The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

(Scarlett’s POV)

“Chloe, I…”

+25 Points

“You don’t owe me an explanation. And I’m not asking you for one. All I’m saying is, be more aware of your actions. If you don’t love Jasper, if you’re sure you won’t ever get back with him, then act within proper boundaries, so you don’t create any misunderstandings.”

The guilt that’s been gnawing at me all week surges stronger, forcing me to lower my head in shame. “I…I haven’t forgotten about Dorian.”

“Haven’t you? When’s the last time you talked to him?”

I pull out my phone, checking the message history. The last text from Dorian is from three days ago. I never responded.

“He’s busy with work.”

“Scarlett.” Chloe sits on the bed, forcing me to look at her. “If you still love Jasper, if somewhere in your heart, you want to start over with him, then be upfront with Dorian. After all that guy has done for you, the least he deserves is your honesty. Don’t wait until he hears things from another person. That would really hurt.”

I hate it when Chloe turns into the voice of reason. Her words always hit hard and true.

I sink down beside her, the sweater forgotten in my hands. “I don’t know. Being with Jasper, seeing him like this… it’s like traveling back in time. To when we were happy, before everything went wrong.”

“But…?”

“The second his memories return, everything will go back to the way they were before.” The words come out sharper than intended. “I know it’s not real. I know I’m living in a fantasy. But God, Chloe, I can’t help thinking, what if this is what we could have been? What we should have been?”

“You can’t think like that…”

“I know. It’s wrong. I must’ve gone crazy.” I drop the sweater, pressing my hands to my face. “I kissed him today. Jasper kissed me and I kissed him back and it felt so right. How messed up is that?”

Chloe is quiet for a long moment. When she speaks, her voice is gentle. “Does Dorian know?”

1/4

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< Chapter 155

“No.”

“Are you going to tell him?”

“I don’t know. What would I even say? ‘Sorry, honey, but I’m falling back in love with my ex–husband while pretending to be his wife‘?”

“Scarlett-”

+25 Points

“Mama?” Lily appears in the doorway, clutching Mr. Hopscotch. “Can I go see Daddy today?”

My heart clenches. “Not today, baby.”

“But you said he’s getting better! You said he’s walking now!”

“He is, but-”

“Then why can’t I see him?” Her lower lip trembles. “Doesn’t Daddy want to see me?”

“Of course he does.” I pull her onto my lap, kissing the top of her head. “Daddy loves you so much. He’s just still recovering, and the doctors think it’s better if we wait a bit longer.”

The lie tastes bitter. The truth is, I don’t know how to explain to a four–year–old that her father doesn’t remember she exists. That in his fractured timeline, she hasn’t been born yet.

“When?” Lily asks. “When can I see him?”

“Soon, I promise.”

She sniffles against my shoulder, and I feel like the worst mother in the world. Caught up in my own complicated feelings while my daughter is desperate to see her father.

“Why don’t you draw Daddy a picture?” Chloe suggests. “Something to make him feel better?” Lily perks up immediately. “Can I draw him a rainbow? Rainbows make everyone happy!” “That’s perfect, baby. Go draw the biggest, brightest rainbow you can.”

She scrambles off my lap and runs to her room. As soon as she’s gone, I let out a shaky breath.

“You can’t keep this up,” Chloe says quietly. “You’re hurting everyone, including yourself.”

“I know.”

“Then what are you going to do?”

I don’t have an answer. Don’t know how to untangle this mess I’ve created.

2/4

<Chapter 156

My phone buzzes. A text from Blair: “Can you come back to the hospital? Something’s happened.”

My heart jumps into my throat. “I have to go.”

“Scarlett, wait-”

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