Chapter 4
"Wendy." Jasper's voice was low and stern.
His gaze lingered on my swollen cheek for three seconds, and just when I thought he would reprimand Wendy, he instead said, "I'm sorry, Celeste. I apologize on Wendy's behalf. As compensation, the wedding in a month will be even grander."
Wendy smirked and wrapped her arm around Jasper's.
My entire body went rigid, and my eyes stung so badly I could barely stand it.
Before I could even respond, Jasper had already taken Wendy by the hand and walked away.
The parking garage fell silent.
I remained standing where I was, the pain in my cheek fading into numbness, and finally came to terms with one undeniable truth—Jasper didn't care how ruthlessly Wendy had abandoned him in the past. He knew she had hit me and schemed against me, yet he still loved her.
Wendy was right. I had lost, completely and utterly.
The first time I lost was three years ago. Wendy had sent me a text, telling me that Jasper kept a photo of her in his wallet and that no one was allowed to touch it.
I didn't believe her. But late that night, I found that photo. After I threw it away, Jasper lost his temper with me for the very first time.
The second time was a year ago. Wendy said that Jasper always spent May 6th with Dana Duffy. It was her mother's birthday. However, that day happened to be my mother's birthday too. I humbly begged Jasper to cut ties with Wendy's family and come home with me, but he just shook me off coldly and walked away without looking back.
The third time was at our wedding, when Jasper abandoned me without a moment's hesitation to go find Wendy.
And now, this was the fourth time.
I pushed down my emotions and was just about to start the car when I got a call from Mom. She was sobbing hysterically.
"Celeste, your father… he's…"
My pupils constricted, and an overwhelming surge of panic and fear made my entire body tremble. I rushed to the hospital as fast as I could, only to be met with the sight of Dad covered by a white sheet.
My legs gave way beneath me. I stumbled forward and collapsed to my knees, carefully reaching out to touch him.
"Dad?"
Tears streamed down my face. With bloodshot eyes, I screamed hoarsely, "Dad! What happened? He was perfectly fine just yesterday! How could this happen?"
Beside me, Mom was weeping so hard she was on the verge of fainting. "A woman sent your father a message, saying you had been completely cast aside. She told your father to persuade you to let go."
I shut my eyes tightly. It had to be Wendy.
Just then, Jasper appeared. His face was etched with discomfort.
"I'm sorry, Celeste." He tried to hold my trembling, furious body in his arms. "Wendy didn't mean it. She was just too scared. That's why she—"
I shoved him away violently and shook my head. My eyes were filled with nothing but desolation; my voice was choked with sobs.
"Jasper, how could I have ever fallen in love with someone like you? Get out! Just get out!"
His expression soured, and he heaved a sigh of sheer fatigue. "I'll make it up to you. I'm already planning the wedding. In a month, I'll send Wendy away, and then I'll build a proper life with you. For now, just take some time to cool off."
With that, he turned and walked away.
I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, all that remained was indifference and hatred.
The next morning, Mom and I laid Dad to rest. After that, I bought plane tickets and left Princeville forever.
But before I left, I contacted Wallace Monroe, the hotel manager in charge of the wedding preparations. I gave him ten thousand dollars and instructed him to deliver three gifts to Jasper one month later.
I was certain Jasper would never forget those three surprises for the rest of his life.
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