Time's Up, but Ex-husband Wants Her Back novel 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.

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