The Words I Left Behind

After a long overnight flight, Jasmine Spencer stood pale and exhausted, staring at the mess of clothes scattered across the floor.The strong, musky smell in the room made her stomach churn.William Graham was shirtless and lounging against the headboard. Meanwhile, the woman in his arms was wearing Jasmine's silk nightgown.His hand roamed over the woman's body, and the smirk at the corner of his lips deepened when he saw Jasmine. He raised an eyebrow, grinning like a jerk as he looked straight at her, who had just caught him in the act."Well? Looks better on her than it ever did on you, right?"William chuckled. "If I'm not mistaken, this makes the ninety-ninth time. After all this, you still won't agree to the divorce?"Jasmine rubbed her stomach slowly, her movements dull and mechanical.For the first time, she didn't lash out at William for being so cruel."Get dressed. We need to talk."William snorted at her retreating back."Talk? What's there to talk about between

On the other end of the line, William was breathing heavily.Jasmine figured if she were standing in front of him right now, she wouldn't even make it through the month—he would probably strangle her on the spot.Before William could start yelling, she laughed again."William, I'm not messing with you this time. But I have one condition."William didn't say a word.Jasmine didn't care and kept going."I want you to do ten things with me. Once they're done, I'll go with you to sign the divorce papers. I promise—I'll disappear from your world for good."That promise was tempting.William frowned. "Ten is too much. Five."Jasmine chuckled. "Fine."The first thing? She wanted William to take her to a charity gala.She dressed to the nines. When William came to pick her up, his fingers were flying over his phone screen, eyes locked on it. He didn't even glance at her once.Jasmine didn't mind. She knew better than to expect anything sweet out of his mouth.But oddly enough, onc

William clenched his fists and glared at Jasmine.Jasmine knew exactly what he was thinking.She let out a heavy breath, feeling all the strength leave her body as she sank to the floor.Rubbing her ear where he had struck her, she looked at the mess of clothes on the ground and slowly started folding them again."You're just waiting for the divorce, right? Then you'll marry Jennifer?"Two more things to go after this. Don't tell me you're going to quit now. Honestly, I wasn't happy with how you handled the first two. You're not backing out on me, are you?"After she finished speaking, she looked up and met his eyes.His dark eyes were full of mockery."Jasmine, knowing your place is important. Too bad you don't get that.""I agreed to this third thing, but remember this: the Spencer family can't protect you anymore. If you touch Jennifer again, I'll make sure you die a miserable death!"Jasmine lowered her head and laughed bitterly.Anyone could talk tough.Back when they

Jasmine called William.After he declined the call three times in a row, she ran out of patience.She sent him a text.Sure enough, he called back in less than two minutes.But his voice sounded tired—deeply tired."Jennifer's sick. I need to stay with her," he said. "We'll deal with the last thing in a couple of days."He was about to hang up when Jasmine quickly shouted, "No!"Right after she said it, William let out a cold laugh. "It's just two days, not a breach of contract. Jasmine, don't push it!"Her nose stung, and she forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat. She laughed, trying to sound light, even though her whole body was aching."William, there's just one thing left. After that, you're free. What—is it that you're having second thoughts? Want to stay married to me a little longer? Fine by me. I've got no problem with that."William had always been bad at holding his temper when she used that kind of talk.And just like always, it worked.After he hung u

When William heard that, the shock in his eyes disappeared in an instant.He looked at Jasmine with a furious look in his eyes. Then, without warning, he stormed forward and snatched the wig out of Jennifer's hands. He tore at it violently, then tossed it into the trash like it was garbage."Jasmine, have you no shame? You're using this to threaten me now? You think I'm scared? Let me tell you right now—even if you said you were dying in the next second, I would still end things with you before you go!"Jasmine's tears started falling in long, silent streams. Her voice broke as she cried."William, do you really hate me that much?"William stared at her, his eyes locked on her face. A soft hand suddenly reached for his, pressing gently against his palm.He lowered his gaze, suddenly not wanting to see Jasmine's tear-streaked, ruined face."Jasmine, it's been three years. Can't you see it by now?"Yeah. Three years.She had been holding onto a block of ice this whole time.He