Christmas Eve—some people were happy, others were frustrated.

Normally, a new year should bring fresh hope and joy for everyone, but Jasper was absolutely miserable. This mood was completely shot.

Valeria was pregnant and had been staying at the Hale house lately. The Hale family treated her like precious cargo, catering to her every need. And she had no problem soaking up all the attention. She’d also become incredibly controlling with Jasper. Ever since she got pregnant, Jasper barely had any freedom to go out. He was feeling suffocated.

Especially after seeing Anastasia shopping for men’s gifts the other day—that had really gotten under his skin. She used to buy things for him. The more Jasper thought about it, the more bitter he became. So he ditched Valeria and headed out. By the time Valeria realized he was gone, Jasper was already at some sleazy bar getting completely wasted.

Suddenly, Jasper pulled out his phone and called Anastasia. Right now, this was exactly what he wanted to do. Normally, Jasper’s pride would never let him make this call, but drunk courage was a hell of a thing. So he dialed her number.

The phone rang suddenly, startling Anastasia as she stood by the window lost in thought. She glanced at the caller ID and frowned—Jasper Hale. What the hell does he want? They had absolutely nothing to discuss anymore. The phone kept ringing. Cassian was in the shower. After a moment’s hesitation, Anastasia answered, her voice cold. “Hello? What do you want?” She knew if she didn’t pick up, Jasper would just keep calling.

Immediately, loud music and chaotic bar noise blasted through the phone, with Jasper’s slurred voice cutting through: “Ana… Merry Christmas… where are you?”

“I’m at home,” she replied calmly. “You’re drunk. You called the wrong person. We have nothing to talk about, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me again. This is really inappropriate.”

“I’m not.., I’m not drunk!” Jasper hiccupped. “Why did you… why did you marry someone else? You used to… you used to love me the most…”

Anastasia frowned. “Jasper, this isn’t funny. I’m married now. The person I love is my husband. Please have some self-respect and don’t contact me anymore.”

He immediately hung up.

How did I never see this side of him before?

Cassian had just finished his shower and was walking out when he caught the tail end of Anastasia’s declaration. He couldn’t suppress a smile spreading across his face.

Nice. She’s making real progress. That love confession just rolled off her tongue so naturally. Anastasia was usually pretty reserved—hearing words like that from her was rare. But Cassian had been patient, and it paid off. He was pretty sure the caller had been Jasper.

Hm. Looks like Jasper has too much time on his hands if he’s calling to harass my wife. After the holidays, he’s going to need a reality check.

Seeing Anastasia hang up, Cassian pretended he hadn’t heard anything and came out casually. He acted oblivious and asked, “Everything okay?”

Anastasia snapped back to reality and gave him a slight smile. “Just someone unimportant.”