Over the past year, Caleb's affectionate gestures had led Yasmin to mistakenly believe they were very close. She believed they were like any ordinary couple, progressing from enamored lovers to inseparable partners. But each time, these gestures marked the start of a sexual encounter. A heated kiss, mingled with the scent of alcohol, covered her lips; a kiss imbued with intense possessiveness and overwhelming hunger, as if he were trying to devour her.

Yasmin gasped for air as a flurry of kisses trailed down her body. She suddenly asked, "Caleb, is this card your payment for the night?"

Caleb's fingers stilled on her smooth thigh. His expression hardened, and the air instantly chilled. "I don't need it."

Yasmin handed him the card. He refused it, so she placed it on the bedside table. Turning, she noticed a bouquet of firebird roses. The vase holding them was an antique she'd bought at an auction in Lunaria two years ago.

"Where did these flowers come from?" she asked. She hadn't seen them before going to bed.

Caleb loosened his tie, still seemingly upset. He asked in a tired voice, "Isn't this what you usually do?"

He then went to the bathroom. Yasmin was stunned. Had Caleb brought the flowers? She did have a habit of placing fresh flowers in the bedroom—Caleb's room was cold and dull, so she often bought bouquets when she stayed over. However, she never imagined he'd notice. Yasmin hugged her knees to her chest and looked at him with a puzzled expression. "Caleb, you've been acting strangely these past few days."

His protectiveness, his punishment of Sasha and her family, and the roses all seemed out of character.

Caleb reached the bathroom door, casually tossing aside his shirt, revealing a well-built physique. His defined abs were breathtaking. Hearing Yasmin, he stopped and turned. "Strange? Haven't I given you pocket money before?" He didn't think his behavior was unusual.

Because Yasmin had mentioned divorce, Caleb had unconsciously tried to entwine their lives, asserting his role as her husband. On their wedding night, he'd given her a supplementary card, but the next day, leaving for Umbridge, she'd locked it away in a safe. A year later, upon his return, she gave it back untouched. He had given her pocket money, but she'd refused it.

Caleb grew frustrated. "Isn't giving my wife pocket money a natural thing to do?"

Yasmin took a deep breath, straightened her back, and met his gaze. "Only when a husband truly acknowledges his wife does spending his money feel right. But if you don't acknowledge me as your wife, then how am I any different from a mistress?"

"When have I not acknowledged you?" Caleb immediately replied. A deep silence fell between them. They locked eyes, neither speaking.

Had he ever truly acknowledged her?

Yasmin felt her eyes sting. She wondered if it was from staring or the glare of the light.

Chapter 45