The Abandoned Wife's Second Chance (Scarlett and Jasper) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98

(Jasper’s POV)

Today was the best day of my life. No, scratch that. Second best day, the first being the day I

married Scarlett.

After my mother’s death, I’d almost forgotten the warmth of a family.

The orphanage provided a roof over my head, food in my belly, clothes on my back. But it couldn’t fill the gaping hole in my chest.

Fear of rejection stopped me from reaching out to my estranged father. And after stumbling on my own, Virginia had been the only constant in my life.

years of

Once, to me, she had been the closest thing to a family. And after that incident eleven years ago, she became my only family. I worked to provide not for myself, but for us. I took a business major not to become rich, but to give her everything money could provide.

I wanted to protect her from the world, from the demons who hurt her in my place. Whether it was out of guilt or out of gratitude, I owed her, and I’d meant to repay her by taking care of her for life.

But then, Scarlett came into my life, and everything changed.

A smile stretches my lips. I can still feel the warmth from Lily sitting on my shoulders, her laugh pure and sweet as Christmas bells. The way she wrapped her arms around my head, her tiny fingers tangled in my hair.

My daughter. My baby girl. Just thinking about her makes my heart swell.

And Scarlett… Christ, Scarlett. The way she looked in that burgundy sweater, cheeks flushed from the cold, trying so hard to remain cold and distant. But her sneaking glances didn’t escape me. When she watched me and Lily, something soft flickered in her eyes before she remembered to hate me.

She’ll never admit it to herself, let alone tell me.

But I know, I still have a place in her heart. And for now, that is enough. I’ll fight for her. For my daughter. For our family to be whole again.

I’ll fight for as long as I need to, but I’ll never sign those divorce papers.

I’m barely in my car when my phone buzzes. Virginia’s name flashes on the screen, and my chest tightens with familiar dread.

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<Chapter 98

Not tonight. Please, not tonight.

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But the call doesn’t stop. She calls again, then again. By the fourth call, I know something’s wrong. Or more precisely, she’s up to something.

It seems Dorian’s tactic has worked, after all.

Suppressing a cold sneer, I pick up the call, my gaze fixed on the building the two girls most dear to me reside.

“Jasper! Thank God you answered. I need you to come to the Hilton Hotel. Now.”

“What happened? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, but I’m scared. I think someone’s following me. I’ve been receiving calls from the number eleven years ago, and there’s a strange car parked outside. I don’t know who else to call.”

My blood runs cold. “Have you called the police?”

“I tried, but they said without proof of a crime, they can’t do anything. Please, Jasper. I know I said I was leaving, but I’m terrified. Can you come over? Just to check if it’s the same

person?”

I close my eyes, images of blood flashing behind my lids. The smart thing would be to call James and Blair, to let them handle this. But Virginia sounds genuinely scared, and despite my suspicion, I can’t just abandon the girl who once almost lost her life because of me.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, Jasper. Thank you so much.”

The drive to the Hilton Hotel is long and dreadful. Every red light I cross makes my heart sink lower and lower. I should be home, processing everything that happened today with Scarlett and Lily. Instead, I’m rushing to Virginia’s side like the hundred times I have done before.

This isn’t the same. If it’s really the one from eleven years ago, then she’s in danger.

I convince myself, picking up speed. The Hilton Hotel is dark except for a few scattered windows, I don’t see any strange cars in front of the entrance, but that doesn’t mean much. I dash into the building, and get Virginia’s room number from the receptionist.

I don’t say much, before the receptionist interrupts me, and hands me a key. “The guest already informed me of your visit. You’ll find the elevator on the left.”

I frown, but nod, and take the key. The elevator is at the top floor. Thinking of the urgency of

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< Chapter 98

the situation, I take the stairs instead.

Virginia opens the door before I knock, and throws herself into my arms.

“Thank God you came,” she whispers. “I was so scared.”

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I pat her back awkwardly, trying to step away. But she holds on tight, her fingers digging into

my coat.

“Virginia, you’re okay. I’m here now. Where is the car? Did you answer the call?”

She finally releases me, and I get my first good look at her. She’s wearing a silk robe that barely covers her thighs, her hair loose around her shoulders.

What the hell?

“What’s going on here?” I stay by the door, glaring at her. “Is this some kind of a prank?”

I peer into the hotel room. Everything seems normal, but Virginia has grown more paranoid

after that incident.

“Jasper, do you think I’ll joke with my life?”

“Then what are you doing here?” She should be home with James and Blair. I grow more suspicious as I take in her get–up again.

Her appearance is nothing like that of a terrified woman.

“When I sensed I’m being followed, I got scared. I didn’t want to draw trouble to Blair and James, so I came here instead.”

“You need to go home. If someone really is following you-”

“No.” Her response is sharp, immediate. “I can’t go back there. Not after what happened today.”

“Virginia, Blair and James love you. No matter what happens, they will protect you.”

“Will they?” She turns to face me, tears shining in her eyes. “How can you be sure that they’ll protect me when they couldn’t twenty–seven years ago?”

“That’s not their fault.”

“Isn’t it?” She moves closer, her voice rising with anger. “You saw how James looked at Scarlett today. How he and Blair looked at her. She’s the daughter they want, not me.”

“Virginia, please don’t do this. You’re both their daughters.”

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