Time's Up, but Ex-husband Wants Her Back novel Chapter 8

Jasmine watched Calvin make his rounds with Olivia clinging to his arm, a dull ache of boredom settling in her chest.

She scanned for Amelia, only to find the latter encircled by society wives. So, she lingered at the edges. When the crowd finally dispersed, she stepped forward and offered her gift to Amelia.

Amelia's expression twisted with something unreadable at the sight of her. "You'll receive the divorce decree in five days. Jas, I couldn't bear to see you go."

It had all started after Calvin's accident left him paralyzed. His fury had taken on a life of its own. He lashed out at everyone, his curses sharp as flung stones.

Amelia had hired a dozen caregivers, but fear drove every one of them away. In desperation, she'd turned to a final, unthinkable solution—looking for a stand-in.

And by some twist of fate, she'd found Jasmine, who was gentle and kind-hearted.

Jasmine met Amelia's gaze and offered a gentle smile. "I'll visit when I can, Mrs. Ford."

The divorce was final now, and returning to formalities felt like the right thing to do.

Amelia nodded, her eyes red-rimmed. She pulled a card from her purse and pressed it into Jasmine's hand. "This credit card has a million dollars for you as compensation. The villa is ready. Tomorrow, I'll have my assistant take you to finalize the transfer."

Jasmine glanced at the card but didn't refuse it. Even if her marriage to Calvin had been one of convenience, three years of service had earned her this. She believed that she deserved the money without guilt.

She had played the dutiful wife in every way, enduring Calvin's outbursts, silent treatments, and infidelity. He had stripped her of her dignity for three years.

"Mom, what did you just give Jasmine? And what was that about transferring something?" Sonia appeared suddenly at Amelia's side, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Amelia shot her daughter a sharp glare. "Nothing. Must you always be so nosy?"

Sonia's lips twisted in displeasure. "Did you give her money? Cal already provides for her every month. Why would she need more from you? Don't let her fool you. She's just a gold digger.

"Cal only married her because he had no other choice. Now that he's better, he doesn't need her anymore. You should just kick her out."

Then, she whirled toward Jasmine and spat, "You married Cal, lived in a villa, and had maids at your beck and call. What more could you possibly want? If you keep acting this greedy, I'll make sure that Cal puts you in your place!"

For two long years, Sonia had stood by watching whenever Calvin lost his temper and lashed out at Jasmine. To her, Jasmine was nothing more than Calvin's possession, something to be shouted at or thrown away on a whim.

Jasmine had no desire to argue. So, she turned to go.

Sonia moved to grab her arm, eager to continue her tirade, but Amelia swiftly intervened.

"You've got Jas all wrong. She's already agreed to divorce Cal," she said sharply.

Sonia's face brightened instantly. "Really? She's actually willing to leave?"

Amelia gave her a withering look before sighing. "Enough of your meddling. She's cared for Cal for three years better than any nurse or maid ever could. She actually cared for him."

She hesitated, then laid bare the cold truth. "This money serves two purposes—compensation and insurance. That way, no one can accuse Cal of sleeping with her for three years and throwing her away like nothing!"

A million dollars and a villa were pocket change to the Fords. To them, the perfect ending would be Jasmine fading away without leaving a single trace behind.

Sonia couldn't resist pressing further. "Doesn't this mean that Cal can finally marry Liv now?"

Amelia's expression instantly hardened. "Olivia may be Calvin's girlfriend—his lover, even. But the title of 'Mrs. Ford' will never be hers!"

She remembered all too well how Calvin had injured his legs. Olivia, that fickle-hearted woman, imagining herself as her daughter-in-law? Not while Amelia still drew breath!

Amelia was determined to set Calvin up on a blind date once his divorce was settled.

…

Jasmine was about to leave when Olivia's voice sliced through the air. "Jasmine!"

Olivia strode toward her with Calvin's suit jacket hanging over her shoulders.

Jasmine had no interest in talking to her, but Olivia wasn't the type to let her escape so easily.

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