âThe cold wind burns my face and blows its hosty pepper up my nose, Kavler murmured. âBlack are my steps on silver sed; thick blows my hosty breath abroadâ
Jasper had been waiting in the cold for nearly an hour now. Yet, this was nothing compared to his days in the military, where standing an entire day was routine, The only difference was that his heart was in his throat right now.
He was worried Alice would change her mind and not come outside. What could he do then? Darge Into the manor? Impossibleâhe could not do that. This was the Taylor familyâs residence.
What Hght did he have to knock on their door asking for Alice?
None that he could think of.
Heaving a sigh, Jasper took out the last cigarette in the box. He was about to light it when the sound of heels clicking rang out.
âJasper Beckell.â
The manâs heart pounded erratically as he gazed up at his exâwife. The cigarette between his lips nearly fell out with how much he was trembling.
Alice glanced down, instantly noticing the pile of cigarette butts at his Jeet. She frowned. âWhat is this?
I thought you quit?â
âI waited for too long,â he replied. Then, he threw the fresh cigarette on the ground and stomped it out.
âHah. Youâre blaming me for this again? Suit yoursell. You do love accusing Innocent people.â Alyssa scowled.
Jasper spoke up, though, his voice rough and gravelly from the smoke. âAlice.â
âIâm here as agreed. Please honor your promise afterward and leave my brother alone. Now if youâll excuse me, Iâll have to go back inside.
âYou should leave Belbank as soon as possible, lest you start stalning it. Goodbye,â Alyssa said sternly, then turned to head back into the house.
Xavier was shocked at how cold Alyssa was. She had never been like this. She always had a loving smile and a gentle demeanor for his bossâa true sunshine on a winterâs day.
But for Jasper, that sun had now set.
Xavier couldnât help but wonder what his boss had done to drive such a lovely woman away from him.
âStand right there, Alice,â Jasper called, a hint of panic in his tone. âDonât leave before I say you can leave.â
âOh? Iâm not your slave or mald. I donât need your permission for anything.â Alyssa retorted in a cold tone. âWerenât you so eager to end our marriage before?
âYou couldnât bear to kick me out so your childhood sweetheart could take my place. Iâm just following your wishesâto disappear from your life for good. What else do you want from me now?â
Jasperâs heart clenched painfully, Shame and guilt flooded his senses like thousands of needles. Tears stung his eyes. âWe both knew from the beginning that I couldnât promise a lifetime with you. I even offered compensation for the divorce, but you refused it!
âI never embarrassed or shamed you once, Alice White, nor was I ever harsh or mean toward you.
Donât make me out to be some heartless monster, and donât play the martyr!
âEven if we canât end things on neutral ground, donât keep attacking my pride. I donât owe you anything, and you donât owe me. You donât have the right to treat me like you are