Chapter 17
Cast aside with nothing to lose, Mia went scorched–earth. She spilled everything, laughing like someone who’d finally snapped.
“Wanna know what I found in your Maybach? Freya’s torn pantyhose! You two went at it pretty hard in there, huh? What a pathetic doormat–four years as your dirty little secret, and she kept coming back for more!”
“Face it, Jasper, YOU were the one who refused to believe her. YOU watched her being humiliated and still picked me. You think I chased Freya away? Look in the damn mirror!”
With each word, Jasper’s jaw clenched tighter, his knuckles turning white.
“You still don’t get it, do you?”
He signaled to security, who grabbed Mia again and dragged her away, her screams bouncing off the walls as employees watched in stunned silence.
Back at the penthouse, Jasper had security lock her in the basement, forcing her to experience firsthand every humiliation she’d inflicted on Freya.
She had to carry scalding dishes that left her hands blistered and raw, kneel for entire days at a time–even continuing after passing out and waking up again.
During this punishment, Jasper never once checked on her. He had more important priorities.
Having finally admitted his feelings, he was hellbent on winning Freya back.
He showed up at Elena’s apartment loaded with shopping bags, knocking anxiously.
She answered quickly, her welcoming smile freezing when she saw him, morphing into pure disdain.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
Knowing he was in the doghouse, Jasper lifted the bags of designer goods, attempting a smile.
“Haven’t seen you since you got back. Brought you some stuff, EL.”
Elena wasn’t buying his act, but Freya had been right–blood is blood. With an icy glare, she let him in and cut straight to business.
“You’re here for Freya’s contact info. I already told you–not happening. Get over it.”
Jasper set down the gifts and lowered his voice.
“El, I know I fucked up. I want to fix things. Just tell me where she is? I swear Mia’s out of the picture. I’ll do right by Freya this time. You two are besties–if we get back together, you’ll see her all the time.”
Elena cut him off with a sharp laugh.
I nere That Won’t Land
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Chapter 17
“Freya and I are solid with or without you in the equation. As long as she’s happy, I don’t care where she is. You think after everything, you deserve another shot? Wasn’t it you who told me Mia was going to be my sister–in–law like five minutes ago?”
His comeback died in his throat. Elena had always been a firecracker, and Freya’s suffering only fueled her rage. Seeing his silence, she went for the jugular.
“You slapped me across the face for Mia, and you let Freya be publicly humiliated. Now you’re sorry? Too fucking late. For your information, Freya’s thriving overseas!”
Hearing this, Jasper physically recoiled. He took a steadying breath and, for the first time in his life, humbled himself before his little sister.
“Elena, I messed up big time. I’ve dealt with Mia–I can prove it if you want. Just tell Freya I get it now. She loved me for eight years straight. She’ll forgive me… Please, El. Just this once. I’m begging you.”
His words tumbled out faster and more desperate, like a drowning man grasping for anything. His eyes grew red–rimmed. To Elena, he looked pathetic. She’d never seen her untouchable brother reduced to this.
“You knew she loved you for eight years, and how did you treat her? Like a booty call, a personal assistant with benefits, someone you could use whenever it was convenient! You burned through every ounce of her love, and now that she’s gone, you’re sorry? Newsflash–she’s a human being with feelings, not your emotional punching bag!”
Her words cut like a knife, deepening his regret. His voice cracked as he did something unthinkable–he dropped to
his knees.
“Elena, just let me see her once. One time. If she tells me to go to hell, I’ll never contact her again.”
In all his privileged life, Jasper Whitemore had never begged anyone for anything. Yet here he was, on his knees before his baby sister, all for a woman he’d thrown away.
Even Elena was floored by how far the mighty had fallen. But betraying her best friend wasn’t an option either.
She caved slightly, rolling her eyes.
“I’ll ask if she’s willing to see you. IF she says yes–and that’s a massive if–I’ll give you her address.”
His hopeless expression suddenly brightened as he nodded like an eager puppy.
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Chapter 18
