Chapter 2

~Jasmine~ I sat in my living room, amidst the ruins of my marriage, as Rose’s words echoed while she sat across from me: “How could Logan have the temerity to disrespect the marriage bond?” She gasped, her eyes blazing red, a testament of her outrage on my behalf. It was the morning after Logan’s shameful act, and I had invited Rose to our home. She was the only close person I could confide in. I had sat alone assembling the shattered pieces of my heart a few hours after Logan left the house, but suddenly, I couldn't bear it alone. The weight of the betrayal was crushing, and I thought I was going crazy, so I called her to come over with the divorce papers. I needed to be in the company of someone who understood my plight. As soon as she arrived, she gave me a warm hug and words of comfort. I broke down in sobs and explained in detail the events that have left me devastated and mortified. “I just don’t know what to do at this point. I’m done for good,” I said to her, leaning slightly into the couch. She tried to pacify me, but I wasn't having any of it. Then she quickly pulled out a stack of papers and handed them over to me. “Here are the divorce papers. Terms are tight; Logan won’t walk away with a penny with this divorce agreement. You can’t let him have any.” As much as I was worried about the divorce settlement, I was also worried about something else—whether justice would prevail. In our pack, the Alpha had the final decision about a divorce settlement, and it was no news that Logan’s uncle, the one widely spoken about but only a few have seen, was the new Alpha of the pack. I wondered how his relationship with Logan would affect his decision, and I couldn’t shake off the negative outcome that kept clouding my mind. Time passed in a blur, with Rose still by my side, trying all she could to keep my spirit up. But the atmosphere in the house grew increasingly suffocating. Every corner, every scent, a constant reminder of their betrayal. Rose sensed my distress and suggested we step out for some fresh coffee. Reluctantly, I agreed, and soon we were on our way to her renowned café, La Rosa Café. As we sat outside, sipping our coffee and watching the bustling scenery, I tried to distract myself by asking Rose about her love interest, Alpha Zephyr. Her face lit up when I mentioned Alpha Zephyr, whom she was always eager to talk about. Soon, we were giggling, and for a brief moment, the conversation took my mind off my troubles. However, this moment was suddenly interrupted. My phone rang, and Samantha’s name flashed severally on the screen like a cruel taunt. She was probably calling to chatter as usual, unaware that I’d uncovered who she truly was. I was hesitant at first but I picked up and put her on speaker. She asked if I was at home because she wanted to “catch up.” I glanced at Rose, who nodded encouragingly. I shared my location with her and she joined us a few minutes later, her presence carrying the stench of betrayal. I could barely look at her without replaying the haunting video of Logan thrusting into her. She asked why I seemed low on energy, but I brushed it off, pretending to focus on my phone. Rose, sensing that the atmosphere was getting uncomfortable, excused herself to attend to something, leaving me alone with Samantha. She gave me a signaling wink while she left. I knew Rose wanted me to face the cruel squarely. With a newfound determination, I texted Logan, requesting that he pick me up from the cafe. “Logan will be here to pick me up soon,” I said to Samantha, watching her reaction closely. “Oh, really? You’ve got yourself such a sweet man.” Her saccharine sweetness grated on my nerves. She tugged at her blouse, pulling it down further to reveal more cleavage, and casually reapplied her lipstick. Her audacity was nauseating. Her eyes sparkled as soon as she spotted Logan walking towards us. She was trying so hard to mask her excitement, but I could see through her. Logan's face adorned with a sickeningly charming smile as he walked towards us.“Babe,” he greeted, leaning in to kiss my cheek. I coughed, dodging his attempt. The very sight of him disgusted me. He furrowed his brow in confusion but shrugged it off. “Hi, Samantha,” Logan greeted, extending a hand to her. A smug smirk tugged at his lips as his thumb lingered on her skin longer than necessary. “Logan,” she replied, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. Their mutual thrill made it clear they thought I was oblivious to their disgusting game. The very thought made my blood boil. Trying to act like the perfect husband, Logan wrapped an arm around me for a side hug. That was my breaking point. I shoved him away with all my strength and slapped him hard across the face. “What—” Samantha stood abruptly, but before she could say more, I grabbed my hot coffee and splashed it across both their faces. Gasps erupted from the café patrons, followed by a sharp laugh from Rose, who stood at the counter, watching the drama unfold. “What is the meaning of this behavior, Jasmine?” Logan demanded. Instead of answering, I pulled the divorce papers from my bag and threw them in his face. “There’s your answer.” His eyes widened as they landed on the bold title, DIVORCE AGREEMENT. “Have you lost it? What is this?” he barked. “What do you think it is, you cheat? Sign them right now and free me from this sham of a marriage. I want nothing to do with you again.” I turned to Samantha, rage coursing through me. “I always knew you were a dumb bitch, but never did I think you were also a low-life homewrecker.” Logan grabbed my wrist, his nose flaring in anger. “Don’t provoke me, Jasmine. Do you even understand the gravity of your accusations? How could you degrade me like this?” “Shut up, you manipulative liar. This isn’t an accusation; it’s the truth!” If I didn’t know him better, I might have doubted myself. But Logan was a seasoned gaslighter, and I’d caught him in the act. “Babe—” he started, but I cut him off. “Don’t! I have detailed evidence of your escapades.” Samantha, still clutching her burning face, stammered, “Jasmine, what has come over you? … I… I only just met Logan yesterday. Come on!” “You snake,” I snapped, glaring at her. “You came back just to steal my husband—ex-husband.” I corrected myself. “You’ve always been jealous of what I have, but you know what? You can have him; you two deserve each other.” Logan’s mask of innocence began to slip. “Stop creating a scene, Jasmine. You wanted attention, and now you’ve got it. Just drop it.” He didn’t realize his statement provoked me even further. I wanted everyone to see him for what he truly was: very selfish, a sheep in wolf’s clothing. I wasn’t going to let him get away with it. If they go low, I go lower! I walked to the back counter and connected the main TV to my phone, revealing compilations of their shenanigans on the big screen. The room filled with murmurs of shock as their moans echoed from the speakers. Though I had spared them their last shred of dignity by censoring the video, it was clear enough for anyone to recognize them. I stood there, watching as they squirmed in discomfort, their faces flushed with embarrassment. I smirked, watching their faces pale. “Jasmine, it’s not what you think!” Logan stammered. “Please, baby, we can work this out.” Tears welled up in Samantha’s eyes. “Jasmine, I... I...” she stuttered, unable to form a sentence. Their apologies meant nothing. An apology wouldn’t turn back time or undo their betrayal. “Save it. Just sign the damn divorce papers. I don’t want to be in the presence of disgusting slums.” Logan hesitated but, under the weight of the crowd’s gaze, he reluctantly signed the papers. I reached for them, but he held on with a dark look in his eyes. “You know, Jennifer, keep in mind that my uncle won’t let you off easily. I promise you that.” I feigned a sarcastic laugh. “Oh, spare me, Logan. I’m done with your cheating ass for good. You and your dumb bitch can go to the deepest pits of hell for all I care,” I retorted. But deep down, fear took the better part of me, an unsettling chill ran through my body, and I gulped. He knew his uncle better than I did, and what if he were right? Had I just dug my own grave by starting a war I wasn't so sure I could finish? Would they turn this table around and have me expelled from the pack instead?