Chapter 4 Maxwell

Maxwell

I still can't believe Jasmine filed for divorce. I never thought it would come to this.

Sure, I haven't been the perfect husband-far from it-but I can't even explain why I always seem to hurt her.

I want a child. Desperately. Three years of marriage, and still, Jasmine has never been pregnant.

At times, I wonder if something is wrong, if fate itself has cursed me.

I can't just stand by while my brother builds a family, his children securing their rightful place in the future my father worked so hard to build.

And what about me? What about my legacy?

My father, a multi-billionaire tycoon, made sure his wealth would stay within the family.

Trust funds have been meticulously prepared for his grandchildren. But what if Jasmine can't give me children? Who will inherit what is meant for my bloodline?

Watching her walk out that door shattered something in me. It hit me then-maybe I should have treated her better.

There was a time when she was my entire world, the only woman who ever made me feel complete.

When did that change? When did my love for her dwindle into something unrecognizable?

She can't leave me. Not like this.

A thought creeps into my mind, sending a surge of anger through me. Could there be another man in the picture?

I have been so consumed with my bitterness and my selfishness that I never considered the consequences of my actions. But now? Now, I have to fix this. I won't let her go so easily.

I grab my phone and dial the only person I trust to tell me the truth-Ethan.

Ethan has been my closest friend since childhood, the one person who never sugarcoats things. If anyone can help me make sense of this, it's him.

After two rings, his voice comes through the speaker. "Yo, my man, quite an age." His casual greeting brings the faintest smile to my lips.

"Ethan, I never took you for the clingy type," trying to keep my voice light. "We saw each other yesterday after I closed that business deal with the Arab company."

"Seriously?" pretending to be shocked. "Alright, what's up, Max?"

I exhale heavily, a clear sign that something is wrong. He picks up on it immediately.

"Spill it," not leaving room for hesitation.

"Jasmine left me."

Silence.

I clench my jaw, waiting for him to say something, anything. When he finally speaks, his voice is calm. "You pushed her away, Maxwell. You have to face the consequences of that."

I knew he would say that. "I get it, Ethan. But don't you think there's another man involved? Something must have triggered her decision."

Ethan scoffs. "You and I both know Jasmine has been nothing but faithful. She gave up so much for you, Max. But you? You made her doubt everything, including herself."

His words sting because they're true.

Still, doubt lingers in my mind. "If there's even the slightest chance that another man is in the picture, I need to know."

Ethan sighs. "Fine. I have a private investigator who can look into it. But Maxwell, you should be more concerned about how you treated her rather than some imaginary man stealing her away."

I run a hand down my face in frustration. "I just need to know she's okay, Ethan. Her number has been unreachable. She left without taking anything from the house."

"Now you're worried?" He scoffs again but quickly softens. "Don't worry. I'll talk to the PI and get back to you."

"Thanks, Ethan."

We hang up, but the unease inside me remains. The idea of Jasmine leaving me for another man makes my stomach twist.

I refuse to accept it.

---

Jasmine's POV

How could I have been so careless? One reckless night, one moment of surrender, and now... I'm pregnant.

The thought alone sends a wave of anxiety over me. How will I tell him? What will he think of me? Will he believe me? Will he take responsibility for the child we unknowingly created together?

I try to push the thoughts away and focus on my job. Moving between tables, I take orders, ensuring each customer is satisfied. The routine usually helps ground me, but not tonight.

Something shifts.

I feel it before I see him.

At the farthest corner of the restaurant, a man sits alone. There's something eerily familiar about him. My stomach tightens as I move closer, and then-it hits me.

It's him.

The stranger from that night.

His piercing gaze locks onto mine, intense. A shiver runs through me, my skin prickles with awareness.

My heart hammers in my chest, my hands turning clammy. The tray in my grip trembles-then crashes to the floor, plates shattering, silverware clanking.

Gasps rippled through the restaurant as all eyes turned toward me. Heat floods my face as I kneel, fumbling to clean the mess, but a busboy beats me to it. I stand abruptly, pressing a hand to my chest as I stumble into the kitchen.

Breathe, Jasmine. Get it together.

I take a shaky breath, as I steady myself before walking back out. I have to face him.

Approaching his table, I plaster on my most professional expression. "Good evening."

"Jasmine." His deep voice caresses my name like a secret, sending a tremor down my spine. "It's good to see you again."

I force myself to remain composed. "What can I get you for dinner?"

A slow smile curves his lips. "Surprise me."

I nod, retreating to the kitchen. But my mind races. Why is he here? Is this just a coincidence, or is there something more?

Lily, my coworker, nudges me playfully. "Why are you staring at Gabriel like that?"

I blink, turning to her sharply. "You know him?"

"Who doesn't?" She laughs. "Gabriel Jones-wealthy, powerful, ridiculously hot. Owns hotels, nightclubs, you name it. He was even voted 'Most Gorgeous Man' recently. And, rumor has it-he's still single."

Her words sent a jolt through me. Single?

I shake my head. It doesn't matter. I'm carrying his child.

With a tray of food in hand, I return to his table, placing the dish in front of him. His sharp eyes study me, amusement flickering in them.

"You have a talent for surprises," I say cautiously.

He chuckles. "Life is full of them, Jasmine. Sometimes, we just have to accept them."

Something about his words unsettles me.

As the restaurant empties, Gabriel motions for me to come closer.

I hesitate, then approach. "What are you doing here?"

"Jasmine." His voice is low, urgent. "I've been looking for you."

My pulse spikes. "Why?"

He leans forward, his expression unreadable. "Because I need to talk to you."

Something in his tone makes my heart stutter.

I swallow hard, my palms sweating, the secret I've been carrying threatens to crush me. I don't know when I'll see him again. I don't know if I'll ever have this chance again.

Before I can stop myself, the words tumble from my lips.

"I'm pregnant."