she slipped into Calvin's car, accompanying him to the Langley family funeral.

Sitting in the passenger seat, she felt uneasy. Her fingers brushed against something small and hard wedged in the seat's crevice. It was a black hairpin.

She already knew who it belonged to. It was clear that Olivia had been in this seat often.

A faint, mocking smile touched her lips. She consoled herself with the thought that, at the very least, the divorce was already underway. Otherwise, that knowledge would have sickened her.

Olivia had shown up at the funeral, too.

This was Jasmine's first time seeing her in person. Olivia was slender, dressed in a black dress nearly identical to Jasmine's. Her light makeup only emphasized how delicate she looked.

It was a picture of sweet innocence.

Olivia approached Calvin, her voice softening as she said, "Cal."

Her hand twitched as if to touch his arm, but she caught herself, glancing at Jasmine.

Calvin gave her a faint smile. "Liv."

Then, gesturing to Jasmine beside him, he added, "This is Jasmine Scott."

It took Jasmine a moment too long to process the situation. He called Olivia "Liv" yet introduced her like a business associate. It shouldn't have hurt anymore, but the irony left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Not bothering to watch their silent exchange, Jasmine announced that she was going to see Amelia before leaving Calvin behind.

He watched Jasmine walk away, his expression darkening with something unreadable.

Olivia noticed how his gaze lingered, a coil of unease tightening in her chest. Hadn't he said he didn't care about Jasmine? Yet the look in his eyes was anything but indifferent.

She shoved the thought away. Her history with Calvin ran deep. They were childhood friends, and each other's first loves. She was confident that she wouldn't lose to Jasmine.

Chapter 3

Amelia was engrossed in conversation with the Langleys, leaving Jasmine no opportunity to join in. Needing some fresh air, Jasmine slipped away into the garden.

The Langleys were one of Jesceria's most influential families, and their garden stretched endlessly. After wandering for some time, her feet grew weary, and she noticed a swing set ahead. She sank onto it.

Then her gaze caught tiny letters carved into the wooden fence beside the swing—"Calvin and Olivia will never be apart."

The handwriting was childish, undoubtedly etched by a young hand.

Jasmine remembered that Calvin and Olivia had been childhood sweethearts. Naturally, they would've hung out often at the Langley residence, leaving little traces of themselves.

Jasmine was about to leave when Calvin's and Olivia's voices suddenly drifted toward her from up ahead.

"My place is getting renovated, Cal, and I don't want to deal with my parents' nagging. Can I stay with you for a while?"

Calvin's voice softened as he said, "Of course. I've always kept your room ready for you."

Jasmine's fingers clenched around the swing's ropes.

The Ford residence had a guest room—the largest and brightest—where the maids cleaned daily and changed the bedding every few days.

Jasmine had often wondered why they maintained it so meticulously when no one ever stayed there. Now she knew. That room had always been Olivia's.

…

The funeral had ended, and Jasmine trailed a few steps behind Calvin. He walked in silence, eyes locked on his phone, making no attempt to speak to her.

Jasmine had no interest in chasing after his indifference. The only reason she remained by his side now was out of obligation—the agreement demanded it.

Then Olivia caught up to them, looping her arm through Calvin's with effortless familiarity. "Cal, let's stop by my place first to grab my things, okay?"

Calvin nodded, as if suddenly remembering that he owed Jasmine an explanation. "Jasmine, Olivia's staying with us for a while. Since you're not busy, be sure that she's taken care of."

It wasn't a request. It was an order.

Jasmine knew exactly what she was to him—a wife in name only, barely more than a maid. Since they were already on the brink of divorce, she figured that arguing over fairness was pointless.

Her face betrayed nothing as she replied, "Alright."

Calvin eyed Jasmine. He sensed something off about Jasmine's quick agreement.

He had never bothered to hide his meetings with Olivia. In the past, he could sense Jasmine's despondency every time he returned from Elandra.

But now, her expression remained unreadable. A flicker of irritation passed through him.

After reaching the parking lot, Calvin opened the passenger door for Olivia, ushering her inside.

Jasmine moved toward the back seat, her fingers brushing the door handle, when Calvin spoke again. "I'm heading to Liv's home first. It's out of the way, so you'll have to get a cab back."

The Langley residence was up in the hills, where cabs were scarce. But Calvin drove off with Olivia anyway as if that fact had never crossed his mind.

Jasmine stood on the hill, battered by the icy winds for over an hour. Finally, a driver agreed to take her after she paid an extra 200 dollars.

She was starving and drained by the time she got home. Yet, the dining room buzzed with laughter. Calvin, Olivia, and Sonia were crowded around the table, digging into a stack of pizzas.

Sonia's face twisted into a scowl the moment Jasmine walked in. "Where have you been, Jasmine? You took forever. We had to settle for frozen pizza because there was nothing else for dinner."

Calvin placed a slice of beef pepperoni pizza on Olivia's plate before glancing back at Jasmine. "Cora's dressing ruined the salad. Fix it."

Cora Foster, the maid, shot Jasmine an apologetic look. She had once been the cook, but after Calvin kept rejecting her meals, she'd been demoted to cleaning duties.

With Jasmine unexpectedly absent and Cora not knowing Calvin's preferences, he'd insisted on frozen pizzas instead.

Cora had always treated Jasmine kindly. Not wanting to make things worse for her, Jasmine headed to the kitchen to prepare a fresh salad.

Jasmine had just set the salad down when Sonia started bossing her around again. "Make us some meatballs, Jasmine. The store-bought ones taste terrible. They're nothing but processed junk."

Exhausted and starving, Jasmine didn't have the energy to cook. Instead, she slumped into her chair and heaped her plate with potato wedges, beef meatballs, and cheddar-stuffed meatballs.

When Jasmine ignored her demand and helped herself, Sonia snapped, "Jasmine, what's your problem? Are you even listening?"

Jasmine chewed slowly, swallowing a meatball before replying, "These are processed junk, so I'm doing you a favor by eating them. And as for making fresh ones tonight? That's not happening. We're out of ingredients. Maybe you should go buy some."

Sonia choked on her anger. She spun toward Calvin, ready to tattle, but he cut her off before she could speak. "Order takeout if you don't like it."

Calvin had always taken Sonia's side whenever she and Jasmine clashed. But that day, he didn't rush to defend her because he thought that Jasmine was being considerate by agreeing to let Olivia move in.

Fuming, Sonia tore into her beef pepperoni pizza with a vengeance.

Jasmine knew better than to believe that Calvin would suddenly speak up for her. As he had expected, he added, "Olivia loves butternut squash soup. It's a hassle to make, so wake up early tomorrow and get it ready."

Her fingers tightened around her fork, her gaze turning to ice.

To Calvin, Olivia mattered more than even Sonia. Jasmine could refuse to cater to Sonia, but Olivia? That was out of the question.

Thus, Jasmine offered a thin smile. "Sure."

She'd agree, but whether the soup would be palatable? That, she couldn't promise.

Olivia smiled sweetly at Jasmine and said, "Thanks, Jasmine."

Jasmine remained silent, her attention fixed solely on the meatballs on her plate.

Meanwhile, Sonia seethed. Jasmine had taken every last meatball, leaving none for her. The moment Jasmine stood, Sonia seized her chance. With a swift flick of her fork, she tipped the steaming mushroom soup forward.

The scalding liquid splashed toward Jasmine. She jerked back but was too slow to escape. Pain lanced through her arm, white-hot and biting. Her face went pale, and a sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead.

Yet Calvin didn't even look her way. His focus was entirely on Olivia, whose hand had caught a few stray drops, her skin already turning pink.

"I'm taking you to the hospital!"

In one swift motion, he swept Olivia into his arms and strode out. Sonia threw Jasmine a triumphant glance before following behind them.

Cora stepped forward to help Jasmine up. She rolled up Jasmine's sleeve, revealing rows of blisters, their angry red marks stinging her eyes with pity.

"Mrs. Ford…"

Jasmine hissed in pain, sucking in a sharp breath. "I'm fine, Cora. Don't worry about me."

In the end, Cora hailed a cab and took Jasmine to Fortaire Hospital, a private hospital backed by Ford Group. A doctor treated her wounds before a nurse hooked her up to an IV drip.

Knowing Cora still had to return home to care for her grandson that night, Jasmine insisted that she leave. Alone, she dozed in the chair, only stirring when the nurse returned to remove the IV.

Jasmine grabbed her bag and turned to go when she overheard two nurses murmuring nearby.

"I heard Mr. Ford reserved the entire VIP floor just so Ms. Zeller could rest undisturbed tonight."

"For a few minor burns? They'd have healed on their own if she'd arrived any later. Was that really worth an entire floor?"

Jasmine paused mid-step, glancing at her injured arm as the absurdity of it all struck her.

After taking a cab back to the Ford residence, she washed up and collapsed straight into bed.

…

The next morning, Calvin's voice jolted Jasmine from her sleep.

She blinked groggily, turning toward him in confusion. "What's wrong?"

His face was stone-cold, the air around him thick with displeasure as he said, "I told you to get up early and prepare the butternut squash soup. Where is it?"

Chapter 4

Jasmine made no effort to conceal her irritation with Calvin. Rolling up her sleeve, she revealed the bandage wrapped around her arm and said flatly, "I'm hurt. I can't cook."

Calvin bit back his reprimand. "Why didn't you say something sooner if you're injured?"

Jasmine let out a bitter laugh. After all, would it have made a difference? He'd barely noticed whenever she was sick or injured for three years.

She still remembered her appendicitis attack when Cora and the driver were away. She'd called Calvin, asking him to take her to the hospital. But he'd been boarding a flight to Elandra and told her to figure it out herself.

In the end, Jasmine had to call for an ambulance. After her surgery, she hired a hospital caregiver since Calvin couldn't even be bothered to pay her a visit.

After so many disappointments, she expected nothing from him anymore, but at least their miserable marriage was almost over.

The ring of Calvin's phone shattered the silence between them. He glanced at the screen, then stepped outside onto the balcony.

Jasmine watched him go, catching the soft murmur of his voice as he said, "Liv."

A cold gust of wind swept in from the balcony. Shivering, she threw a jacket over her shoulders and made her way downstairs.

Cora had texted late that night. Her grandson was sick, so she needed the day off. Jasmine told her not to worry and that she could handle things alone.

She grabbed a canister of oats from the pantry, scooped a spoonful into a mug, and cracked an egg over it. She pierced the yolk, poured hot water, covered the mug, and placed it into the microwave.

Three minutes later, breakfast was done. She carried the mug to the table, swirled in some skim milk, and topped it with a handful of nuts.

Jasmine was just about to take her first bite when Calvin came downstairs.

Seeing that she'd only prepared breakfast for one, he felt a sharp pinch of irritation. But the memory of her injury surfaced, and he swallowed his complaint.

He moved closer, studying her simple meal with a frown. "This is all you're eating?"

Jasmine didn't lift her gaze. Her tone was flat as she said, "Handle your own meals for the next few days. I'm sure Vanessa is more than capable of keeping you satisfied."

Calvin had actually wanted Jasmine's butternut squash soup recipe. He planned to have Vanessa make it for Olivia. But Jasmine's icy demeanor froze the words in his throat.

Turning away, he headed for the door. "I'll be at the hospital with Liv for two days. Call Vanessa if you don't feel well."

Jasmine slowly crunched a nut between her teeth. "Got it."

She'd called and texted Calvin daily two years ago when he finally pulled himself together and returned to work. She had checked in on his condition and asked when he'd be home for dinner.

But her concern only grated on him. Eventually, he blocked her number.

After that, her calls never went through. WhatsApp was the only way she could contact him, though she rarely used it afterward.

Nevertheless, Calvin would always call her from Vanessa's phone whenever something urgent came up.

…

Calvin arrived at the hospital to find that Vanessa had already brought breakfast.

"Mr. Ford, I picked these up from Glaser's and The Velvet Table, just as you asked. I've got butternut squash soup, chicken pot pie, and a few sides."

Calvin nodded and gestured for her to take the food into Olivia's room.

Olivia had just put on a touch of natural makeup when the knock sounded. She swiftly tucked her cosmetics into the drawer and leaned against the pillows.

"Come in," she called.

Only when Calvin and Vanessa entered did Olivia slowly sit up, stretching with a yawn.

"Did I wake you, Liv?" Calvin stepped closer and took her hand.

Olivia smiled. "Of course not. But you stayed with me all night. Won't Jasmine be upset?"

The question stopped Calvin short. Olivia's words dragged his thoughts back to Jasmine's behavior that morning. He felt something was amiss.

There was nothing between him and Olivia. Yet Jasmine's indifference to his absence left him unsettled. She should've…

But no matter how he turned it over in his mind, he couldn't quite name what reaction he'd expected from her.

He simply said, "She's easygoing and won't get upset. Let's have breakfast first."

Olivia nodded. "Join me, won't you?"

"Sure."

Calvin ladled a portion of soup into a bowl and set it before her. He took a sip himself, but the flavor fell flat. He was so used to Jasmine's cooking that no other breakfast could ever measure up.

Noticing his frown, Olivia asked, "What's wrong, Cal? Doesn't it taste good? This is Glaser's butternut squash soup, isn't it? We used to eat there all the time as kids. The flavor hasn't changed one bit."

Calvin swallowed his honest thoughts and replied gently, "It's nothing. You should eat. I'm not really hungry."

He set down his spoon, leaving the rest untouched.

Then, he stepped out of the hospital room onto the balcony, tapped a cigarette from the pack, and cupped the flame from his lighter to his lips. That first drag finally eased the vise around his heart.

Vanessa stepped forward. "Mr. Ford, should we reschedule the 9:30 am meeting?"

"No." Calvin's voice came low and icy.

Jasmine's face, tender and composed, surfaced in his mind.

"Have Avery take the meeting, Vanessa. I need you to fetch Jasmine and bring her to the hospital to have her arm examined."

Vanessa hesitated. She was no stranger to managing Calvin's personal matters, but never before had he tasked her with looking after Jasmine. Still, an order was an order.

"Understood. I'll leave immediately."

Calvin exchanged a few words with Olivia in the hospital room before leaving.

Vanessa had just finished tidying up Olivia's takeout boxes and was about to leave when Olivia spoke. "Vanessa, I have a bit of a headache. Would you mind accompanying me for a check-up?"

Vanessa hesitated, considering Olivia's request.

To Calvin, Olivia clearly mattered far more than Jasmine. If Olivia was feeling unwell, caring for her came first, even if it meant skipping Jasmine's pickup. Vanessa was certain that Calvin wouldn't hold it against her.

Vanessa quickly flashed a polite smile. "Of course, Ms. Zeller. I'll get the attending physician immediately to arrange your examination."

Olivia smiled, satisfied with her compliance.

…

Bored at home, Jasmine called Penny and invited her for a meal. She thought that it was the perfect opportunity to discuss future work plans.

They met at a café, and the instant Penny saw her, she hugged Jasmine tightly. "Jas, it's been way too long!"

They reminisced about their college days, the memories bittersweet.

"You know, Jas, if only you'd gone into business with me back then. You won national competitions multiple times. Even Professor Wade wanted you as his grad student."

Jasmine's thoughts drifted to the past. She thought that everything felt different now. Marrying Calvin hadn't been a choice when James died, as Delilah needed money for treatment. It was a last resort.

At least now, she was close to breaking free.

Penny shifted the conversation back to work.

The music academy where Penny worked was Resonance Arts Center, owned by an heiress from an ultra-wealthy family. The woman rarely involved herself in daily operations, leaving its management to her partners.

Backed by money, resources, and powerful connections, Resonance Arts Center catered exclusively to high-society clients and paid its instructors top-tier salaries.

"Join us, and you won't have to worry about your mother's medical expenses anymore. Resonance offers the highest salaries in the industry, plus generous year-end bonuses.

"But fair warning—our clients are loaded, and plenty of them, kids and parents alike, have nasty tempers. It'll take some getting used to, so brace yourself for a bumpy start."

Jasmine nodded. "I get it. I'll tough it out."

Three years at Calvin's side had hardened her to bad tempers. She prided herself on being unshakable.

Penny took a sip of coffee before asking, "So, Jas, when do you want to start?"

Chapter 5

Jasmine counted the days and realized that there were still over 20 days left in the mandatory cooling-off period before her divorce would be finalized.

"Still 20 more days to go. You know, my divorce hasn't been finalized yet," she said.

Penny's voice softened with concern. "Calvin isn't giving you any trouble, is he?"

It was a fair question. Back in college, Jasmine had been the undisputed beauty of their department. What man would let someone like her walk away without a fight?

But Jasmine only offered a self-deprecating smile. "Trust me, he won't. If anything, he's in a hurry to be rid of me."

Calvin had Olivia now. So, why would he spare her a second thought?

"Well, that's good," Penny said.

Ever cautious, she handed Jasmine a business card. "Still, don't panic if anything happens. A friend of mine works at Jesceria's top law firm. She's the best at handling divorce cases. With her on your side, you'll walk away clean."

Jasmine doubted she'd need it. Nevertheless, she took the card and smiled gratefully while saying, "Thanks, Penny."

…

Night had fallen by the time Jasmine returned home. A pair of high heels stood in the entryway, while on the couch, a woman's clothes lay beside a handbag.

She spaced out for a second until Olivia's voice carried down the stairs. She'd forgotten that Olivia had moved in and figured the latter must've been discharged from the hospital.

Jasmine climbed the stairs to the second floor. A flicker of irritation stirred in her chest when she realized that the sound came from the master bedroom.

That was still her room, even if she and Calvin were headed for divorce. Olivia had no right to barge in like this.

She pushed the door open, and there was Olivia, wrapped in nothing but a towel, perched on her bed. Calvin crouched beside her, applying ointment to her ankle.

The scene before her burned. Jasmine clenched her jaw, biting back the reprimand clawing at her throat.

Seeing Jasmine, Olivia rushed to explain, "Jasmine, I just slipped in the bathroom. Cal only brought me here to treat the wound. You don't mind, do you?"

Jasmine's voice cut like frost. "Why were you in my room in the first place?"

Olivia flinched at her accusatory tone, tears springing to her eyes as her voice wavered pitifully. "My shower wasn't working, so I used Cal's. I'll leave if it bothers you."

She stood to go, but her injured ankle buckled, sending her staggering. Calvin grabbed her before she could fall, holding her waist as she pressed into him, her wide eyes widened in panic.

He softened his tone to calm her. "Easy. It's nothing serious. Jasmine won't mind."

His gaze snapped to Jasmine, his expression hardening. "That tone with Liv was out of line. Apologize to her."

Jasmine thought it was absurd.

Olivia had been sitting on her bed, barely dressed, and now she was clinging to her husband. Jasmine wondered if she really was supposed to apologize just for asking a question.

However, she had no intention of humoring them. Turning away, she headed for the stairs.

Annoyed by her indifference, Calvin called out to her. "Jasmine!"

She paused, looking back with an expression even icier than his. "What if I refuse?"

Calvin's gaze darkened, his voice sharp with anger. "This is an order, not a discussion."

He had spoken to Jasmine like this for three years. She used to bite back her words, but not anymore. What did she have to fear now? They were getting divorced anyway.

Jasmine lifted her chin, her voice dripping with scorn. "Fine. I'll apologize. I'm so sorry for interrupting your little moment. But then again, a good wife is supposed to turn a blind eye to her husband's affair, isn't she?"

"Jasmine!" Calvin's breath turned ragged, his temper igniting. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Jasmine's gaze fell to his arm. "Did I misspeak, Mr. Ford? Then tell me—where exactly is your hand right now?"

Only then did Calvin realize he was still gripping Olivia's waist.

Olivia sobbed as if she'd been deeply wronged. "This is all my fault. Jasmine, please don't blame Cal. Don't fight because of me. I'll move out tonight."

With that, she limped out of the room.

Calvin was about to continue berating Jasmine when Olivia's startled cry pierced the air. Jasmine turned to see Olivia lying at the foot of the stairs.

Panicked, Calvin shoved Jasmine aside and rushed forward, sending her sprawling across the floor. The impact reignited the dull ache in her injured arm.

"Liv! Are you hurt?" Calvin's voice was sharp with urgency.

Then came the sound of the front door swinging open and slamming shut.

A bitter smile curled Jasmine's lips. It seemed Calvin would be spending another night at Olivia's hospital bedside.

She ripped the bedsheet away and hurled it into the trash. She refused to touch anything that had been tainted by that bitch.

Calvin's WhatsApp message flashed on her screen when she finished. "Grab two sets of clothes from Liv's room and bring them here."

Jasmine ignored it and switched off her phone.

After washing up, she settled into the fresh sheets, forcing Calvin and Olivia out of her thoughts. Sleep claimed her almost instantly.

…

The next day, Vanessa arrived, her tone careful as she said, "Mrs. Ford, Mr. Ford sent me to pick up two sets of Ms. Zeller's clothes."

Jasmine gestured toward a room upstairs. "That's Ms. Zeller's room."

Vanessa fetched the clothes swiftly and returned, hesitating before saying, "Mr. Ford also asked me to take you to the hospital to care for Ms. Zeller…"

Her words sounded awkward, as if she struggled to believe them.

Jasmine continued eating her cheesy scrambled eggs on toast, not even acknowledging her. Vanessa stood there, stung by the cold dismissal but powerless to react.

There was a time when Jasmine would have done anything for Calvin. Now, she couldn't even be bothered to respond.

Vanessa also felt that Calvin had pushed things too far. She couldn't understand how he expected Jasmine to care for his mistress.

Without saying another word, she bid Jasmine a quick goodbye and left.

After breakfast, Jasmine ordered household essentials online for her new place. The second she finished, Calvin's WhatsApp call lit up her screen.

She answered, and his accusations exploded through the phone. "You've gone too far, Jasmine! You hurt Liv, so the least you could do is come to the hospital, apologize, and look after her!"

Jasmine scoffed. "She fell on her own. How is that my fault? And what if I say no?"

Calvin's anger burned hotter than ever. Jasmine had always obeyed him without question. Never once had she defied him like this.

He spat through gritted teeth, "Jasmine, don't forget who's been supporting you all this time! You'll do whatever I tell you!"

Jasmine was also furious. She couldn't believe he dared throw those words at her after everything she'd done, including helping him regain mobility in his legs.

She didn't bother responding. Instead, she ended the WhatsApp call and blocked him.

In the past, when Calvin had blocked her number, it left her heart heavy and stole her sleep for nights. But now? Blocking his WhatsApp felt like finally exhaling after holding her breath for years.

A short while later, Vanessa called her. Jasmine blocked her number and turned off her phone. Finally, silence settled over her world.

The thought of starting work soon crossed her mind. She needed proper outfits and shoes, so she headed to the mall.

Per her formal request, Calvin would provide her with 30 thousand dollars a month for living expenses, plus an additional five thousand in allowance.

If he needed her at an important event, she'd have to submit another request to cover the cost of suitable attire.

The designer handbags and jewelry in the closet? Jasmine could use them, but she'd never own them.

Her monthly living expenses, meant for groceries and household basics, always left a little extra. Over three years, those scraps had quietly piled up into a nest egg of over half a million dollars.

Calvin accounted for every dollar he spent on her, down to the last cent. The total wouldn't even cover the tax on one of Olivia's bags.

Each time Jasmine had to ask him for money, shame burned through her like acid. But he never cared about how it made her feel.

His actions always hammered the truth home—he felt nothing for her.