"Hannah," Jasmine started, her voice trembling with a performance worthy of an award. She set her fork down and looked at me with wide, watery eyes. "I just wanted to say... thank you. For forgiving me."

Axel stopped eating, watching us with a guarded expression.

"I didn't mean to hurt you," Jasmine continued, a tear slipping down her cheek. "The trail was slippery. My boot lost traction, and I bumped into you. I’ve been having nightmares about it ever since. I’m just so glad we can be a family again."

I chewed slowly, swallowing the bile that rose in my throat. Liar. She had looked me in the eye and smiled before she shoved me. But I couldn't say that. Not yet. I had two days left on the clock.

I forced the corners of my mouth up into a serene, forgiving smile.

"It’s okay, Jasmine," I said, my voice dripping with honey. “Accidents happen. We can’t dwell on the past." I reached out and covered Axel’s hand with mine, squeezing it gently. "Besides, Axel and I are looking forward to it. We have a future to plan."

Axel looked at me, surprised but pleased by my sudden warmth. "We do?"

"Of course," I beamed, turning my gaze to Jasmine, locking eyes with her. "We’re going to try for another baby. Right, darling?"

The color drained from Jasmine’s face. The glass in her hand shook so hard water sloshed onto the tablecloth.

"A... another baby?" she stammered, her gaze darting to Axel.

"Yes," I said, leaning in. "The doctor said my womb is healing. And Axel needs an heir. We’re going to start trying as soon as my leg is better. Isn't that right, Axel?"

I didn't wait for his answer. I pulled him down by his lapel and planted a deep, possessive kiss on his lips.

It was a kiss of war.

I felt Axel stiffen, then relax into it, his ego stroked by his wife’s sudden desire. When I pulled away, I saw it—the pure, unadulterated rage in Jasmine’s eyes. She looked like she wanted to stab me with her steak knife.

"That's... wonderful," Jasmine choked out, gripping her napkin until her knuckles turned white.

"I think so too," I said, picking up my wine glass. "To new beginnings."

The next morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. The clock was ticking down, and I intended to make Jasmine’s life hell for every remaining second.

I called the family’s private jeweler, Mr. Henderson, and had him bring the latest collection to the estate. By noon, the living room coffee table was covered in velvet trays of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires.

"I'll take this one," I said, pointing to a diamond choker worth more than most people’s houses. "And the matching earrings. Oh, and that tennis bracelet."

"Hannah?"

I looked up. Jasmine was standing in the doorway, wearing a silk robe that was far too short, her arms crossed over her chest. She stared at the pile of jewelry with narrowed eyes.

"What are you doing?" she snapped.

"Shopping," I said breezily, holding a ruby ring up to the light. "Axel said I should treat myself. To help with the... trauma."

"That necklace is fifty thousand dollars," Jasmine hissed, stepping into the room. "You can't just spend Axel’s money like that."

"Actually," I said, my voice hardening. "I can. I’m his wife. What’s his is mine."

I turned back to Mr. Henderson. "Add the emerald pendant, too."

Jasmine marched over, her face flushing pink. "You are being ridiculous. You’re just doing this to annoy me. You know Axel is trying to secure capital for the new resort project. You’re being selfish."

"Selfish?" I laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "I lost a child, Jasmine. I nearly lost my leg. I think I deserve a little sparkle, don't you? Unlike some people who live here rent-free and contribute nothing but drama."

"I am a Sterling!" she shrieked. "I am his sister!"

"Adopted," I corrected, my voice low. "And let’s be honest, you don't act like a sister, do you?"

"What is going on here?"

Axel’s booming voice cut through the tension. He stood in the foyer, briefcase in hand, looking between us with irritation.

Jasmine immediately crumbled. She ran to him, burying her face in his chest. "Axel! She’s being so mean to me! She’s spending a fortune just to spite me, and when I tried to stop her, she said... she said I’m not really family!"

Axel sighed, the sound of a man weary of refereeing. He looked at the pile of jewelry, then at me.

"Hannah," he said, his tone scolding. "Is this necessary? You know we have the board meeting next week. We need to be liquid."

"I'm just buying a few things, Axel," I said, feigning hurt. "You told me to rest and recover. Retail therapy helps. Why is she allowed to dictate what I spend?"

"Because she looks out for this family!" Axel snapped, wrapping a protective arm around Jasmine’s waist. "She’s right, Hannah. You’re being reckless. Send the jeweler away."

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. It wasn't about the jewelry. It was about the hierarchy. Even now, with me "broken" and "grieving," he chose her.

"So that's it?" I asked, gripping my crutch as I stood up. "She cries, and you jump? She tells me to stop, and you take her side?"

"She is my sister," Axel said, his voice dropping to a warning growl. "Stop trying to compete with her. It’s pathetic."

"Pathetic?" I echoed, stepping closer, ignoring the pain in my leg. "I am your wife, Axel. I am the woman who carried your child. I am the one who has stood by you for years."

I pointed a shaking finger at Jasmine, who was smirking into his shirt.

"She pushes me off a cliff, and you protect her. And now, I buy a necklace, and I’m the villain?"

"Hannah, stop it," Axel warned, his eyes darkening. "You’re hysterical."

"I’m not hysterical!" I shouted. "I’m waking up! You spoil her. You protect her. You choose her, over and over again."

I looked him dead in the eye, my heart pounding against my ribs.

"I’m your wife, Axel," I whispered, the question hanging heavy in the air. "Shouldn't you be choosing me?"

Axel stared at me, his jaw tight, his arm still wrapped firmly around Jasmine. He didn't let go.

"Hannah," he said coldly. "Don't make me answer that."

Axel walked into the bedroom, a massive bouquet of red velvet roses in his arms. He looked like the perfect husband from a romance novel—handsome, remorseful, and bearing gifts.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and husky. He set the flowers on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for my hand. "About a while ago. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

I looked at the roses. They were beautiful. Expensive. And utterly meaningless.

"It's okay," I said, keeping my voice neutral. "I was emotional too."

"I know," Axel sighed, running a thumb over my knuckles. "Look, Hannah. You know Jasmine. She's... difficult. She's always been a spoiled brat. My parents indulged her because of her background, and I guess I picked up the habit. But it doesn't mean I don't love you."

He leaned in, his eyes searching mine for forgiveness. "I will always choose you. You're my wife. My partner. Jasmine is just... family. She's my responsibility."

He kissed me then. A soft, lingering kiss meant to erase the memory of him choosing her over me in front of the jeweler less than twenty-four hours ago.

"I promise," he whispered against my lips. "From now on, I'll be better. I'll make it up to you."

I nodded, forcing a small smile. "Okay, Axel. I believe you."

The lie tasted like ash, but he seemed satisfied. He stood up, looking relieved, and headed for the door. "I have a meeting with the board. I'll see you at dinner."

As soon as the door clicked shut, the smile vanished.

Later that afternoon, Jasmine found me in the sunroom. She was carrying a stack of fabric swatches and a tablet, looking like the picture of contrition.

"Hannah?" she said softly. "Can I talk to you?"

I looked up from my book. "What is it, Jasmine?"

"I wanted to apologize again," she said, sitting on the opposite sofa. "I really was out of line. I shouldn't have interfered with your shopping. I know you're going through a lot."

She took a deep breath, her eyes wide and innocent. "To make it up to you, I want to help with your anniversary party two days from now. I know you're still recovering, so I thought I could handle the decorations. I want it to be perfect for you and Axel. As a peace offering."

I stared at her. The audacity was breathtaking. She wanted to plan the celebration of a marriage she was actively trying to destroy.

"That's very thoughtful of you," I said, my voice steady. "Sure. Whatever you think is best."

An hour later, a courier arrived at the service entrance. He handed me a thick, sealed envelope. I took it to my room and locked the door. My hands shook as I tore it open.

Inside were the divorce papers, drafted by Mr. Blackwood exactly as I had instructed. The transfer of assets to Mia was complete. The trust was dissolved. The Rossi fortune was safe.

But there was more. A flash drive fell out of the envelope. I plugged it into my laptop and clicked on the first file.

It was footage from a private investigator I had hired months ago, back when I first suspected Axel but was too afraid to confront him.

The video played. It was grainy, taken from a distance, but unmistakable. Axel and Jasmine, in a hotel room in Paris during a "business trip." They were arguing, then kissing. Passionate, desperate kisses. Then, Jasmine laughing as she pushed him onto the bed.

"Hannah?"

I slammed the laptop shut.

Mia stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with confusion. She had come in quietly, her socks muffling her footsteps on the carpet.

"What are you watching?" she asked, stepping closer. "Why are you crying?"

I touched my cheek. I hadn't realized I was crying.

"Mia," I said, my voice trembling. "Come here."

She sat on the bed next to me. I took a deep breath and opened the laptop again. "I need to show you something. I need you to understand why we have to leave."

"But..." Mia whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "He's married to you. And she's his sister. That's... that's wrong."

"It is," I said softly. "And it's not just that, Mia. The kidnapping... they arranged it. Axel paid them off to protect her. They used you to hurt me."

"I want to go," Mia cried into my shoulder. "I don't want to stay here with them. They're monsters."

"We are going," I promised, stroking her hair. "I have everything ready. The papers are signed. The money is safe. We're leaving, Mia. Just you and me."

“Okay, Let’s go somewhere, please.”

Suddenly, the doorknob turned.

I froze.

"Go somewhere?" Axel asked, his voice dangerously calm. He stepped into the room and closed the door behind him with a soft click. "Where are you going, Hannah?"

"Oh," I let out a breathy, shaky laugh, “Axel. You startled us. We were just talking about... getting away. Mia is having a hard time, Axel. She’s traumatized. She can’t sleep. She keeps seeing those men in every shadow of this house."

I looked up at him, making my eyes plead. "I told her we could go somewhere. Maybe a trip? For our anniversary? I think a change of scenery would be good for all of us. To heal."

"Oh," he exhaled, a small, nervous chuckle escaping him. "Right. Of course. A trip sounds... actually, that sounds perfect, honey."

He walked over and sat on the other side of me, reaching for my hand. "God, you had me worried. For a second there... the way you said 'leaving'... I thought you were leaving me."

I forced a smirk onto my lips.

"Leaving you?" I asked, tilting my head. "Don't be silly, darling. I won't leave you. Unless you cheat on me."

I paused, watching his pupils dilate just a fraction.

"Which you didn't, right?"

“Of course,” he lied again.

But later that night, I saw them. Axel and Jasmine, tangled together in the sheets, his hands roaming over her skin as if I didn't exist. As if he hadn't just sworn his loyalty to me hours before.

Jasmine wanted to celebrate our anniversary? Then, I’ll give them a gift they would never forget.

I stood by the door, a damp washcloth in my hand. Inside, Mia was putting on the performance of a lifetime, hunched over the toilet, her small body shaking.

"For God's sake, Hannah," Axel sighed, checking his Rolex for the third time in two minutes. He stood in the hallway. "Can't the nanny handle this? We have to be at the venue in an hour. The investors are arriving early."

"She's sick, Axel," I said, keeping my voice low but firm. "She's burning up. I can't just leave her with a stranger. Not after... everything."

Axel ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair, his jaw tightening. "I understand that, but tonight is the merger. The biggest night of our lives. I need you by my side. We need to present a united front to the board."

"And Jasmine... she’s worked herself to the bone preparing this anniversary party. She did it for us. For you. You’re ruining it."

"She is my sister, Axel," I said, letting a wobble enter my voice. "She’s the only family I have left. If I leave her when she’s terrified and sick, what kind of person does that make me?"

Axel groaned, looking at the ceiling as if praying for patience. "I’m sorry. I am. I’m just... I’m worried about the clients. The Rossi assets are the key to this deal, Hannah. If we don't secure them tonight..."

"Go ahead without me," I said. "I’ll stay here until she falls asleep. I can review the final merger documents here and send them over digitally. I’ll sign everything. I promise. I’ll make it to the party before the speeches start. You’ll have them within the hour."

Relief washed over his face. He didn't care about me. He didn't care about Mia. He cared about the signature that would give him control of my father's legacy.

"Fine," he said, leaning down to peck me on the cheek. His lips felt cold. "Make sure you do. And don't be late. I love you."

He turned and walked down the grand staircase. I waited a beat, then followed silently to the landing, staying in the shadows.

Jasmine was waiting for him in the foyer. She looked stunning in a red dress that was cut dangerously low—a dress she had bought with my money.

"Is she coming?" Jasmine whispered, adjusting Axel's lapel.

"She's staying with the brat," Axel scoffed. "But she's sending the papers. That's all that matters."

Jasmine giggled, a sound like breaking glass. "Good. Once we have the merger secured... once the money is ours... maybe we don't need to wait for the divorce?"

She traced a finger down his chest. "Maybe she has an accident? Like the one on the cliff, but... successful this time? We could kill her, really. Then we’d have it all."

Axel didn't recoil. He didn't scold her. He just laughed—a low, dark sound. "Let's get the signature first, Jas. Then... we'll see."

They walked out the front door, arm in arm, into the waiting limousine. As soon as the heavy oak door clicked shut, the silence of the house rushed back in.

"Are they gone?"

I turned. Mia was standing in the bathroom doorway, perfectly healthy, wiping a smudge of fake sweat from her forehead. Her eyes were bright with fear, but also with determination.

"Yes," I said, the trembling finally taking over my hands. "They're gone. Let’s go.”

We didn't take much—just the essentials, our passports, and the hard drive containing the evidence. I left my wedding ring on the nightstand, right next to the empty velvet box where the anniversary necklace should have been.

A black SUV was waiting at the service entrance, arranged by Professor Smith.

Forty minutes later, we were at a private airfield on the outskirts of the city. The sun was setting, painting the sky in bruises of purple and orange. A small jet sat on the tarmac, its engines already humming.

I helped Mia up the steps, her hand gripping mine tightly. Once she was settled in a seat with a blanket, I pulled out my phone.

I dialed Axel’s number. He answered on the second ring. background noise of clinking glasses and soft jazz filtered through the line.

"Hannah?" he said, sounding impatient. "Where are you? The investors are asking. Did you send the papers?"

"I did," I said, looking out the window as the pilot gave the thumbs up.

"Finally," he breathed. "And you? Are you on your way?"

"I'm afraid not," I said, keeping my voice light. "Mia... she got worse. We had to go to the hospital. They're admitting her for observation."

"What?" Axel snapped. "You're joking. You're missing the anniversary? Jasmine has a lot of things for us.”

"Oh, don't worry about that," I said, a dark smile curling my lips. "I sent a surprise for that, too. I asked the AV technician to play a video for me. It's... a very special montage, and a message. I think the board of directors will find it very illuminating."

"A surprise?" Axel sounded confused, his arrogance blinding him to the edge in my voice. "Well... alright. That's thoughtful of you, I suppose. But you really should be here."

"I know," I said. The plane began to taxi. "But I sent the gift. You have the papers. You have the video. You have everything you deserve, Axel. Be happy without me."

I hung up and dropped the phone into a glass of champagne the stewardess had left on the table.

As the plane lifted off the ground, leaving the earth behind, I imagined the scene that was about to unfold.