Chapter 52

His gaze fixed on her, he could see tears glittering in her eyes. "What do you want?" He asked.

She blinked tears and her lips trembled. "After everything we had together, Cayden… you're asking me what I want?"

Cayden rolled his eyes. "So, what do you want, Heather?"

"Cayden you broke me into pieces," She sobbed. Her face was glittering with tears. "We shared everything…we'd been through thin and thick together…" She whimpered.

"Look, Heather," He said. "I don't have the time for this, okay? I've got an emergency right now."

Laced with grief, Heather shook her head. "Can't believe… can't believe you dumped me after everything. You engaged me, Cayden…you did…and gave me hope, but…" Tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. "The last time I checked…I…I never did anything wrong to deserve this heartbreak." She sniffled. "C… can't believe you actually dumped me to m…marry Elodre…that wretched bitch!"

And Cayden's brows furrowed. "What the hell did you just call my wife?! What the hell?!!" With a fit of anger, he slapped her with his back palm.

Crying out in pain, she staggered a few steps backward and more tears flowed as she placed her trembling hand on her burning cheek. She didn't see that coming. Her bloodshot eyes were fixed on him. This is the first time he'd ever laid his hand on her and she was stunned. Her trembling lips parted to speak but she got choked by the cry as burning tears stung her eyes.

Pointing a finger at her, Cayden said in a low angry voice, "You can fuck with me for as much as you can but not with my wife!! Your fuckin husband would do the same!"

She gasped.

"In your life!" He said furiously. "Don't you dare talk about my wife like that!!"

His eyes were burning with rage. She observed in astonishment. She'd never in her life seen him furious until tonight. The remnants of her heart were crushing into smaller pieces in her burning chest as she watched him get into his car and slammed the door shut. The car's glasses were all tinted so she couldn't see any further.

With his hands on the steering, he exhaled and gazed down at Jasmine who wasn't looking up at him. "You okay?" He asked softly.

"Y…yes, Mr. Brooks," She stuttered.

**

Shakily, all broken, Heather watched how he zoomed off. She felt void and needed something to lean on. She didn't realize how much attention the scenario had attracted until she turned and saw a few people gazing at her from a distance and she flushed pink with embarrassment. She was gazing back at them. "What are y'all staring at?!" She yelled quiveringly and they started leaving gradually.

Soon her sister who'd been standing by one of the cars parked a few distances away walked over to her and held her shoulder gently, fixing her gaze on Heather's glittery damp face. She sighed but before she could speak…

"He hit me…" Heather quivered. "H…he hit me…" She sobbed and swallowed hard, falling on Daisy's shoulder.

"I… I…know," Daisy said, rubbing her back. "I'm so sorry about that."

Shortly, Heather lifted her damp face and wiped her tears with her palms. Her watery eyes were red. She swallowed hard.

"You've been crying over him for days now, Heather…and it's not healthy for you," Daisy said, holding Heather's upper arm, looking into her eyes. "H…he doesn't love you anymore…you both have been separated for years now, so you must try to get over him. I know it's hard to do."

"But I…I can't," Heather wept. "I've been trying really hard. I…I can't just get myself together anymore. I c… can't get over him."

"Obviously, he's got over you," Daisy said. "Worse of all, he's married to someone else. Is that not enough reason for you to let go? Look how sick you are. You're as pale as death. Engagement isn't enough to heighten a woman's hope of getting married to her fiance. That you once spent your life with him isn't a license to spend the rest of your life with him."

"I don't think you grab," Heather sobbed. "I love him…I still love him. Oh, god, Cayden…" She whimpered.

"Yet you're married," Daisy raised a brow, searching Heather's glowing brown eyes. "Perhaps, Cayden wouldn't have been your better half if you'd tied the knot with him." Her grip was firm on Heather's cold white arm and she could feel her trembling. "Think about it the other way round, sis. You deserve better than this…"

"Cayden is the man that could've given me the better, Daisy," Heather trembled. "You don't grab…you don't…"

Daisy's brows raised. She felt sorry for her sister. She hugged her warmly and stroked her back. "I'm sorry, Heather. I'm sorry you have to go through this…"

**"**"*

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THE FOLLOWING DAY…

In his usual corporate shorts on well-pressed pants and polished shiny black shoes, Cayden jogged down the stairs with his briefcase. As always, his black shoulder-length hair was center-parted.

"Good morning, Mr. Brooks!"

He turned and found Jasmine bowing to him. "Jasmine!" He rubbed her back. "How are you feeling today?" He gently examined her arm.

"I'm feeling much better this morning, Mr. Brooks," She smiled cheerfully. "Thank you!"

He noticed she was about to say something else but bit back her words. "What is it?" He asked, gazing down at her.

Lowering her gaze, she said unsteadily, "I… 'm sorry, Mr…Mr. Brooks…I prepared some breakfast for you. Your favorite. I…" She railed off and didn't dare to look up at him.

That surprised him. She'd always been preparing his meal before his wife suspended all his domestic staff. But since the day he called them to resume, he'd not eaten at home. And now…Jasmine? "Jasmine?"

"Y…yes, Mr. Brooks," She stuttered, lifting her gaze. The smile on his face was everything! He didn't get mad at her?! Wow!

"You want me to have breakfast, huh?" He raised a brow and she blushed with shyness.

"Yes," She nodded.

He grinned and shook his head slightly. He'd made up his mind never to eat at home since Elodre cheated on him. Even before calling back his staff, he'd not been eating his wife's food. He sighed and glanced at Jasmine who was facing downward, all humble, and was waiting for his response. Nah, he won't turn her down. That would hurt her feelings. "Alright, then."

And she gasped, smiling heartily. "Thank you, Mr. Brooks!" She pulled one of the dining chairs for him to sit on and hurried to the kitchen.

Sitting, the memory of bumping into Heather crammed into his head….

And….