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Chapter_2
Liana, the niece of Jasper’s father’s current wife, easily blended into the Beckett family during dinner. The laughter and conversation flowed around her, but Jasper sat in silence, his brow furrowed and appetite lost.
Alice was gone, leaving with Jonah without taking a single thing—no money, no villa, nothing. The divorce was final, but the tension still hung thick in the air.
“Where’s Alice? Why isn’t she joining us for dinner?” Javier Beckett, Jasper’s father, asked, looking around the room.
Jasper’s gaze remained downward as he answered, his voice tinged with indifference, “We’re divorced. The papers are signed, and we’ll complete the procedure soon. The certificate will be processed.”
Javier looked taken aback. “Divorce? Why?”
Sophia Kirkman, his wife, couldn’t help but chime in, her voice laced with a touch of regret. “Jasper and Alice were never a good match, Javier. Your father forced them into this marriage. Alice has suffered enough over the years. It’s better for both of them that she moves on. And you know Jasper has always been in love with Lia.”
Javier’s frown deepened, concern flickering across his face. “Jasper, marriage isn’t something to rush into. And she—”
“Dad, we’ve signed the papers. Alice has left, and she didn’t take anything with her,” Jasper interrupted, his irritation clear.
Betty Beckett, his sister, snorted. “Wow, that country bumpkin has some pride, doesn’t she? Don’t tell me she’s trying to play the victim now. I just hope she doesn’t start spreading rumors about how the Becketts mistreated her.”
Jasper’s mood darkened at her words, but he said nothing.
“Jasper,” Javier said, his tone firm, “this was a rash decision. Your grandfather is still sick. How are you going to explain this to him?”
“I’ll announce my marriage to Liana next month,” Jasper replied curtly.
Liana beamed at him, her eyes gleaming with happiness. She rested her hand on his, clearly content.
“Uncle Javier, please don’t blame Jasper,” Liana said with a soft smile, leaning against him. “If anyone is to blame, it’s me. I shouldn’t have come back so soon. I’ll return to Mosgravia tomorrow. Jasper, I don’t want to be the villain in this. You and Alice—maybe you should get back together.”
Jasper looked at her, his expression unreadable. “Liana, this has nothing to do with you.”
He squeezed her hand gently, his gaze steady. “There’s nothing between Alice and me. I’ve endured three years of this marriage, and I’ll never wrong you again.”
The night air was cool as Jonah guided Alyssa to the lake, the sounds of the city fading into the distance. They boarded a yacht, intending to enjoy the nightscape and distract Alyssa from the turmoil she had endured.
“Jonah, are you trying to torture me?” Alyssa asked, her gaze flicking nervously to the couples around them. “This is supposed to be a place for lovers. I wouldn’t dare come here on a normal day.”
Jonah chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Really? Well, blame Silas for this one. He set up the fireworks. They’ll start at eight.”
He checked his watch. “Five, four, three, two, one.”
With a loud crack, a burst of purple light filled the sky.
Alyssa couldn’t help but smile at the display. “Silas really has terrible taste,” she muttered, but her heart warmed a little.
“Think about the ridiculous gifts you’ve gotten from him before,” Jonah teased. “He’s definitely improved. But this is just the beginning. We’ve all prepared something special for you, and they’re all waiting in your room. You’re loved by many, Alyssa. Don’t forget to give your love to those who truly deserve it.”
Her eyes glistened as the words struck a chord. She was on the verge of tears but forced them back, touched by her brother’s words.
Suddenly, a black Maybach pulled up nearby. Jasper and Liana stepped out, their hands entwined. The breeze caught Liana’s hair, and she snuggled closer to him.
“Oh wow, the fireworks are so beautiful!” Liana exclaimed, her childlike innocence shining through as she gazed at the sky. “Look, Jasper!”
Jasper smiled, but it was a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. There was something about Liana’s openness that drew him to her. It was a contrast to Alice’s cold, obedient nature, which he had grown to resent. Despite everything, Alice had one virtue—she was obedient. But obedience, he realized, had never been enough.
As they walked toward the railing, the fireworks exploded into a stunning formation that spelled out, “Happy Birthday.”
Liana, her voice full of envy, said, “Who’s the lucky person getting such an amazing gift?”
Jasper’s heart skipped. It’s Alice’s birthday today. His mind flashed back to the afternoon, to Alice’s tear-streaked face.
Before he could process it further, the yacht passed in front of them, carrying a couple on its deck. Alice and Jonah.
Liana’s voice broke through the tension. “Isn’t that Alice? Who’s that guy with her? He looks familiar.”
Jasper’s grip on the railing tightened, his knuckles white. His jaw clenched as he watched them, feeling a surge of anger. They’re not even officially divorced, and yet she’s out here having fun with another man?
Jonah’s yacht circled the lake, and when it finally docked, Jonah stepped off, arm around Alyssa’s waist. Jasper stalked toward them, his face icy.
“Alice White!” he called sharply.
Alyssa froze, her eyes flashing with defiance as she turned to face him. There was no longer any trace of the docile woman she once was. Her gaze was cold, her posture unyielding.
Jasper took a step closer. “Who’s he?” he demanded, his voice cold and commanding.
Jonah stepped forward, standing protectively by his sister. “Mr. Beckett, your memory is as poor as ever. We’ve crossed paths a few times in business.”
Jasper ignored him, his eyes locked on Alice. “Answer me, Alice. Who is he?”
Alyssa’s tone turned icy. “Mr. Beckett, we’re divorced. What difference does it make who he is?”
Jasper’s expression darkened, his patience worn thin. “We haven’t officially divorced, yet here you are, already so eager to cling to another man?”
Alyssa’s eyes blazed with anger. “How dare you accuse me when you’ve been the one cheating? You think you can replace me, and now I’m not allowed to move on?”
Her words cut through him, and for a moment, he was speechless. She had never spoken to him like this before, and it stung.
Liana finally caught up, but as she reached Jasper, she stumbled, twisting her ankle in her heels. “Ah! Jasper! My ankle—!” she cried out.
Jasper turned, his focus snapping back to Liana. He hurried to help her, but when he looked up, Alice and Jonah had already disappeared into the night.