Chapter 12 Anthony slumped onto the couch , looking defeated . Was Jessica so set on evading him ? Her departure was clearly preplanned , not a last - minute escape . He stood abruptly and stormed into the bedroom . It was barren , a stark echo of his hollow heart . Every last sign of Jessica had been erased from the villa . Beyond the gifts he had given her and her wardrobe , Anthony's closet was bare too . He summoned the housekeeper , his gaze sharp and accusing . " Where are Mrs. Harris's belongings ? And mine ? " The housekeeper shook with fear . " Mrs. Harris wanted to clear out the dressing room . She … she burned everything . " Anthony's mind reeled , and he stumbled backward . He seized the housekeeper , his voice fierce . " Impossible ! Jess adores me ! Why would she do this ? " The housekeeper stuttered , barely able to speak . " Truly , it was Mrs. Harris . She even burned the rose garden you planted for her in the backyard . " Anthony's eyes narrowed , and he released the housekeeper , dashing to the backyard . He choked up at the sight . A charred wasteland laid where roses once bloomed . He had planted those roses on the day they got married , telling her with a heartfelt grip , " My love for you is as eternal and fiery as these roses . " Jessica had treasured that garden , tending to it daily with care and devotion . Roses had always graced their bedroom . Alas , they were gone this time . Was she really leaving him ? Struck as if by lightning , Anthony's voice was rough and shaky . " Jess , this isn't funny , please come out ! " Jess , I was wrong . I shouldn't have been so close to Linda , but you're the one I love ! " 1/3 Chapter 12 No matter how loudly he called out , there was only silence . A sudden fear gripped him - had Jessica left because she knew the truth ? The thought haunted him . He caught his breath and turned to his assistant . " Check that messed - up marriage certificate , and find out if Jess knows anything . " Before he could get an answer , his phone buzzed to life . Without glancing at the screen , Anthony answered , " Jess , is it you ? " It was Linda's voice instead . " Anthony , Tracy has a fever . You need to come to the hospital now . " +25 Bonus Anthony's expression darkened . He could not care less about Linda and her daughter at the moment ; Jessica was all he could think about . " I'm tied up with something big . If she's sick , take her to the doctor . Why bother me ? " He ended the call abruptly . The assistant had news . " Sir , I found out Mrs. Harris went to the County Clerk's Office for a new marriage certificate … " Anthony felt his world spin . " What ? Why didn't you catch this sooner ? Can you imagine how devastated Jess would be to find out the certificate was a fake ? " The assistant , pale with fear from Anthony's anger , stammered , " But didn't you have the lawyer prepare a real marriage certificate ? Maybe you should take it and go to Mrs. Harris . I'm sure she'll see how much you mean it . " " Get on it . Call the lawyer for that marriage certificate , and then snag that sapphire necklace Jess can't stop thinking about . " When he finally caught up with Jessica , he would apologize face - to - face . If he was truly remorseful and sweet - talked her just right , he was sure Jessica would forgive him and come back home . Anthony had the house staff get busy with the roses again . This time , he was determined to blanket the whole yard with Jessica's beloved Blue Enchantress roses . He had the saplings flown in from overseas overnight and did not skimp on paying for their care . With all that done , he could finally relax . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!