JASMINE
I stood there in Stephan's room, heart hammering so loud I was sure he could hear it. The word "divorce" still echoed in my ears like a bad dream I couldn't shake.
"Divorce… he actually wants to divorce me," I screamed out in my head as I had just heard the word before.
(System, do something! He finally agreed. Should I just let it happen?)
Just then the robotic voice came back cool and unbothered.
(Find a way to change his mind. You will regret it if you let this divorce go through.)
I sighed, running a hand through my messy hair, when I had first woken up I thought it was the act stupid with the male lead and made him fall for me trope never knew the original body is the one wrong. Oh goodness, how would I make this man change his mind now?
"Why the sudden divorce? Haven't you always put up with me all these years?" I finally asked.
Stephan scoffed. The sound was full of rage and pain. "Yeah… and that's exactly why I want us to divorce as quickly as possible. I can no longer take it."
For some weird reason, a sharp pain twisted in my chest. It wasn't mine but belonged to the original Jasmine. Her love for him was still there, deep inside this body, and it hurt like hell to hear him sound so broken.
I swallowed hard. I wasn't supposed to care this much. I wasn't supposed to try to please him. But I had no choice. The system had already threatened my mom's life once today.
Besides, if she loved him, why did she cheat on him?
"Hey…" I stepped closer and grabbed his arm, forcing a small smile. "I… don't mean it that way."
He tried to pull away, but my grip was stronger than he expected. Years of fighting lessons in my past life were paying off now.
"Why the heck are you even this strong?" I smirked and raised my brow.
"Hey… you don't have to get mad…. And I am not letting go until we talk like a couple."
"Couple." He snorted, "When have we ever acted like a couple?"
But I just ignored him and yanked him roughly toward the bed. He stumbled, tried to push back but I was faster.
I forced him down to sit on the edge of the mattress so he had to look up at me.
"Why are you suddenly mad at me?"
He gave me a look like I had lost my mind. "Are you seriously asking me that question?" He took a deep breath, like he was trying not to explode.
"Like you really don't know why…"
"Hey… you can tell me everything." I reached out to touch his face.
He caught my wrist and pushed my hand away. "What in the world have you ever wanted that I didn't give you? Love? Money? Care?"
I stared at him. Well, it's a good start that he is about to open up to me.
But what exactly I don't understand is that he had given her everything, yet she still hurt him.
(System… why?)
(That is exactly why you must follow the system's tasks. Remember the drugs for your mother in the real world.)
I sighed and sat beside him on the bed. "Yeah… I understand you gave me money and care. That's why I am doing my best to apologize now."
"But you still kissed Henry…" His voice cracked; even the hurt showed.
"But how did you know that?" He stood up abruptly. "Do I look like I am joking right now? Let's div…"
I jumped up and slapped my hand over his mouth, shaking my head fast.
"You don't have to get that furious. I already told you that I don't want to divorce you. I love you. I promise to try my best and be a good wife."
The whole room went dead silent as our eyes locked. His breathing was heavy while mine was shaky, but seriously why did the original go for Henry when he is more handsome than him?
I wrapped both arms around him and hugged him tight.
"Just… don't divorce me. Please."
I could feel his heart racing against my chest.
He stood frozen for a long minute, like he didn't know what to do with this version of me.
Then slowly his arms came around me. And it suddenly turned tight. Like he was scared I would disappear if he let go.
I smirked into his shoulder, at least for now I got him wrapped around my fingers.
"Even though this man is kinda cold, I can see he loved the original me so much. That means there's more to find out… and maybe more care to be showered with."
Suddenly he jerked me back, holding me at arm's length.
"You promise not to be with Henry again." I swallowed at once well. If I don't want to get on his bad side I should just agree with whatever he wants.
"Yeah… It's not that hard. It's just th…"
"I want a firm answer, Jasmine. If you really want to continue being my wife, don't be with him anymore."
I nodded quickly. "If that is what you..:"
My words died when he pulled me into a tight hug again. His arms locked around me like iron bands.
"I am your husband," he said against my hair, voice low and rough. "There shouldn't be a 'but'."
I could feel how tightly he held me like he had no tomorrow and was terrified of losing me.
"Alright… considered done." Just then the system pinged softly.
(Host, congratulations. +5 points.)
(Current Points: 25/100.) I smirked in my mind.
"So… one more secret from you."
(What do you want?)
(What relationship does Jasmine really share with Henry?)
The system paused longer than usual.
(Well Henry Maxwell was your lover in the past. But the connection runs deeper than romance. Complete the next task to unlock the full truth.)
I rolled my eyes.
(Of course. Always more tasks.) I could only sigh into the embrace of Stephan's hands.