JASMINE

CHAPTER THREE.

ELOISE'S POV.

I felt a wave of nausea just by sitting with these people. 

“Excuse me.” I blurt out and my legs start carrying me out of the dining room before I lose my temper and do something I'll regret.

“Wow, now she just left the table when everyone’s not finished? Klein, this is exactly what happens when you don’t discipline your woman!” Mrs Wesley’s nonsense keeps ringing in the back. I only stop walking when I'm out in the building premises.

My heart is as heavy as a rock. I'm taking in short, shallow breaths to try and steady my raging heartbeats and I'm blinking many times to stop the tears burning in my eyes from spilling down.

How did I let my life become like this?

“Eloise”

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“Eloise.” He calls yet again in his cool tone. Sighing heavily, I snap my eyes open and his face comes to view. He looks calm and collected as always.

“Yes.” I answer dryly.

“What was that about?”

“What exactly?”

“Throwing your cutleries and walking out on everyone. That was uncalled for.” His accusing words are accompanied by an ice-cold look in his eyes. A look that sends shivers down my spine, but I don't let myself falter.

“Klein.” I suck in a deep breath and try to steady my shaky voice. “How am I supposed to remain calm when your mother keeps insulting me?”

“I have already asked her to stop, so walking out on everyone was unnecessary and childish.” I stare at him blankly, completely speechless and almost drowning in shock.

“Cut the crap, Klein, you know the reason for my mood isn't only about your mother's insults. Where were you last night?”

“I already told you something came up.”

“Damn it, Klein! Am I a fool to you? You were with a freaking woman last night! You were drunk. Both of you went to a hotel together. And now you stand here and  tell me “something” came up! Is it a norm for you to go to the hotel with other women?”

“How did you find out about that?”

I stare at him in disbelief.

“Is that all you have to say?” I ask, fuming with rage. How can someone say such a shameless thing with a straight face? “Let me tell you how I found out. I heard that bitch’s voice through the call. She freaking picked it up just to let me know she was with you. And your photos with her in the hotel are all over the Internet! See how I knew about it?”

Klein stares at me with a blank expression and releases a small sigh.

“If you are referring to Jasmine, she’s just an old friend of mine and I’d appreciate it if you addressed her with respect. And for the pictures, show me the link.” He says in his usual cool tone and I scoff.

“You don’t even care about what’s going on, so why bother to look at the pictures?”

“ELOISE, SHOW ME THE LINK!” His cold and firm tone makes me jump in fright and I quickly hand over the phone to him. I take a step back and silence stretches through the atmosphere as I watch him scroll through my phone for a while before handing it back to me. When I check the screen, I notice he has forwarded the link to his number in my phone. I look up at him, surprised.

“Pictures like this will lead to a scandal which is bad for the Group’s reputation. Also, Grandpa’s health is not in the best condition right now so we can’t let things like this get to him. I’ve asked Logan to deal with this mess.” He explains coldly, staring at me as though that’s the best thing he could say to me in this situation. I cross my arms over my breasts and scoff in derision.

“I can’t believe you just said that to my face. How about you leave things as they are and tell the world you are sleeping with another woman? Don’t bother, I’ll still call you a man and if she’s the one you want, all you have to do is tell me and I will quit. Just don’t treat me like a fool!”

“Eloise.” He calls and inches closer, his eyes zeroed on me. I look away with a huff. “Yesterday, Morgan organized a small party with a few other friends since Jasmine just returned to the country. It was like a welcome back party for her. I drank, got drunk, so they sent me to Morgan's hotel. That’s it. Nothing else happened.” He explains calmly and I look back at him with a deep scowl on my face. I don’t believe a single word he just said.

“And why should I believe you?”

“I can ask Logan to find all the security footage at the time I was at the hotel last night, if that’s what you want.” He says, his gaze never leaving my face and the sincerity shimmering in his eyes eases the tension in my chest. The scowl on my face wipes off.

“That won’t be necessary. I believe you. But don’t blame me for being so persistent. If I catch you cheating, I won’t hold back.”

“You can do whatever you want to do if you ever catch me cheating.”

A goofy smile starts to form on my lips but I seal them shut and bow my head to hide it.

“Eloise, I'm sorry I didn’t make it home yesterday.” His apology takes me off-guard. My stomach does a flip as I look back at him. His cold mask has disappeared and he actually looks remorseful. that makes my heart swell with emotions. “I didn’t know you’d remember my birthday.”

A fleeting frown touches my face.

We’ve been married for three years, how on earth would I not remember such an important day of his life?

"Of course, I did." I say in a small voice and pout my lips.

“You’ve been too uptight and stressed lately and you need to relax. I’ll take you out on a fancy dinner in two weeks’ time. Just you and me, how does that sound?” He tilts his head and gives me a playful look. Surprise spreads through me like a raging river.

It sounds absolutely riveting!

He knows how to make my insides melt from a sentence.

Taking me out for dinner is something he almost never does! My heart is thrumming with happiness, but I mask it with a frown.

“I will check my schedule and let you know if I’m free.”

“Right. You do that.” His ringtone starts blasting and he looks down at the screen for a split second before turning to me again. “One minute, please.” He walks a few meters away before answering the call and from his knitted brows, I can tell it’s something important. Probably work related.

I patiently wait for him to finish the call and once he does, he returns and a heavy sigh escapes his chest when he steps in front of me.

“Unfortunately, I have to go back to the office now, but I can give you a ride home before doing that. Are you coming with me?”

“Well…” I hesitate. I don’t think all doubts have been cleared yet, and I can’t pretend we are back on good terms already, but the sincere look in his eyes gives me hope. “I think I’m good. I’ll go home later with the driver.”

“Are you sure?” He asks, concerned and I give him a small nod. “Alright then, see you later.” Shock fills my entire being when he gently strokes my hair and gives me a forehead kiss before heading to his car. 

That completely caught me off guard and now I’m blushing and at the same time, fighting the urge to feel happy about it. 

I am still angry with him, damn it. I shouldn’t be this pathetic.