Your Betrayal Broke Me, but My Healing Killed You

"Jesse, I've made up my mind. I want a divorce from Jacob Gilmore."

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before he finally spoke. "What about Jasmine? She's still so young. If you divorce him, you'll have to fight for custody."

My heart clenched at the mention of Jasmine.

She was the daughter I carried for ten months and gave birth to through unimaginable pain.

Now, she lay still and lifeless on that hospital bed, her eyes closed forever.

I fought back the tears, my voice choking. "My daughter is gone. Today, she left me forever. Jesse, I want to go home."

"I understand. I'll arrange for the best divorce lawyer, Rose. She can get the papers filed and in five days, you'll be free of that shameless man."

"Josephine, I'll be waiting for you at the French airport in five days."

The afterglow outside fell on the bed and Jasmine's face at dusk.

I touched my daughter's face for the last time, tears streaming down my face, "Baby, it's Mom's fault. Mom shouldn't have fallen in love with Dad."

I've secretly been in love with Jacob Gilmore, the heir to a well-known New York company, for ten years.

He was distant, cold and elegant. Rumors said he was impotent and uninterested in women.

For ten years, I had tried every possible way to seduce him, 999 attempts in total, each ending in failure.

This time my love for him was completely destroyed with the death of my daughter.

But as I walked away, it wasn’t me who broke—it was Jacob. His voice cracked, his tears fell, his pleas filled the air.

But I never looked back.

——

"Jesse, I've made up my mind. I want a divorce from Jacob Gilmore."

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before he finally spoke. "What about Jasmine? She's still so young. If you divorce him, you'll have to fight for custody."

My heart clenched at the mention of Jasmine.

She was the daughter I carried for ten months and gave birth to through unimaginable pain.

Now, she lay still and lifeless on that hospital bed, her eyes closed forever.

I fought back the tears, my voice choking. "My daughter is gone. Today, she left me forever. Jesse, I want to go home."

"I understand. I'll arrange for the best divorce lawyer, Rose. She can get the papers filed and in five days, you'll be free of that useless man."

"Josephine, I'll be waiting for you at the French airport in five days."

The afterglow outside fell on the bed and Jasmine's face at dusk.

I touched my daughter's face for the last time, tears streaming down my face, "Baby, it's Mom's fault. Mom shouldn't have fallen in love with Dad."

I've secretly been in love with Jacob Gilmore, the heir to a well-known New York company, for ten years.

He was distant, cold and elegant. Rumors said he was impotent and uninterested in women.

For ten years, I had tried every possible way to seduce him, 999 attempts in total, each ending in failure.

Every time, Jacob would gently wipe away the tears from the corners of my eyes and say coldly, "Josephine, I'm sorry."

Until my 23rd birthday, my family was going to immigrate to France.

My eldest brother was worried about me staying alone in New York and always wanted to find me someone to rely on, so he simply drugged me and Jacob.

Even under the influence, his gaze remained clear and cold. He fought hard to maintain control, never crossing the line with me once.

However, I couldn't stand the heat building inside me and I clung to him desperately.

Jacob couldn't stand my pestering and his tone was filled with anger."Josephine, you will regret it if you do this!"

He was the person I had been thinking about for ten years. How could I regret such a rare opportunity?

I boldly put my arms around his neck. "I will never regret doing this to you."

Before he could speak, I kissed him, blocking all the words he wanted to say.

That night, we were utterly lost, feeling waves of heat and finally reached a climax.

The next morning, everything had changed.

The passion from the night before was gone, replaced only by hatred in his eyes.

Yet, from that reckless night, I became pregnant. Left with no other choice, he married me.

The child born was Jasmine.

As if it were a punishment, he spent most of his time abroad, gone for six long years at a stretch.

I could only stay home with our child, foolishly waiting for his return.

He occasionally returned but went to great lengths to avoid physical contact with me. As for our daughter, he wouldn't even hold her.

When Jasmine was five, she suddenly fell gravely ill. I sought out famous doctors everywhere, but none could save her.

Just yesterday, Jasmine's condition took a sharp turn for the worse. After emergency treatment, she was transferred to the ICU for observation. Her little mouth murmured, asking to see her father one last time.

I rushed out of the ward and dialed Jacob's number.

The first time, there was no answer.

The second time, he hung up.

The third time, a recording informed me that the line was busy.

It wasn't until the fifth attempt that he finally answered.

I quickly replied while clutching my phone tightly, "Jacob, Jasmine is very sick. Can you please come to the hospital as soon as possible?"

He scoffed, "Josephine Sorensen, if you want me to come home, just say so. Can you please stop using the child as an excuse every time?"

"No, this time it's real, Jacob. I beg you, please come to the hospital to see your daughter one last time."

"Are you still not tired of acting? I'm sick of your pathetic performances!"

The line went dead.

But Jasmine was still inside, waiting. I couldn't give up just like that.

I continued to dial his number again and again.

I didn't know how much time had passed before the phone was finally answered again.

"Jacob, something has really happened to Jasmine, you … "

A gentle female voice came from the other end. "Are you looking for Jacob? I'm sorry, he's still in the shower."

I could faintly hear the sound of running water on the other end.

That single sentence was enough for me to recognize the voice.

It was Selena Jones, Jacob's childhood sweetheart.

They had once been engaged, but she had rejected Jacob ten years ago. She went abroad to get married and even had a daughter named Sadie.

Then, a sweet, childish voice chimed in from the other end. "Mommy, what were you and Uncle Jacob busy doing in the room just now? Are you done? Oh, Mommy, why are you wearing so short?"

I had heard they had lived together during his years abroad, which was true.

Jasmine was critically ill, lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her life. Meanwhile, her own father was out there, enjoying himself with his childhood sweetheart.

I couldn't bear to listen anymore and hung up the phone.

I leaned against the wall outside the ward, burying my face in my hands and weeping silently.

Not long after, a piercing alarm blared from the equipment in the ward. I rushed back to the bedside and grasped my daughter's hand.

"Baby, Daddy will be here in a little while. Just hold on a bit longer!"

My daughter reached out, struggling to wipe away my tears.

Her face was pale and she shook her head weakly. "Mommy, does Jasmine not have a daddy anymore? Daddy won't come, will he?"

My heart was torn apart, but I tried to weave a comforting lie. "Baby, no. Daddy is just too busy right now and can't come immediately. Hold on a little longer and Daddy will be here soon!"

Jasmine held on stubbornly through the entire night.

Unable to bear watching my daughter suffer any longer, I called Jacob again, dialing his number the whole night through.

Still, he never answered his phone again.

The light in my daughter's eyes gradually faded and she finally closed her eyes in my arms.

"Baby, don't leave Mommy! I beg you, open your eyes and look at Mommy again!"

My cries were hoarse with grief as I repeatedly called her name.

But her little hand hung limply, offering no response.

"Ms. Sorensen, please accept my condolences. It's time to arrange for the deceased's remains."

The nurse's voice beside me pulled me back to reality.

"According to the procedure, we must also notify the deceased's father. I'm just letting you know in advance."

Before I could stop her, the nurse had already connected the call to Jacob.

"Hello, is this Mr. Gilmore? This is Clayton Hospital. We are formally informing you that your daughter, Jasmine Gilmore, has passed away."

"Please come to the hospital as soon as possible."

Chapter 2

He let out a cold laugh, his voice like ice. "How much did Josephine pay you to put on this act? Please do me a favour and tell her to stop with these little games. If she keeps this up, she won't be able to hold onto that precious 'Mrs. Gilmore's title she fought so hard for."

The beeping and ruthless ridicule echoed in the quiet ward.

I took a deep breath and said, "It's okay. I'll handle it alone."

I looked down at the little girl on the hospital bed one last time, kissed her cheek and personally accompanied her to the crematorium.

The moment I received her ashes, my phone rang. It was the cemetery agent.

"Ms. Sorensen, there's a problem! The burial plot you reserved has been taken by someone else!"

"But I already paid for it. How could someone just take it?"

The agent hesitated, clearly distressed. "You've heard of the Gilmores in New York, right? It's for Mr. Gilmore, I couldn't say no. Their family is too powerful."

I carefully placed my daughter's urn down and rushed to the cemetery.

From afar, I saw Selena and her daughter Sadie burying something.

Jacob stood beside them, dressed in all black.

A week ago, the doctors issued a critical condition notice for Jasmine.

He had spoken to me privately several times, urging me to prepare myself that my daughter's life was counting down its final days.

That's why I purchased this burial plot close to home.

After lulling Jasmine to sleep every night, I would come here to arrange her final resting place.

Jasmine loved the color pink and adored Peppa Pig. I draped the area in soft pink tulle and covered it with Peppa Pig stickers.

All that was left was to engrave her name on the tombstone.

However, all of this was destroyed. The pink tulle and Peppa Pig were thrown aside like garbage.

My vision went black with rage. I charged forward.

Jacob looked surprised to see me, but his expression quickly turned cold. "What, getting someone to fake a scene wasn't enough? Now you're stalking me, too?"

"I didn't fake anything and I'm not following you. I'm done chasing after you, Jacob!"

He had never seen me like this before.

I'd always been gentle and obedient and never raised my voice to him.

However, something inside me had shifted.

Jacob was about to speak when Sadie rushed forward and pushed me away.

"You're trying to steal my daddy, aren't you? He's mine! I won't let you take him!"

She stood there with her hands on her hips like a tiny tyrant. "Today is the day we bury Jacky! Don't ruin it, you bad woman!"

Selena quickly pulled her back. "I'm sorry, Josephine. She's just a child. Our family dog passed away unexpectedly and I asked Jacob to come help. Once we're done, I'll ensure he returns to you."

That's when I finally got a clear look at the tombstone behind them.

It read in large, bold characters: Here lies our beloved dog, Jacky. There was even a photo of the dog surrounded by flowers and food.

Meanwhile, my Jasmine was still lying in the cold urn and a dog took her grave away.

I rushed forward like crazy, throwing the flowers and dog food to the ground, ready to tear that tombstone apart.

Why should my daughter suffer indignity even in death?

I must vent my anger for my daughter!

Jacob grabbed me by the arm. "Josephine! Why aren't you at home with your daughter? Why are you making a scene here? I'm just here with Selena to bury a dog! Is this really necessary?"

I shouted, "Do you even know who that grave was for?! I bought it for Jasmine!"

Before I finished speaking, Sadie burst into tears.

Her crying was so loud that it drowned out my voice and attracted Jacob's attention.

"Josephine, come here and apologize!"

"Why should I apologize? It was you who did something wrong!"

Selena grabbed the angry Jacob in time, "Please, let's not fight over this. It's not worth ruining your marriage. I'll take Sadie and leave now."

Selena started to walk away, pulling Sadie along. But as they brushed past me, Sadie suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground.

Selena immediately scooped her up, her voice laced with accusation. "Josephine, we already agreed to leave. Why did you have to push Sadie? Why are you being so cruel to a child?"

Jacob rushed over, panicking and checking Sadie's injuries. "You've gone too far! You'd better hope nothing's wrong with her. Otherwise, I will hold you responsible!"

After saying that, Jacob pushed me away.

I staggered backward, crashing into a nearby tombstone. The sharp edge struck my head and a searing pain shot through me as blood trickled down my forehead.

I slumped against the tombstone, watching with blurry vision as Jacob took Selena and Sadie away without looking back.

Chapter 3

I went to the hospital alone, got registered, saw the doctor and had my wound stitched up.

When everything was done and I returned home, it was past midnight.

Jacob didn't come home all night or even ask about me.

I spent the whole night alone, my wound aching.

But the pain in my heart was a thousand times worse, tormenting me endlessly.

The house was full of Jasmine's scent and the traces she left behind.

The pain of losing a daughter is hard to heal. My heart was broken and I tossed and turned all night without sleep.

The next day, I was in a trance and I sat at the dining table with a haggard look, eating breakfast that tasted like chewing wax.

Jacob suddenly returned and noticed the scar on my forehead, "You are injured? When did it happen?"

My tone was cold. "It's already taken care of. No need for Mr. Gilmore to worry."

"Josephine, do you have to talk to me like this? I already apologized to Sadie for you about yesterday. Selena and Sadie have also said they forgive you."

Jacob wanted to say more, but suddenly suppressed his anger and tossed a small package before me.

"I haven't been home much lately. That's why you're acting up, right? Inside is the Elsa princess dress that your daughter loved the most."

He also took out three Disneyland tickets and handed them to me as he spoke. "It just so happens I'm free in a couple of days. When the time comes, you can put this dress on our daughter and we will go to Disneyland together."

Jasmine was already gone. What was the point of him giving these gifts now?

I looked at him quietly, without moving.

I didn't react, so Jacob simply placed the tickets on the table.

He casually said, "Sadie wants to come over to play tomorrow. Take your daughter out. This is Sadie's condition for forgiving you for causing a scene at her beloved puppy's grave yesterday."

When he mentioned the robbed graveyard, I felt so heartbroken that I couldn't help crying again.

He guiltily looked away and continued, "I'm doing this for you and your daughter's sake. Sadie is very jealous and can't stand other children calling me Daddy."

After that, he turned around and left without waiting for me to speak.

It was impossible. I would leave here in a few days.

Before that, I have to deal with all the remaining things.

The next day, I got up early and packed Jasmine's belongings in the room.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise outside.

I was startled and went out to check. I saw Selena playing with Sadie in the living room.

Sadie was jumping up and down on the sofa. This wouldn't have been unusual; children always have a special enthusiasm for bouncy things.

But what she was stepping on was Jasmine's posthumous work.

My daughter had drawn a family portrait, which was being trampled under Sadie's feet.

My mind went blank and I rushed forward, yelling angrily, "Get down! Give me back that drawing!"

Sadie wasn't afraid of me at all. Instead, she laughed. "Why should I give it to you? It's just that little cheap chlid Jasmine Gilmore's worthless drawing. It's not worth anything. What's wrong with me playing with it?"

As if still unsatisfied, Sadie picked up the drawing and tore it in half as she spoke.

She stood there arrogantly with her hands on her hips. "This is what happens when you try to steal my daddy!"

No! This couldn't be happening! My daughter's drawing couldn't be destroyed like this!

I couldn't hold back any longer. I stepped forward and pushed Sadie away, snatching the drawing back into my hands.

The drawing was completely torn apart. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't piece it back together into a complete picture.

Sadie fell to the ground and started wailing.

Selena stepped forward and slapped me. "Josephine, it's just a drawing. Do you have to target Sadie again and again?"

Her eyes passed through my back and Jacob was walking towards me.

She leaned in and whispered, "Sadie isn't wrong. Jasmine Gilmore is just a bastard child without a father! Don't you have any idea how she became Jacob's daughter?"

"You and your daughter are both disgusting trash."

I didn't care what outsiders said about me.

However, Jasmine was already gone. I couldn't let her suffer these vile words any longer!

I clenched my fists and punched Selena, knocking her down.

Selena fell to the ground while holding Sadie, looking at me in shock.

How could one punch be enough? I grabbed her long hair and punched Selena like crazy.

Jacob pulled me away from behind, his voice filled with hysteria. "Are you crazy? How have you become like a shrew?"

Selena threw herself into Jacob's arms, sobbing. "Josephine, Sadie grew up abroad and has a more carefree personality. She didn't mean to ruin Jasmine's drawing. She already apologized to you. Even if you don't accept it, you can't just hit people!"

"Josephine, I told you before to have your daughter keep her things tidy! If she hadn't left her things lying around, Sadie wouldn't have picked them up to play with! You can only blame her!"

Jacob turned around and then helped Selena and Sadie up.

"Sadie, didn't you say you wanted to ride the carousel? Let's go, Daddy will take you now."

I stared at their retreating figures, my mouth filled with bitterness.

Jasmine was five years old and we had never taken a family photo. There was only a family portrait that she imagined.

He had never taken her to an amusement park even once.

It turned out that a high-ranking heir to a famous New York City company could also have a gentle, fatherly side.

I was left alone in the large, quiet living room, repeatedly trying to glue the painting back together.

An entire night passed. I finally managed to barely put the family portrait back together and tidied up my daughter's old toys.

The housemaid held up the Elsa princess dress that Jacob had left behind and asked, "Madam, should we still keep this dress? I remember Miss Jasmine loved Princess Elsa the most."

"Throw it away. We don't need it anymore."

From now on, Jasmine and I would have nothing more to do with Jacob.

Chapter 4

I packed up all of my daughter's belongings, leaving behind only a few items for her upcoming memorial service in a couple of days.

Along with my own things, I packed everything into boxes and shipped them to France.

The huge villa was now completely devoid of any trace of my daughter and me.

It was late at night by the time I finished everything.

I looked around the empty villa with satisfaction, then returned to my room to wash up and rest.

My phone vibrated wildly at this time. When I picked up the phone, I heard Jacob report an address.

"Uprising Road. Revolving Restaurant. Fifth floor, VIP room. Come now."

I hesitated momentarily, then got up from bed and headed out.

I remembered I'd once booked my daughter's birthday party at that restaurant.

Her birthday was only a month away. She'd even designed her own invitations ahead of time, waiting eagerly to give one to Jacob when he came home.

But all of that was pointless now. I suppose I should cancel the reservation.

When I opened the private room door, I immediately saw that Sadie wore a crown.

The room was decorated with birthday party decorations and gifts were piled up like a small mountain.

A giant, two-tiered cake sat on the table. The party was in full swing, about to cut the cake.

My appearance brought the celebration to an abrupt halt. Everyone's eyes turned to me.

Selena was nestled in Jacob's arms. Sadie stood in front of the cake, looking at it with excitement.

What a happy family of three.

"What do you want me here for?" I asked.

Jacob pushed Selena away and sat up straight, his expression cold. "You've upset Sadie time and time again. She's just a child, but you've been so petty toward her. Today is her birthday. I asked you here so you can give her a proper apology."

I looked at him and let out a bitter laugh.

Of course, Selena and Sadie planned this whole thing.

He could believe what they said unconditionally without checking.

But Jasmine was his biological daughter and I was his legal wife.

Jacob, you are so cruel!

Tears rolled silently down my cheeks. "Jacob, I didn't deliberately target a child. The only reason I did what I did was because of Jasmine! All these days, aren't you even a little curious why you haven't seen Jas … "

Jacob cut me off. "Josephine, you're the one who did wrong. Don't use Jasmine as an excuse!"

"You're a mother yourself. You should act like one and set a good example for Jasmine."

Watching Jacob's angry expression, I couldn't help but curve my lips into a self-mocking smile.

No matter what I said, he wouldn't believe me.

My explanation would only be seen as a poor excuse in his eyes. Words were so useless at this moment.

Perhaps I should just leave as soon as possible.

Wasn't it just an apology they wanted? I'd give it to them.

I turned and walked step by step towards Sadie, bowing. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

I turned my head to look at Jacob. "Is that enough?"

Jacob's heart skipped a beat as he looked at my red eyes. Something was slipping out of his control.

Before he could say anything, Selena spoke up. "Sadie, can you forgive Aunt Josephine?"

Sadie said clearly, "No, she still has to apologize to Mommy!"

I took a deep breath and my clenched hands dug into my palms.

I walked over to Selena and bowed again. "I'm sorry. Is this enough?"

Selena frowned and held her forehead. "The last time you hit me, I bled. A verbal apology isn't enough, don't you think?"

There was a pile of high-proof liquor on the table. I walked over and opened one of the bottles.

"Fine. Then I'll drink all of this. Will that make you happy?"

Chapter 5

My eyes drifted toward Jacob, who had been silent the whole time.

He was just sitting under the dim light and I couldn't make out his expression.

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Selena and Sadie were both staring at me intently.

Suddenly, memories from the past came flooding back.

A year ago, I coaxed Jasmine to sleep at night and received a call from Jacob.

The caller was not Jacob himself but his assistant, who asked me to rush to a high-end restaurant immediately.

I thought Jacob was just drunk and asked me to take him home, but I didn't expect that I would be forced to join the drinking party at that time after opening the door of the room.

Jacob was already drunk then, but the guests at the party were unwilling to let him go.

I couldn't force Jacob away; otherwise, the Gilmores' industry would be affected and the consequences would be disastrous.

So, for his sake, even though I had a severe alcohol allergy, I readily agreed to their request.

I picked up the whiskey, tilted my head back and drained it in one gulp.

That night, I took Jacob home and ended up in the hospital because of it.

The next morning, I rarely saw Jacob looking so worried about me.

When he found that I had woken up, his face suddenly became gloomy, "Josephine, even if you hadn't come, I would have found a way to get out unscathed! You knew you were allergic to alcohol. Why did you risk your life?"

"Jacob, I married you and am part of the Gilmores. I'm willing to share these burdens with you."

From that day on, all the liquor bottles in the house disappeared.

Jacob stayed home for a month and his attitude towards Jasmine and me improved significantly.

I thought this would be the beginning of our improved relationship.

Thinking of this, I laughed at myself and tried to hold back my tears.

I lifted my head and finished the entire bottle of white liquor in one go.

"Just one bottle isn't enough to show my sincerity in apologizing. I'll punish myself with three more!"

I picked up another bottle of liquor and started pouring it into my mouth.

The fiery liquid burned down my throat, irritating my stomach.

When one bottle was empty, I reached for another, but Jacob grabbed my hand.

His face was dark as he shouted, "Enough!"

"Is that enough? Has your childhood sweetheart, Miss Jones, forgiven me? Is my apology over?"

His face grew even darker. "I only told you to apologize properly, not to throw your life away! Josephine, you know how much influence the Gilmores have in New York. As Mrs. Gilmore, if word gets out that you keep acting like this, how will you show your face again?"

"And what about your daughter? How can you take care of her if you don't even care about yourself? You're being completely irresponsible!"

At the mention of Jasmine, a sharp pain stabbed through my heart. "She doesn't need me to take care of her anymore."

I yanked my arm free and stormed out.

After walking a few steps, I felt dizzy and fell to the ground and fainted.

Jacob rushed forward and picked me up, but Selena stopped him after only a few steps.

Selena held an unconscious Sadie in her arms. "Jacob, Sadie suddenly fainted."

Jacob turned around and paused. His face was full of hesitation.

After a moment, he turned back toward the door, still holding me in his arms. His voice was cold. "I'm taking Josephine to the hospital. I'll have my assistant look after Sadie."

When I woke up again, I was lying in a hospital bed. The sharp smell of disinfectant filled my nose.

Jacob handed me a glass of water when he saw me awake.

"Thanks, Mr. Gilmore. I appreciate you taking care of me, but I can manage independently now. You can leave."

"Josephine, must you talk to me like that? I brought you here myself and stayed all night. What more do you want from me?"

What did I want? I didn't want anything anymore.

The past ten years were the best youth of my life, but I wasted them all on Jacob.

Now that Jasmine was gone, I just wanted to be myself again.

"If you are okay, leave the hospital immediately! Go home and take care of your daughter; don't let her stay alone for too long!"

"You deliberately drank yourself into the hospital just to cause trouble, leaving your daughter alone at home. You are truly disgraceful! If I'd known you were not only ruthless but also heartless enough to abandon your own child, I never would've married a vicious woman like you."

I took a deep breath. "Jacob, I'll say it one last time, Jasmine is already … "

Suddenly, Selena rushed in in a panic and interrupted me.

"Jacob, something happened! Sadie has acute leukemia and needs a blood transfusion!"

Chapter 6

Jacob helped Selena sit on the chair and poured her a glass of water.

"Selena, tell me slowly. What happened?"

Selena cried, looking pitiful. "Last night, Sadie fainted at the birthday party and was sent to the hospital for examination. It was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Now she is in critical condition and needs a blood transfusion."

"Then I'll find a famous doctor in New York City immediately!"

Selena shook her head. "Sadie has Rh-negative blood. The hospital's blood bank is running out! It won't arrive in time if we transfer blood from elsewhere. The doctor said she only has two hours left."

Selena buried her face in her hands as she spoke and broke down completely.

Right before me, Jacob pulled her into his arms and gently comforted her. "Sadie will be fine, I promise. Don't worry too much."

"But where can we find someone to donate blood now? And it has to be Rh-negative."

Jacob turned his face towards me, his voice cold as ice. "Jasmine and Sadie have the same blood type. Bring Jasmine here immediately for a blood transfusion."

I let out a cold laugh. "Jacob, Jasmine is dead! Dead people can't donate blood!"

"This is a matter of life and death! Are you really cursing your own daughter just to cause trouble? Josephine, are you even human?"

Selena peeked out from Jacob's embrace, her voice weak but pleading. "Josephine, I won't compete with you for Jacob anymore! Please save Sadie."

Then she pushed away from Jacob and dropped to her knees with a loud thud. "Sadie is my life! I can't live without her! Josephine, I'm begging you, save her!"

"Jasmine is really gone."

I reached into my pocket, pulled out Jasmine's death certificate and threw it at Jacob's face. "If you still don't believe me, take a good look yourself!"

Jacob picked up the thin paper.

After just one look, his pupils shrank and his breath choked.

His hands trembled so violently that he couldn't hold the light paper. His face turned ashen, filled with shock and disbelief.

"This … when did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?" His voice was hoarse.

I showed a bitter smile.

I have told you many times. It's you who don't believe it every time.

But what was the point of saying any of this now? Jasmine would never come back.

Selena's voice rang out again as I was about to speak.

Her voice was filled with sorrow yet tinged with a hint of helplessness. "Josephine, you're even using such tricks to deceive Jacob to avoid saving Sadie!"

Jacob's face changed instantly. He turned to Selena. "You mean … this certificate is fake?"

Selena pointed to the blank space on the death certificate. "Of course. Look here; such an important document wouldn't be without an official seal. Jacob, don't be fooled by her again."

Relief washed over Jacob and he glared at me with renewed fury.

"Josephine, you're unbelievable! This is your last chance. Bring Jasmine here to donate blood, or I won't hold back!"

I started laughing, tears streaming down my face.

Was this the damn price I paid for being a lovesick fool? Even after my daughter's death, she and I still couldn't rest in peace.

"Haha! Jacob, Jasmine is really dead! If you want to find her, then go die yourself! Maybe you'll catch her on the other side!"

Slap! Jacob slapped me furiously.

"Fine! Since you're so stubborn, don't blame me for what comes next!"

He raised his hand and two bodyguards immediately appeared. "Take her away for a blood transfusion! She's also Rh-negative!"

"No! I don't want to!"

I struggled with all my strength, but how could I fight off two towering bodyguards?

Without another word, they dragged me out of the ward and into the blood donation ward.

Chapter 7

I was strapped to the chair in the blood donation room, powerless to stop the nurse from sticking the needle into my arm.

"Josephine, people have to pay for their mistakes."

"Even if it drains every last drop of your blood today, you'll have to accept it!"

Without another glance, he turned and walked out.

I slumped in the chair, completely giving up the struggle, my face pale as I watched my blood slowly drain away.

After 400cc had been drawn, I thought it would finally be over.

Who knew that Jacob would return to the blood donation room, his face etched with anxiety.

"Sadie's condition isn't good. 400cc isn't enough, we need 1000cc!"

Upon hearing this, the nurse exclaimed in shock, "Mr. Gilmore, 1000cc is beyond a person's limit! Your wife will die!"

"I said, draw her blood and you'll do it! If you don't want to, I'll find someone else!"

The Gilmores were very famous in New York City.

The nurse was too frightened to argue and had no choice but to obey.

As my blood flowed out, my vision gradually blurred and I couldn't even hear the frantic beeping of the medical equipment beside me.

In a trance, I remembered that Jacob took Jasmine out and did not keep an eye on Jasmine.

Jasmine had rushed onto the road and been hit by a passing car. She had suffered severe bleeding on the spot. She was given a critical condition notice, needing a blood transfusion to survive.

The hospital only had 400cc of Rh-negative blood back then, which was far from enough for Jasmine.

I begged Jacob to find a way to save Jasmine, but he didn't even look at her. He just said he had something to do in the company and turned away coldly.

In the end, I had no choice but to use my own blood to save Jasmine.

After that, Jasmine stayed in the hospital for half a month and Jacob didn't even call to ask.

Now, his first love's daughter got sick and he was panicking.

Sadie had no blood relation to him at all. I really wanted to ask him who exactly his biological daughter was.

The amount of blood drawn was too much and coupled with my alcohol allergy, I ended up staying in the hospital for three days.

During this time, Jacob never came to see me again.

It was Selena who sent me several provocative text messages.

[You really are tough. Even after losing that much blood, you're still alive. But what's the point? Jacob is with my Sadie every day.]

She attached a photo of Jacob feeding Sadie.

[His heart is with me now. How do you still have the nerve to hold onto the title of Mrs. Gilmore? Hurry up and get lost.]

Attached was a photo of two hands clasped tightly together. Jacob's face wasn't visible, but I recognized the limited edition Patek Philippe watch on his wrist.

My heart had long since shattered, dying along with Jasmine. There were no more ripples in my soul.

I calmly read the text messages, taking screenshots of each one and sending them to my lawyer.

The day I was discharged from the hospital happened to be the fifth day. I went directly to the law firm.

Rose had already organized all the documents and handed them to me.

"Ms. Sorensen, I received your brother's request before. I've been working through the night for five days to organize all the information you sent. Rest assured, I guarantee you will win your divorce lawsuit."

I nodded. "Thank you, I appreciate your help."

Rose then handed me a plane ticket. "This is what your brother asked me to give you. The departure time is in three hours, so please hurry to the airport."

Before going to the airport, I still had to return home to collect my luggage.

When I arrived back at the villa, I saw all my belongings thrown outside.

Selena was directing the household housemaids to move things. It looked like she had moved her entire home in.

Seeing me, Selena even greeted me warmly, "Josephine, you're back."

As if she were the mistress of the house.

Jacob came out of the main bedroom carrying Sadie, saying coldly, "Sadie's condition is still unstable and needs someone to take care of her. During this time, she will be staying in your main bedroom. Pack up your and your daughter's things today and move to another house. You cannot return to the villa during this time without my permission."

Jacob thought I would make a big scene again, but I did nothing.

I nodded, picked up my luggage from the ground and turned to leave.

I took a taxi to the airport and called Rose. "Let's begin by fully exposing Jacob's misconduct."

Not long after, my phone started vibrating frantically.

Jacob kept calling me.

His angry voice erupted when I answered, "I knew you weren't that reasonable! You're spreading everywhere that I cheated and don't care about my own daughter."

I interrupted him, "Jacob, this is just the beginning."

With that, I hung up the phone and blocked Jacob.

Then I pulled out the SIM card, threw it in the trash and boarded my flight!

Chapter 8

Jacob's POV

Jacob tried calling again but got a cold, mechanical voice telling him the number was unavailable. He couldn't reach Josephine at all.

Just half an hour earlier, his phone had suddenly started buzzing nonstop.

One, two notifications, a string of messages and then one call after another, over and over again.

Then, his assistant called.

"Mr. Gilmore, turn on the TV. Right now!"

He turned on the TV in confusion, only to see that he had made the headlines.

He felt that his heart had stopped for a moment and he even forgot to breathe.

The massive television screen on the living room wall of his villa displayed various intimate photos of him and Selena.

Scandal: Prominent New York City Business Heir, Jacob Gilmore, Cheats on Wife with Single Mother Selena Jones!

No, no, no! How could this be happening?

Nothing happened between him and Selena, so how did they manage to take these shady photos?

Selena had obviously seen the news, too.

Her face was pale. She muttered under her breath, "How could this happen? Jacob, what do we do now?"

Jacob gently placed Sadie back down, turned off the TV and roared into the phone at his assistant, "I don't care how you do it; get all the related news taken down immediately! Now!"

His assistant sounded troubled. "Mr. Gilmore, it's too late. The whole city's already talking. The story's gone viral and … "

"And what? Spit it out!"

"And … I checked with the press. The one who leaked the story was your wife."

"Josephine!"

Jacob, in a fit of rage, dialled Josephine's number, only to be met with her cold, final words.

After that, her phone was no longer reachable.

Jacob was swamped in the following three days, dealing with the public relations disaster.

The company's stock plummeted, wiping out ten billion in market value. Jacob also faced questioning from the board of directors.

By the time the scandal finally died down and he stabilized the stock price, he had just taken his first deep breath when Selena called.

"Jacob, Sadie's been asking about you these past few days. Today's the seventh day since Jacky passed and she's begging to go with you to say a final goodbye."

Rubbing his temples, he hesitated. "Selena, the scandal just cooled down. If we get photographed again, we won't be able to explain it away."

Selena sounded hurt. "But you haven't been home in days. Sadie hasn't seen you and she's been refusing to sleep because of it."

He sighed. Ultimately, he agreed to go to the cemetery with them.

The cemetery was quiet, with only a few visitors. But as Jacob walked through the paths, a strange unease tugged at his chest.

Suddenly, a grave in the corner of the cemetery caught his eye.

The grave was distinctive, decorated in pink and covered with Peppa Pig decorations.

He walked over involuntarily, but when he saw the photo and name on the tombstone, he froze in place.

It clearly read: "Tomb of Beloved Daughter, Jasmine Gilmore."