Jasmine was practically bouncing on her heels when she tore open the velvet box Scott had handed her. A gleam of diamonds and sapphires winked back at her under the crystal- lights.
133
this is the limited edition Princess Diana
Her eyes widened. “Oh my gosh! Scott necklace, isn’t it? The one that’s not even on auction anymore?”
Scott smirked lazily, pouring himself a glass of whiskey as he leaned against the marble counter. “Of course. Only the best for you, Jasmine.”
She clasped the necklace to her throat, admiring her reflection like she was already crowned queen of this mansion. But her smile flickered. “Are you really giving this to me instead of Nadine? Today’s your anniversary, you know.”
Scott’s scoff echoed around the room like a slap. “Why would I give that woman anything? You know this marriage means nothing. It’s fake – always has been. Are you jealous? Is that why you’re bringing her up?”
Jasmine’s lips pulled into a pout, but her eyes glinted like knives. “Of course I am. She gets to wear your ring in public while I have to pretend to be your poor coma victim. Why not just get rid of her for good? Dispose of her. I’m sick of pretending she matters.” Scott rolled his eyes, tossing back the rest of his drink. “Do you think I want her around? If I could dump her in a ditch tomorrow, I would. But you know what’s at stake – the men l owe are still watching. They think she’s my beloved wife. It’s the only reason they’re not coming after you. I won’t risk you, Jasmine. Not again. We lost years because you decided to take a nap in that coma.”
She slapped his arm playfully but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Fine. But when the time comes, you’ll get rid of her for good. Promise me.”
Scott leaned in, lips brushing hers. “You have my heart. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved, Jasmine. Nadine’s nothing.”
A giggle slipped from her lips as she tangled her fingers through his hair. “Good. Then plan something for us. A getaway. Just the two of us.”
He laughed, pressing his forehead to hers. “Sure. I’ll take you to the island. No one will bother us there.”
Two days later, they were lying tangled in white linen sheets on a private beach villa, the ocean lapping quietly outside. Jasmine’s sun–kissed skin glowed under the ceiling fan’s gentle whirl.
“You know,” she murmured, tracing a finger over Scott’s chest, “sometimes I almost feel sorry for her. Imagine giving your life to a man who doesn’t even want you.”
Scott snorted, rolling over to grab another glass of wine. “She’ll get over it. She always does. She’ll forgive me the second I bring her flowers and a pathetic apology. You know how she loves flowers – they’re her weakness.”
Jasmine rolled her eyes. “Do you really have to buy them? It’s ridiculous.”
Dear Husband. We were nover Maxi–Ji
41 Wed, 23 JUL
Silence.
He called again, pacing the living room. Nothing.
34/%D
His jaw twitched. He grabbed his phone and dialed her number, irritation turning to something sour in his gut when the call went straight to voicemail. He called again blocked. Again. Blocked.
“What is this?” he hissed.
Jasmine’s eyes narrowed at him, but before she could speak, the butler approached, head
bowed low.
“Sir… forgive me, but… do you remember that you sent Miss Nadine to prison?”
Scott blinked. “Prison?” His brain scrambled through the haze of wine, saltwater, and Jasmine’s perfume. He let out a harsh curse. “You mean she’s still there? She didn’t come back?”
“No, sir,” the butler said timidly. “She never returned.”
Scott’s knuckles whitened around his phone as he punched in the precinct’s number. The line buzzed once before someone picked up. “This is Scott Jones. Where is Nadine Jones? Why is she still locked up? Let her out now!”
There was a pause on the other end, then a calm voice. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jones, but Miss Nadine is no longer in our custody. Someone else signed her out this morning. We’re not authorized to share who.”
Scott’s eyes darkened. “What do you mean someone took her? Who?!”
But before the officer could answer, the butler stepped forward with a small package in his hands. “Sir, this arrived for you while you were away.”
Scott ripped it open with shaking fingers. Something clinked inside – something small and metallic.
Out fell Nadine’s wedding ring, rolling across the marble like a tiny bullet. Underneath, a folded paper – the real marriage certificate of him and Jasmine. Next to it, a single photo an ultrasound print with tiny, nearly illegible numbers at the bottom, then a death certificate of it.
Cantt falt the blood drain from his face as the paper slipped through his fingers.
