Chapter 40
“If you don’t want to go in, you can wait outside,” Caleb told Yasmin as they reached the door.
Yasmin lifted her head. “Mr. Grant Senior said you’re trying to protect me. Is that true?”
Caleb hesitated, remaining silent. Yasmin looked at the loft door and laughed bitterly. “Your mother doesn’t approve of me. I have no right to see her.”
He frowned. “Yasmin, you’re my legal wife. You don’t need her approval. You don’t have to put up with her.”
“Let’s go.” Yasmin simply lifted the hem of her skirt and stepped inside. If she didn’t go in, Corine would likely send someone to “escort” her.
Inside, Corine was dressed in a long white satin gown. To her right hung a black and white memorial portrait. She stared blankly at it, lost in thought. Her features were well-defined yet soft; she was the epitome of a refined lady. Nevertheless, an undeniable sense of emptiness surrounded her.
“Mom,” Caleb greeted coldly.
“Hello, Mrs. Grant,” Yasmin said, striving to remain calm.
“You’re here,” Corine turned her head, glancing at Caleb and then at Yasmin. “Have you paid your respects to Jacob?”
“Not yet.” Before Yasmin could answer, Caleb stepped forward, shielding her. “We’re planning to visit him this afternoon.”
Yasmin looked at Caleb in surprise. How did he know she always paid her respects to Jacob in the afternoon?
Jacob, Caleb’s frail and sickly biological brother, had passed away four years prior after an untreatable diagnosis. Caleb, exceptionally bright from a young age, had been raised largely by Benjamin, as his parents were preoccupied caring for Jacob. Jacob, in contrast, had received all their love and attention, resulting in Corine’s strong favoritism.
“Caleb, I’m speaking to Yasmin. Shut your mouth!” Corine’s gaze hardened. She tried to push Caleb away, but he remained firm.
“Mrs. Grant, I—” Yasmin began, but Corine interrupted.
“Yasmin, have you forgotten how my son treated you when he was alive? Now he’s gone, and you didn’t even rush to see him upon your return. What are you waiting for? Have you forgotten who was there for you as a child? Who got you out of the psychiatric hospital? It was my son! How can you be so ungrateful?”
Yasmin’s face paled. Growing up in Glenfield, but spending most of her holidays in Dunville with her father, her Glendish wasn't fluent, leading to teasing from other children. Jacob, initially, was the only one who played with her.
When Veronica injured her hand, the Whitmore family used it to declare Yasmin mentally unstable, sending her to a psychiatric hospital at sixteen. It was Jacob, on his deathbed, who pleaded for her release and a normal life. Yasmin knew that without Jacob’s dying wish, Benjamin would never have negotiated with her family.
“Mom, I’m your son too.” Caleb completely shielded Yasmin, his voice growing colder. Corine glared at him and, without warning, raised her hand to strike.
“Caleb!” Yasmin reacted quickly, pulling Caleb aside. He swiftly wrapped his arms around her and spun, deflecting the blow. Corine’s slap landed on Caleb’s back. Yasmin’s heart clenched. She could only see his white shirt and hear the steady beat of his heart.