(Jasmine's POV)My hand quivered uncontrollably as I clutched my husband's phone. Its screen showed a naked photo sent by an unknown number: a woman wearing only one piece of underwear, her chest towering high and her cleavage exposed. Naked.But that wasn't the part that shocked me the most. My gaze fell on the embroidery on her underwearโit had my name and his on it. I looked more closely to confirm my suspicion.It was the same lingerie couple set I bought that Logan, my husband had supposedly misplaced during a business trip. The same one I had picked out specifically for a special occasion. I was so certain because it was custom-made for us, with our initials embroidered on it: J & L.My mouth hung open, and I hadn't even realized how much my tears had spilled until I felt them on my chin.I zoomed in to try to find out why this woman looked oddly familiar, and then a crescent-shaped mole on the womanโs cleavage hit me like lightning. My stomach twisted. Only one person I knew ha
~Jasmine~I sat in my living room, amidst the ruins of my marriage, as Roseโs words echoed while she sat across from me: โHow could Logan have the temerity to disrespect the marriage bond?โ She gasped, her eyes blazing red, a testament of her outrage on my behalf.It was the morning after Loganโs shameful act, and I had invited Rose to our home. She was the only close person I could confide in.I had sat alone assembling the shattered pieces of my heart a few hours after Logan left the house, but suddenly, I couldn't bear it alone. The weight of the betrayal was crushing, and I thought I was going crazy, so I called her to come over with the divorce papers. I needed to be in the company of someone who understood my plight.As soon as she arrived, she gave me a warm hug and words of comfort. I broke down in sobs and explained in detail the events that have left me devastated and mortified.โI just donโt know what to do at this point. Iโm done for good,โ I said to her, leaning slightly
~Jasmine~โCalm down,โ Rose called out as I paced back and forth in her office at the cafรฉ, my chest tightening with anxiety.โHow can I calm down Rose? Didnโt you hear what he said?โ I spun around to face her, my voice was trembling slightly. โDo you even know what this means? What if the new Alpha declared otherwise by manipulating the packโs rules? Or worse, what if heโs as dishonest as Logan?โLittle was known about the newly assigned Alpha due to his busy schedule except for his nameโAlpha Maverick. Rumors about his fairness or ruthlessness were unhelpful whispers. I could only hope he would remain impartial, even with Logan as his blood relative.Under the Gold Packโs rule book, severing a mate bond required the Alphaโs approval. Worse still, the guilty party faced expulsion which is a befitting punishment for disrespecting soul tie.I sank into the office chair, running my fingers through my hair as my thoughts spiraled. โI will lose everything, Rose. I wouldnโt even know where
~Jasmine~Quickly, I threw off the luxurious bed cover and began dressing up. As I glanced around, I noticed the opulent high chandeliers and exquisite artwork adorning the walls. It didn't take a genius to deduce that I was in a presidential suite. I read the inscriptions on the unique pieces of furniture closely. This was not just a suite in a random hotel but one in the exclusive Crimson Blood hotel.Oh gosh! I held my throbbing head as I realized that my fated mate might be a man of immense wealth because not just anyone could afford such a suite. It was only patronized by the elite.I shrugged off the thought of his status; it should be the least of my problems. I shouldn't be bothered about a mate who obviously ran off the first night with no explanations.Besides, I still had to finalize my divorce with Logan, and being seen here was risky enough and could be used against me. I had to keep it low.Hurriedly, I grabbed my belongings, and soon, I was out of the hotel. I flagged d
(Alpha Maverickโs POV)โCan you believe it? She framed me with heavily doctored photos and videos, and now she wants a divorce!โ Logan sighed in frustration over the phone.As I made my way to meet a business associate from the Blue Lagoon Pack, he filled my ear with his complaints.I had just received a call from my nephew, explaining that his wife was accusing him of infidelity. She was also attempting to use false evidence to acquire their marital assets.โIโll be there as soon as possible, and weโll look into it,โ I replied, cutting the call. But something didnโt sit right with me. Logan has never complained about his mate. Why would she suddenly demand a divorce after they had agreed to be mates?I dialed Alpha Tristen of the Blue Lagoon Pack. โWe need to reschedule our meeting,โ I said. โSomething urgent has come up.โThe Gold Packโs divorce procedures required the Alphaโs presence to confirm the separation of bonded souls, so I had to return to my pack immediately after nearly
~Jasmine~Shock pinned my feet to the floor; I couldnโt believe what was unfolding before me. My heart raced while my mind went blank.I froze, the pen in my hand halting midair. The tension in the room thickened as my gaze shifted between the Alpha and Logan. Before I could react, Alpha dropped to one knee and slid a diamond ring onto my finger.My heart pounded against my chest at his claim, stunned by his choice, a clear indication that he was not one to be influenced by perceived loyalty to bloodline. I couldn't believe that this mystery man did not flee after all. But the question burning in my mind was: how had he uncovered the truth?Glancing around the room, I noticed the shocked expressions on everyoneโs faces as he got off his feet, admiring his assertion on my fingers.He quickly glanced at the papers on the desk, grabbed them, and flipped through them. โOne hundred percent of marital assets to you, Logan? What a joke. How did you think I would be a party to this atrocity?โ
~Jasmine~I stared at him wide-eyed as his name died on my lips. He approached me slowly, like a predator closing in on his prey. Instead of backing away like any sane person would, I held my head high, crossing my arms. โWhat do you want, Logan?โโYou? And my uncle? That is impossible, Jasmine. Why donโt you reject him, huh?โ He came closer until I felt his hot breath fanning my face. His scent, which I once found comforting, now felt overwhelming. My wolf rejected his smell. Maybe it was because I had gotten a taste of my mateโs scent.Grabbing my elbow softly, he spoke again, his voice soft this time. โWhat do you want, Jass? I have treated you so well and worshiped the ground you walked on. I gave you every damn thing you wanted. I provided for you without you having to lift a finger. I gave you the best, so whyโฆโ His voice cracked as he continued, โWhy couldnโt you give me a second chance after one mistake?โI scoffed, unable to believe what he was saying. Instead of apologizing
~Jasmine~I held my throbbing cheek in pain, too stunned to even move. The woman glared at me, her eyes filled with so much disgust. But as I looked closer at her, something clicked in my mind. I gasped, recognizing her. The woman standing in front of me was Loganโs mother, Isabella.The uncanny resemblance was undeniable. Starting with the sharpness of her eyes, to the curve of her lips, and the fact that I had seen her photos in an album Logan kept in his room. But she looked slightly older from the photographs, the years of bitterness and hate written in the lines of her face.Isabellaโs voice dripped with ridicule. โThis is a generous offer, Jasmine. Enough to set you up anywhere you want, far away from here. Take it and leave our lives for good.โMy eyes landed on the buyout check, and my jaw tightened. โYou think you can buy me off? My worth isnโt measured in your money, Isabella. Keep it; your son needs it more than I do.โYou ingrate,โ she boomed, her voice vibrating with rage
~Jasmine~He offered a warm smile, and only then did I notice the glint in Zephโs eyes. How had I ignored the signs for so long? Theyโd been right in front of me the entire time.The way he looked at me I had previously attributed to simple politeness. Even with the way he spoke to me, his voice softened ever so slightly when addressing me. His kind gestures, even offering help with the smallest tasksโeverything pointed to one thing: that Alpha Zeph was interested in me.Instead of outright dismissing Zephโs offer, I politely appreciated his effort.โThank you very much, Alpha Zeph,โ I said, my voice sincere. โI appreciate your kind offer, Zeph, but Iโm afraid I have a lot to work on right now. Iโm currently under scrutiny.I explained the recent accusations briefly and the query I was getting. I can't get my head straight, not until everything falls into place.โI need to rectify some situations at the office, so I wouldnโt be able to honor the dateโฆ not now, though.He nodded, shovi
~Jasmine~Violetaโs eyes were downcast, her posture slumped with a mixture of shame and fear. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, nervously twisting her fingers.Before finally summoning the courage to look up at Alpha Maverick, she took a shaky breath. โAlpha, Iโฆโ she began, her voice trembling. She attempted to apologize, to offer some semblance of an explanation for her behavior, but the damage had already been done.She couldn't turn back time, nor could she retract her hurtful words. He raised a hand to silence her. โDare you say another word, VioletaโฆโVioleta nodded her head frantically, her eyes wide with fear, understanding the gravity of his unspoken words. She knew she had crossed a line, and the consequences would be severe.With that, Mav turned sharply and walked out of the office, leaving just Violeta and me in the tense silence. I glanced one last time at her broken frame, her shoulders slumped, her head bowed in defeat. I felt a pang of something akin t
~Jasmine~โWell done, Jasmine. This concludes your interview.โ Professor Gabby extended his hand for a handshake. His words were accompanied by a warm smile. I could see the genuine satisfaction in his eyes.โThank you for having me,โ I replied politely, returning his handshake and then turning to acknowledge the other professors seated around the table. They offered small nods and smiles.Leaving Professor Gabbyโs office, I expected to find Mav waiting eagerly in the lobby, waiting to hear every detail of how the interview went, but he wasn't there. The lobby was empty, save for a few workers milling about.I went outside, scanning for his car in the parking lot, but it was also absent. I reached into my purse for my phone to call him and inquire about his whereabouts; a notification caught my eye. It was a text message from Maverick sent minutes earlier.โThereโs an emergency I need to attend to. A driver in a green Porsche will pick you up. Good luck with your interviewโyouโve got
~Jasmine~Her eyes widened in surprise. โSeaweed?โ she repeated.โMrs. Martha, I can smell it. Rare seaweed has a distinct, pungent odor.โShe nodded, understanding dawning on her face. โIโm only administering Dr. Jamesโs prescription. I wasnโt given any specific information about the contents.โโWhatโs happening? Is there a problem?โ Mav asked, his gaze shifting between us.โNo, everythingโs fine. I just need to rest,โ I said, offering a tight smile to both him and Mrs. Martha.As soon as she left, Mav approached me, a smile on his face. โShall we?โ He gestured towards the wheelchair. I sighed.โI can walk back to my room, Mav. Itโll be better for digestion,โ I protested, but he wasnโt having it.โDonโt argue, Jasmine. Climbing the stairs is too much. Relax and let me take you to your room.โ I knew arguing was pointless. Mav was determined to abide by Dr. Jamesโs instructions about not straining myself and getting bed rest.I allowed him to guide me to the wheelchair and wheel me bac
~Jasmine~I swallowed, staring at him, the question hanging in the air. How did he know what had transpired between Samantha and me? How had he found out she was the one who pushed me?I didnโt remember telling him about our meeting. In fact, weโd never spoken about her. She wasnโt worth a conversation.The image of her cold eyes, leaving me there to bleed, haunted me. The more I recalled the incident, the more it frayed my nerves.I needed to teach Samantha a lesson she wouldnโt soon forgetโfor undermining me. If I told the Alpha about her threats, I was sure she would be severely punished.I cleared my throat, blinking. โDonโt worry about her, Mav. Sheโs nothing I canโt handle.โHe stared at me for a few moments, trying to read me, to see between the lines. But I revealed nothing, only smiled reassuringly. He slumped back in his chair, letting the conversation dropโfor now.โYour meal is getting cold,โ I said, gesturing to the half-eaten steak on his plate.โIโm full,โ he dismissed,
~Maverick~When I returned from my meeting with Professor Gabby, Jasmine had finally woken up. Dr. James assured me it was fine to take her home now, promising to send the appointment details later.After assessing her, Dr. James confirmed that while Jasmine was stable, the fetus was still at risk. He stressed the importance of extreme care moving forward.Determined to lift her spirits, I arranged for an event planner to organize lunch. I needed her to see how much I cared, especially since she hadnโt eaten much since yesterday. I remembered her love for steak marinated in mango sauce, it seemed to be her favorite, so I ensured it was part of the platter, alongside other dishes she enjoyed.The car ride home was quiet until I broke the silence. โIโve decided to have your art pieces moved into your room. Now that youโre staying here, youโll need to sort through your personal belongings before we sell the house.โHer response was unexpected. โDidnโt you hear what Dr. James said? This c
~Maverick~My mind raced with questions as Dr. James spoke. One thing was clearโLogan must never find out about this, no matter what. As Dr. James led us into the guest room, he suggested that Jasmine stay the night. A few moments later, he returned with ointment and pills for her.I carefully applied the ointment to her wounds, asking if she was feeling okay. She nodded, but I could see something was off. My thoughts spiraled: what if the child she carried belonged to Logan? And now, with everything Jasmine had said about giving him another chance, was this the right time for Logan to return to the company? Or should I send him to manage the branch on the far side of the city instead?As I shifted to her scraped knees, I gently applied the cream. Jasmine winced slightly, the sting breaking her composure for a moment. Something about her fall didnโt sit right with me. From the position I found her in, it wasnโt a simple slipโit was too severe for that.I glanced into her eyes, searchi
~Jasmine~Lost in thought, I was startled by a soft knock. โCome in,โ I called, and the door opened to reveal Maverick. My breath caught. He wore a fitted white t-shirt that showcased the defined lines of his biceps, and my gaze trailed lower, lingering for a moment too long on the way his pajama pants draped across his groin. I swallowed hard, forcing my thoughts elsewhere.He ran a hand through his damp, dark hair, looking and smelling incredible. โAre you alright?โ he asked, walking towards me. โI came to check if you needed anything and to let you know Iโll be working from home starting tomorrow, so I can keep a closer eye on you.โA frown creased my brow. What did he mean by that? Wasn't hiring a nurse enough? Why was he acting as if I was incapable of caring for myself? I wasnโt a child. Just because I was pregnant didnโt mean I couldnโt lift a finger. Was this out of concern or he just is up to something?I sighed, deciding to address the issue directly. โI understand I need re
~Jasmine~My body grew cold at Dr. Jamesโs words. โThe fetus has been compromised due to stress, and you need complete bed rest,โ he said with a tone of finality that sent a shiver down my spine.I couldnโt tell what to feelโfear, guilt, or disbelief. The realization that I carried a life within me, a life entirely dependent on my well-being, weighed heavily on me.He explained some things to Maverick, but his words blurred into the background. I couldnโt concentrate on them. Even Maverick looked lost. What was going through his mind? Was he worried too?โI need to keep a close eye on her. Her body is still in shock from the fall. I suggest you both stay the night here. Please, make yourselves comfortable,โ Dr. James said, and soon led us to a guest room.After we settled in and freshened up, Dr. James returned with pain relief medication and ointment for the scrapes on my legs.โAre you okay?โ Maverickโs voice was soft as he knelt in front of me, carefully applying the ointment, as s