Chapter 10

Veronica's hand was injured again. Yasmin's eyes welled, but she quickly blinked back the absurd, almost laughable surge of emotion. Seconds later, the G-Wagon screeched to a halt, then reversed toward the Whitmore estate. "Caleb," Yasmin asked in a cold, detached voice as they approached, "when are you signing the divorce papers?" "I told you—talk to my lawyer." He wasn't refusing, then.

Veronica sat in the front yard. A maid held her bag, poised for a hospital run. Her left wrist was bandaged, though the severity of the injury was unclear. "Caleb, my wrist feels numb... I... I'm a little scared..." A hand was essential; losing sensation in one was terrifying. "Where are Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore?" Caleb asked, referring to Logan and Wanda. Veronica offered a strained smile. "They're too busy worrying about Jeremy." The Whitmores favored sons.

Through the passenger window, Yasmin watched her husband stand intimately close to Veronica. After a moment, she exited the vehicle. Veronica, caught off guard, was shoved aside, staggering several steps before a maid steadied her. The sharp pain in her right ankle made her gasp. "Ms. Yasmin, what are you doing?" the maid exclaimed, shielding Veronica.

Yasmin pointed to Veronica's injured left hand. Instantly, Veronica's right hand instinctively shielded her wrist, its movement unimpeded. "You said I pushed you? Well, I did. I'll take responsibility for my actions. But your hand…" Yasmin tilted her head, curious. "It looks perfectly fine to me."

Panic flickered in Veronica's eyes before she turned to Caleb. He wasn't looking at her; his gaze was fixed on Yasmin, unreadable. This unsettled her, but as long as he wasn't doubting her, she was safe. Veronica breathed a shaky sigh of relief. "Yasmin, I…" She bit her lip, struggling to address Yasmin's behavior. "I know you didn't mean to hurt me last time, but this time…"

"I did it on purpose," Yasmin stated without hesitation. "I own up to my actions. But Veronica, don't you dare try to blame me for what I didn't do." "Ms. Yasmin, you're going too far!" the maid scolded.

Veronica's eyes reddened, tears threatening to spill. Her voice trembled with anger and hurt. "Then what about three years ago? You nearly severed my entire palm. Are you going to say that wasn't you?"

Yasmin gasped, wanting to argue, but couldn't. She had no memory of it; her mental state had been unstable. She didn't believe she was capable of such viciousness—but it didn't make sense for Veronica to have maimed herself. Worst of all, she had no proof of her innocence; she'd been alone with Veronica. If it wasn't her… who else?

"Enough!" Caleb's voice cut through the tension. He glanced at Yasmin before turning to Veronica. "Veronica, I'll take you to the hospital."

Yasmin clenched her fists. "Caleb, since Veronica called you here to defend her and you are, don't ever get in my car again. It's disgusting!" Her voice was steady, controlled. "Until your lawyer contacts me, we have no reason to meet."

The G-Wagon sped away. Soon, a Bentley pulled alongside, forcing Yasmin to stop. Harris was in the back seat. Both cars pulled over. Yasmin adjusted her mask, concealing the evidence of a previous slap. Only her eyes were visible, yet they were enough to make Harris uneasy. He'd heard of couples who looked alike, but this was the first time he'd encountered a couple with such intimidating presence.

"Mr. Evans, do you not understand traffic laws? Should I teach you?" Harris offered a strained smile. "Mrs. Grant, just twenty minutes ago, Mr. Grant asked me to bring men to help you move your things to Longview Bay."

Twenty minutes ago… when Caleb received Veronica's call. "Harris, I'm not living in Longview Bay anymore. Didn't Caleb tell you?" Harris continued smiling, but shook his head stubbornly. "I haven't received any such notice."

Leaning against her car, Yasmin appeared relaxed, almost catlike. "Then do you know why Caleb sent you? Do you know where he is right now?" "Mrs. Grant…" Harris hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

"He's with Veronica," Yasmin said lightly. "You're his right-hand man, Harris. You know my marriage. But let me tell you this—I'm the one who doesn't want him anymore. So, if you're looking for someone to pity, it's not me."

At the hospital, Veronica's test results were swift. The doctor reviewed them. "Ms. Whitmore's hand is perfectly fine. However, she does have a sprained ankle and should rest for a few days."

The words "perfectly fine" made Veronica's heart pound. She cradled her wrist, eyes brimming with tears. "Caleb, it really does hurt…"

The doctor was understanding. "Ms. Whitmore's hand suffered severe trauma. Lingering pain isn't uncommon, even without test results."

Caleb didn't respond immediately. "Veronica, did Yasmin really push you?" His calm voice created an eerie silence. Everyone looked at him. His gaze was steady, his features unreadable. He exuded an intimidating presence.

Veronica's eyes welled, her expression darkening. "Caleb, you saw her push me…" "I meant the time I didn't see."

Goosebumps prickled Veronica's arms. She found it hard to meet his gaze. After a silence, she spoke, her tone forced. "Caleb, are you saying… you think I lied?"

"I know Yasmin. If she says she didn't do something, she didn't." Veronica wanted to argue, but his conviction was too strong. Pushing further would only anger him. "Caleb, the situation was chaotic. I was trying to hold Yasmin's hand, but she brushed it away. I don't think she meant to push me. Maybe she doesn't even realize she did." She tried to smooth things over, quickly changing the subject. "Caleb, why did you come today? Were you worried about Yasmin?" His sudden appearance had frightened her. Luckily, she'd reacted quickly.

Caleb remained silent, acquiescing. Since marrying Yasmin, he'd only visited the Whitmores during New Year's. Why visit her now? Could it be… Had Caleb fallen in love with Yasmin?