“The cold wind burns my face and blows its hosty pepper up my nose, Kavler murmured. “ck are my


    steps on silver sed; thick blows my hosty breath abroad”


    Jasper had been waiting in the cold for nearly an hour now. Yet, this was nothingpared to his days


    in the military, where standing an entire day was routine,


    The only difference was that his heart was in his throat right now.


    He was worried Alice would change her mind and note outside. What could he do then? Darge


    Into the manor? Impossible–he could not do that. This was the Taylor family’s residence.


    What Hght did he have to knock on their door asking for Alice?


    None that he could think of.


    Heaving a sigh, Jasper took out thest cigarette in the box. He was about to light it when the sound of


    heels clicking rang out.


    “Jasper Beckell.”


    The man’s heart pounded erratically as he gazed up at his ex–wife. The cigarette between his lips


    nearly fell out with how much he was trembling.


    Alice nced down, instantly noticing the pile of cigarette butts at his Jeet. She frowned. “What is this?


    I thought you quit?”


    “I waited for too long,” he replied. Then, he threw the fresh cigarette on the ground and stomped it out.


    “Hah. You’re ming me for this again? Suit yoursell. You do love using Innocent people.” Alyssa


    scowled.


    Jasper spoke up, though, his voice rough and gravelly from the smoke. “Alice.”


    “I’m here as agreed. Please honor your promise afterward and leave my brother alone. Now if you’ll


    excuse me, I’ll have to go back inside.


    “You should leave Belbank as soon as possible, lest you start stalning it. Goodbye,” Alyssa said sternly,


    then turned to head back into the house.


    Xavier was shocked at how cold Alyssa was. She had never been like this. She always had a loving


    smile and a gentle demeanor for his boss–a true sunshine on a winter’s day.


    But for Jasper, that sun had now set.


    Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Xavier couldn’t help but wonder what his boss had done to drive such a lovely woman away from him.


    “Stand right there, Alice,” Jasper called, a hint of panic in his tone. “Don’t leave before I say you can


    leave.”


    “Oh? I’m not your ve or mald. I don’t need your permission for anything.” Alyssa retorted in a cold


    tone. “Weren’t you so eager to end our marriage before?


    “You couldn’t bear to kick me out so your childhood sweetheart could take my ce. I’m just following


    your wishes–to disappear from your life for good. What else do you want from me now?”


    Jasper’s heart clenched painfully, Shame and guilt flooded his senses like thousands of needles. Tears


    stung his eyes. “We both knew from the beginning that I couldn’t promise a lifetime with you. I even


    offeredpensation for the divorce, but you refused it!


    “I never embarrassed or shamed you once, Alice White, nor was I ever harsh or mean toward you.


    Don’t make me out to be some heartless monster, and don’t y the martyr!


    “Even if we can’t end things on neutral ground, don’t keep attacking my pride. I don’t owe you anything,


    and you don’t owe me. You don’t have the right to treat me like you are