"Hannah," Jasmine started, her voice trembling with a performance worthy of an award. She set her fork down and looked at me with wide, watery eyes. "I just wanted to say... thank you. For forgiving me."
Axel stopped eating, watching us with a guarded expression.
"I didn't mean to hurt you," Jasmine continued, a tear slipping down her cheek. "The trail was slippery. My boot lost traction, and I bumped into you. I’ve been having nightmares about it ever since. I’m just so glad we can be a family again."
I chewed slowly, swallowing the bile that rose in my throat. Liar. She had looked me in the eye and smiled before she shoved me. But I couldn't say that. Not yet. I had two days left on the clock.
I forced the corners of my mouth up into a serene, forgiving smile.
"It’s okay, Jasmine," I said, my voice dripping with honey. “Accidents happen. We can’t dwell on the past." I reached out and covered Axel’s hand with mine, squeezing it gently. "Besides, Axel and I are looking forward to it. We have a future to plan."
Axel looked at me, surprised but pleased by my sudden warmth. "We do?"
"Of course," I beamed, turning my gaze to Jasmine, locking eyes with her. "We’re going to try for another baby. Right, darling?"
The color drained from Jasmine’s face. The glass in her hand shook so hard water sloshed onto the tablecloth.
"A... another baby?" she stammered, her gaze darting to Axel.
"Yes," I said, leaning in. "The doctor said my womb is healing. And Axel needs an heir. We’re going to start trying as soon as my leg is better. Isn't that right, Axel?"
I didn't wait for his answer. I pulled him down by his lapel and planted a deep, possessive kiss on his lips.
It was a kiss of war.
I felt Axel stiffen, then relax into it, his ego stroked by his wife’s sudden desire. When I pulled away, I saw it—the pure, unadulterated rage in Jasmine’s eyes. She looked like she wanted to stab me with her steak knife.
"That's... wonderful," Jasmine choked out, gripping her napkin until her knuckles turned white.
"I think so too," I said, picking up my wine glass. "To new beginnings."
The next morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. The clock was ticking down, and I intended to make Jasmine’s life hell for every remaining second.
I called the family’s private jeweler, Mr. Henderson, and had him bring the latest collection to the estate. By noon, the living room coffee table was covered in velvet trays of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.
"I'll take this one," I said, pointing to a diamond choker worth more than most people’s houses. "And the matching earrings. Oh, and that tennis bracelet."
"Hannah?"
I looked up. Jasmine was standing in the doorway, wearing a silk robe that was far too short, her arms crossed over her chest. She stared at the pile of jewelry with narrowed eyes.
"What are you doing?" she snapped.
"Shopping," I said breezily, holding a ruby ring up to the light. "Axel said I should treat myself. To help with the... trauma."
"That necklace is fifty thousand dollars," Jasmine hissed, stepping into the room. "You can't just spend Axel’s money like that."
"Actually," I said, my voice hardening. "I can. I’m his wife. What’s his is mine."
I turned back to Mr. Henderson. "Add the emerald pendant, too."
Jasmine marched over, her face flushing pink. "You are being ridiculous. You’re just doing this to annoy me. You know Axel is trying to secure capital for the new resort project. You’re being selfish."
"Selfish?" I laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "I lost a child, Jasmine. I nearly lost my leg. I think I deserve a little sparkle, don't you? Unlike some people who live here rent-free and contribute nothing but drama."
"I am a Sterling!" she shrieked. "I am his sister!"
"Adopted," I corrected, my voice low. "And let’s be honest, you don't act like a sister, do you?"
"What is going on here?"
Axel’s booming voice cut through the tension. He stood in the foyer, briefcase in hand, looking between us with irritation.
Jasmine immediately crumbled. She ran to him, burying her face in his chest. "Axel! She’s being so mean to me! She’s spending a fortune just to spite me, and when I tried to stop her, she said... she said I’m not really family!"
Axel sighed, the sound of a man weary of refereeing. He looked at the pile of jewelry, then at me.
"Hannah," he said, his tone scolding. "Is this necessary? You know we have the board meeting next week. We need to be liquid."
"I'm just buying a few things, Axel," I said, feigning hurt. "You told me to rest and recover. Retail therapy helps. Why is she allowed to dictate what I spend?"
"Because she looks out for this family!" Axel snapped, wrapping a protective arm around Jasmine’s waist. "She’s right, Hannah. You’re being reckless. Send the jeweler away."
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. It wasn't about the jewelry. It was about the hierarchy. Even now, with me "broken" and "grieving," he chose her.
"So that's it?" I asked, gripping my crutch as I stood up. "She cries, and you jump? She tells me to stop, and you take her side?"
"She is my sister," Axel said, his voice dropping to a warning growl. "Stop trying to compete with her. It’s pathetic."
"Pathetic?" I echoed, stepping closer, ignoring the pain in my leg. "I am your wife, Axel. I am the woman who carried your child. I am the one who has stood by you for years."
I pointed a shaking finger at Jasmine, who was smirking into his shirt.
"She pushes me off a cliff, and you protect her. And now, I buy a necklace, and I’m the villain?"
"Hannah, stop it," Axel warned, his eyes darkening. "You’re hysterical."
"I’m not hysterical!" I shouted. "I’m waking up! You spoil her. You protect her. You choose her, over and over again."
I looked him dead in the eye, my heart pounding against my ribs.
"I’m your wife, Axel," I whispered, the question hanging heavy in the air. "Shouldn't you be choosing me?"
Axel stared at me, his jaw tight, his arm still wrapped firmly around Jasmine. He didn't let go.
"Hannah," he said coldly. "Don't make me answer that."
