Chapter 5

The sudden darkness caused Yasmin's vision to blur. The next moment, she was pressed against the wall, her lips captured in a fierce kiss that felt overwhelming, threatening to consume her. Struggling for breath, she pushed against Caleb's chest with all her might, but he remained immovable. Her own strength was failing. Feeling wronged and hurt, she found her usually radiant eyes glazed with unshed tears, shimmering like mist when he finally released her. Whether from the intensity of the kiss or something deeper, her expression was one of pure accusation. The heavy scent of alcohol hung in the air.

"Little drunkard, be reasonable," Caleb said, his voice a mix of exasperation and amusement as he steadied her, preventing her from collapsing. "You were the one who provoked me after drinking, and now you're feeling wronged? You were the one who came to provoke me, the one who climbed into my bed first," he mused internally.

Yasmin lowered her gaze, refusing to meet his. Caleb, a patient hunter, waited for her to speak. After a long silence, she murmured, breaking the stillness, "Jacob wouldn't have done this."

"What did you say?" Caleb asked, his expression hardening instantly. A yelp of pain from Yasmin made him realize he'd been too forceful. He switched on the lights, needing to see her clearly. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if she'd mistaken him for his brother, Jacob Grant. The earlier intimacy vanished completely. The pain helped sober Yasmin. She rubbed her face, pushing down the vulnerability in her eyes. The words "Jacob wouldn't have done this" felt like a dream.

"Caleb, considering we grew up together, can't you stay out of Jeremy's case?" she said. "If it weren't for your interference, I would have already convinced the Barnes family."

His response was calm and detached. "I don't do favors." His expression and tone were utterly indifferent, a stark contrast to the passionate kiss moments before.

Yasmin offered a short, self-deprecating laugh. "Of course. There's never been anything between us worth calling a favor." Her smile faded. "Then let's talk this over like adults."

Caleb raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm listening."

"I shouldn't have chosen that song earlier. I'm sorry." He knew Brenda had requested it; Yasmin wouldn't have been so petty. He let it slide; the song was inconsequential. "What I don't understand is why you refuse to get divorced," she pressed.

He leaned back, his features partly obscured in shadow. "I just hate unnecessary trouble."

She understood instantly. He wasn't opposed to divorce; in fact, he probably couldn't wait! But her presence didn't interfere with his relationship with Veronica, and she was conveniently available at night. Divorce was merely an inconvenience. How ridiculous!

Yasmin inhaled sharply. "Let Jeremy go. Name your price—anything but forgoing the divorce." She couldn't bear to remain married to a man who loved another woman.

His gaze was icy as he scrutinized her. "What do you have to offer me?" Money? Talent? Connections? He already possessed them all.

"It'd be insincere to limit your options," she smiled faintly. "As long as it's not illegal, whatever you want, I'll give it to you."

His expression remained unchanged as he slowly asked, "What if I want you to be my mistress?"

Yasmin's smile froze. All composure vanished. "We're married! What mistress?" she retorted instinctively, avoiding his gaze.

Caleb stepped back, leaning against the couch. "After the divorce, you won't be anymore."

"Caleb Grant, are you humiliating me on purpose?"

"I'm just stating facts."

"How long?" Yasmin forced calm. "It can't be forever. Jeremy isn't worth my entire life. I still plan to remarry."

"Who? That 'new love' of yours?" His fingers traced her cheek, his voice laced with mockery. "Would he still want you after knowing you're my mistress?"

Her expression froze at the blatant humiliation. "That's none of your business!"

He crossed his arms, watching patiently. The hunter held the initiative. Finally, Yasmin took a deep breath. "Fine… I agree. I'll be your mistress."

"So, you'd rather be a mistress than my lawful wife?" he mused, a mocking chuckle escaping him. He stood, gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Do you even know what being a mistress means?" His eyes held no warmth, only a deep, unreadable abyss. "Didn't you say I wasn't good enough in bed? Why would you agree to this?"

Yasmin's breath hitched. "H-How did you… Who told you?" She'd only said that to Veronica. Had Veronica told him?

Ignoring her, he continued mercilessly, "No status, no title. You're to be available at my request to please me however I want."

With each word, Yasmin's composure crumbled, replaced by anger and disbelief. Caleb smiled faintly, highlighting her humiliation. He didn't care about her; only the novelty of her body.

The sharp sound of Yasmin's palm striking Caleb's face echoed in the silence. "Caleb, you're disgusting!" His head barely moved. He wiped his thumb across his lips; there was no blood. He looked at her. Yasmin felt like prey, but refused to yield, meeting his gaze. She was the first to ever slap him.

Caleb raised an eyebrow, clicking his tongue. "Minnie, with a temper like that, do you think you'll make a good mistress?"

Without waiting for an answer, he left the room. She understood—there were plenty of women willing to be his mistress. She was too much trouble. She had failed. And now… what would happen to Edith?