The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 117

(Jasper’s POV)

The sound of Scarlett’s car disappearing into the distance sears my heart like a death knell. I stand there for a long moment, staring at the empty street, feeling like my entire world just

drove away.

Again.

But this time, I know exactly why she left. And I know exactly who’s responsible.

I turn back to the Stones‘ new house, my hands clenched into fists. The rage building inside me is different from anything I’ve felt before. It’s fiery and blinding. The kind of anger that burns to destroy and wreck havoc.

The front door is open, spilling warm light onto the driveway. I can hear voices inside–James and Blair talking to Virginia in soothing tones. Probably consoling her about whatever drama she’s manufactured now.

I storm inside without knocking.

“Jasper!” Virginia looks up from where she’s sitting on the couch, tears streaming down her face. “Thank God you’re back. I was so worried when you walked after-”

“Shut up.”

The words come out sharp, cold. Virginia’s tears stop instantly. Blair and James both turn to look at me with shock and disapproval in their eyes.

“Jasper,” James starts, “what’s gotten into you?”

I ignore him, keeping my eyes fixed on Virginia. She’s gone pale, her eyes wide. Good. She should be scared.

“I want you to tell me about the house,” I say quietly.

“What house?” Virginia’s voice is small, uncertain.

“Don’t play dumb with me. The house you sold off without telling anyone!”

Virginia glances at James and Blair, then back at me. I see the gears turning in her head, trying to figure out what I know and don’t know, what to say to exonerate herself.

“I…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sell the house. But there was this family, the Hernandez family. They’ve been renting for years, saving every penny to buy a house for their children. When

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they approached me about the old house, I couldn’t say no.”

$25 Points

She’s good. I’ll give her that. Always knowing what to say, how to say it. Her voice carries just the right amount of guilt, tinged with hurt at being questioned.

“They were so desperate,” she continues, dabbing at her eyes. “Three young children, and they’d been turned down by the bank because of their credit history. I sold it to them at a fraction of what it was worth because I wanted to help.”

Blair’s expression softens immediately. “Oh, Virginia. That’s so kind of you.”

“I had no idea they would throw away everything,” Virginia continues, voice quivering. “I’m sorry…so sorry.”

“You tried to help, sweetie. It’s not your fault they didn’t handle things properly.” Blair soothes, reaching over to pat her hand.

I watch this performance with a sense of irony. I was like them once, blind, easily swayed by Virginia’s crocodile tears. It’s harrowing to witness the same tactics being used on others from a bystander’s standpoint.

“You really don’t see it, do you?” I ask. “Your biological daughter has been lying to you from the moment she walked into your life. She sold your house without permission, forged your signature, and threw away twenty–three years of Scarlett’s memories. And you’re still defending her.”

“Virginia made a mistake,” Blair says firmly. “But her heart was in the right place. She was trying to help a family in need.”

“Fine,” I say, turning toward the door. “Believe what you want to believe. But you should know that Scarlett already found out about the house.”

The words stop them cold. Blair’s hand flies to her throat.

“What do you mean?” James asks.

“I mean she drove by the house and saw strangers throwing her childhood photos in a dumpster.”

“Oh God.” Blair sinks back onto the couch, her face pale. “She must think we did it on purpose.”

“We have to call her,” James reaches for his phone. “We have to explain—”

“Explain what? That you didn’t mean to sell the house? Or that Virginia sold it to help a poor family? Either way, you’ve proven you care more about Virginia’s feelings than Scarlett’s, so

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what’s the point?”

“Scarlett isn’t their biological daughter. I am.” Virginia says suddenly, her voice vicious. The sweet, innocent act is gone, replaced by the bitter, jealous woman I should have seen years

ago.

Blair looks like she’s going to be sick. “Virginia, how could you say that? Scarlett is our daughter too.”

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