Secret Words(35)

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Jasmine,





I have read your email. Sure, you make some sense in some parts, but if you are telling me the truth then there is still a massive problem.

The person who has told me about you seems to hold plenty of ammunition against you. I confess to not knowing who he/she is. But the fact remains he/she obviously knows you well enough.

This person said that Kane cheated on me with you. Even if I believed your side of the story (I'm still not sure if I do) and pretended I was okay with you and Kane getting together, this person could still hurt you and Kane. (You yourself believe that's what he is out to do).

And even if I don't let myself be interviewed about how Kane treated me, I'm afraid my story is out. I have already shared it with this person.

Therefore, as you can see, you being with Kane is STILL a big problem whether I'm in the picture or not. YOUR bad press could still hound him, even if I stay silent.

No, this is not in my hands, Jasmine. It is in yours. If you really love Kane, then do the right thing by him. Stay away from him so your own personal problems don't affect his career and the professional reputation he's worked so hard to build.





Hannah





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Jasmine had read the email at least ten times already and she read it again. Every time she did, the more she could see Hannah was right. While George was out there intent on revenge or whatever it was that motivated him, she had to stay away from Kane.

She buried her face in her hands and sobbed, her heart breaking into pieces. She had no choice. She had to break up with Kane—at least for a short while. It would be pure selfishness on her part to make him risk not only his reputation but his firm's. He had colleagues and staff who would be affected if they lost big contracts. This went further than the two of them.

She feared that if she told Kane about the emails from Hannah, he might not even agree to a pretend breakup. He'd want to find ways around the problem. He'd want to hunt George down and he'd want to talk to Hannah. That could push those two into doing something terribly vindictive.

She didn't want to take any risks, especially at a time when Kane had the biggest opportunity of his career. The cost to him would be enormous.

As far as she could see, the only way to protect the man she loved with all her heart was to convince him she didn't want to be with him anymore—just until she had sorted this out. And hopefully, with Tim's help, she'd find George and put a stop to this madness. Then she and Kane could resume their relationship.





CHAPTER FOURTEEN





Jasmine Allen, if you try to defend yourself against the sordid truth about you, or if you get Kane Summers to try to defend you in any way, you will both regret it. Unfortunately for Kane, he has much more to lose than you. Stay with him and he can kiss his impeccable reputation goodbye. Leave him and he'll be fine.

As for you, your reputation may be beyond repair. But I might still feel sorry for you one of these days if you show remorse for what you've done in the past.





Fresh tears escaped Jasmine as she re-read the email she had received earlier that day. It was unsigned and it was from an address she didn't recognise. She doubted it was from Hannah. She could only surmise it was from George.

Whatever hope she still harboured about being able to disclose to Kane the threat to his reputation disappeared with this latest message. The message was very clear. Kane must not know. It seemed George wanted her to suffer. For what? For ruining his love life? Whatever his reasons, he had found the most efficient way to hurt her.

She jumped at the sound of her phone ringing and took a deep breath before answering it.

"Hi," she said as casually as she could.

"Hi, honey. How are you?"

Jasmine almost sobbed out loud at Kane's endearing voice. It was a good thing they weren't on a video call. At least she wouldn't have to explain her red and puffy eyes.

"Not too bad," she said with a clogged up voice.

"Hey, did you catch a cold?" he asked with concern.

"Yeah, I did."

"Not good. How are you feeling?"

"Crap," she answered truthfully.

"Oh, baby. Are you taking something for your cold?"

"Just some Vitamin C."

"Is everything else okay? You sound a bit down."

Damn it. Why does he have to notice. "I'm just not feeling very well," she responded, unable to keep the dejection from her voice.

"Have you seen a doctor yet? I think you should go see one."

"I'll see one tomorrow," she lied.

"I miss you," Kane said softly.

She clamped her mouth with her hand, forcing herself to remain silent even when her whole soul wanted to scream 'I miss you, too'.

"Jaz?"

"I'm really feeling a bit tired tonight, Kane. Do you mind if we talk some other time?" she said in as neutral a tone as she could manage. She didn't know yet how to tell him they were over.