Chapter 7 Every morning , Id wake up to a fresh batch of missed calls , unread messages , and voicemails . Scott sent roses three dozen to be exact , delivered to the estate with a card that read , Still thinking of you . Thomas wasnt far behind , sending luxury chocolates and a handwritten letter claiming he was a fool blinded by expectations . I scoffed and tossed them all in the trash . It was ridiculous . Hilarious , even . The same men who discarded me , who turned their backs on me when I was at my lowest , now suddenly remembered my name now that I stood beside Rozen Blackwood . Speaking of the man himself , Rozen leaned against the doorway to my sitting room , brows raised , phone in hand . So … Thomas and Scott are sending daily love notes now ? I arched a brow . Eavesdropping ? He smirked . Just observant . Should I do something about it , since theyre disturbing my wife ? Wife . The way he said it was so casual , like it wasnt bound by a contract or soaked in irony . I shook my head , lips twitching . Theres no need . Its harmless . Theyre just clowns with expensive taste . Rozen stepped in , crossing the room until he stood in front of me . No , he said firmly . Ill do something . Seriously , Jasmine . Youre my wife . They need to know that . My eyes narrowed with amusement . Arent we taking this marriage contract a bit too seriously ? He leaned in , eyes dancing with something unreadable . Of course . Possessiveness comes free with the Blackwood name . I snorted . And here I thought you were the logical one . Rozen handed me a gown draped over his arm . The type of dress that demanded attention . Wear this tonight , he said . Were attending a banquet . Ill be introducing you to everyone . I stared at the dress , then at him . You planned this ? I always plan , he said simply . Also Scott and Thomas will be there . If they try anything stupid , call me . I nodded . I can handle myself . That evening , I stood in front of the mirror , letting the last curl fall into place . The gown fit like it was tailored for me hugging every curve , making my skin glow under the chandelier light . My makeup was soft but fierce , lips painted a shade of red that whispered danger . I looked expensive . Untouchable . We arrived fashionably late . Rozen , in his dark velvet suit , was a vision of control and grace . He kept me close , hand on the small of my back , introducing me as Mrs. Jasmine Chapter 7 60 % 19:23 Fri , 18 Apr Blackwood to every elite guest present . Gasps , stares , murmurs people loved scandal more than champagne . Shes absolutely stunning . Thats Rozens wife ? When did that happen ? I heard she used to date Thomas … and Scott ? The whispers floated through the air like perfume . I wore them like diamonds . As the night wore on , I played the role flawlessly . Smiling , laughing softly , nodding at the right people . I leaned into Rozens shoulder when necessary , touched his hand with just enough tenderness to sell the illusion . Every glance from Thomas and Scott grew darker . And I loved it . Then came the moment I expected . While everyone was distracted by the governors toast , a hand wrapped around my wrist and tugged me toward the shadows behind the stage . It was Thomas . What the hell are you doing ? I hissed , snatching my hand away . He looked like a man on the edge disheveled in a way he never allowed himself to be . I need to talk to you . I crossed my arms . Were alone . Talk fast . I made a mistake , he said , voice trembling . I didnt know what I was doing back then . I was scared , confused Amber was manipulative and- I laughed , cutting him off . Youre scared ? Now ? After everything ? You helped fake my medical records . You told everyone I was unstable . And now that I have a powerful husband , you suddenly found your conscience ? Thomas stepped forward , desperation in his eyes . I know this is all revenge . You married Rozen just to get back at us , didnt you ? I get it now . You want me to suffer . Wrong , I said coldly . I married him because I could . And I dont want you to suffer , Thomas I just want you gone . He reached for my arm again , but I pulled back . Dont do this . I dont want to lose you . I rolled my eyes . You dont want your ego bruised because I married your rival . This isnt about me . This is about your pride . Thats not true ! I stepped closer , lowering my voice with a smirk . Get this through your thick skull I dont need you . I dont want you . Im not the girl who begged for your time anymore . Blackwood now . And unlike you , Rozen knows my worth . His jaw clenched . I wont let you go. Without hesitation , I raised my knee and slammed it hard where it hurt most . Thomas groaned , collapsing to the floor . I leaned over him , voice as cold as ice . Dont ever show your face to me again . Chapter 7 19:23 Fri , 18 Apr 60 % 1 Thomas groaned , collapsing to the floor . I leaned over him , voice as cold as ice . Dont ever show your face to me again . And with that , I turned on my heels and walked back into the banquet , the music still playing , laughter still echoing . I slipped beside Rozen , who immediately noticed the fire in my eyes . He smirked . Handled it ? I nodded , adjusting my dress . He chuckled , wrapping an arm around my waist as if I hadnt just assaulted a man backstage . Lets make the rest of the night unforgettable . 19:23 Fri , 18 Apr Audrey's biggest regret? A one-night stand with Floyd, her secret love for eight years. Despite his arranged marriage and his family's troubles, he kept rescuing her. She thought she was just a fling,...