Chapter 3

03

Inside the car, I spotted a woman's shawl and a baby's rattle on the seat.

"Oh, a friend and his wife came with me today. Their car broke down, so they hitched a ride and must have left these," Jasper explained quickly.

I thought back to what he said in the lounge.

I didn't understand how he could say he loved me while keeping a secret family on the side.

He had sworn that if he ever betrayed me, he'd be struck by lightning.

I stayed silent, watching the city lights blur past the window.

During the drive, he kept asking about my last three years. I barely listened.

I didn't want small talk. I wanted the truth.

The sudden change in weather made me cough. I reached for a handkerchief on the small console.

Jasper moved faster, blocking my hand. He opened a hidden compartment and pulled out a different one.

"That one has a jasmine scent. I remember you hate jasmine. Use this one instead."

It smelled like roses.

Rose was the scent I actually hated. Every time I smelled it, my eyes would turn red and water.

Years ago, seeing me in distress, he had said, "I'll always remember you can't stand roses."

I pulled my hand back, looking at the jasmine-scented silk. It was expensive, high-quality fabric.

He wasn't protecting me from a scent; he was saving that specific handkerchief for someone else. The realization was almost funny.

"What's wrong? I thought you loved roses?"

Jasper noticed my expression but didn't realize his mistake. He just kept talking.

I didn't explain. I just closed my eyes and pretended to sleep.

When we got home, Jasper had the chef prepare a huge feast.

"Eat up. You've lost so much weight while you were away," Jasper said with forced warmth.

I looked at the table full of spicy dishes and felt no appetite at all.

I can't eat spicy food.

He used to know that better than anyone. He used to make sure every meal was mild just for me.

He didn't notice my lack of interest. He ate while talking about the future.

"The wedding isn't far off. Now that you're back, just focus on being a bride-to-be."

I gripped my fork tighter.

He had forgotten everything.

He forgot the scents I hated, the foods I couldn't eat, and the fact that I told him I wanted to become a teacher when I returned.

I forced a bite of food down. My throat burned like it was on fire.

"I wrote to you about my plans. I want to..."

Before I could finish, a maid knocked and hurried in. "Sir..." she whispered.

Jasper's eyes flashed with panic. He stood up abruptly and threw a casual line at me.

"Finish up, Josie. Something urgent came up. I have to go."

He was gone before I could even respond.

I watched his retreating back, and my heart felt like it was being shredded.

For three years, I had counted every single day, dreaming of coming home to marry him.

Now, all those hopes were slipping through my fingers like sand.