Winning Her Heart Again novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Divorce

Jasmine’s POV

“By the way, I need to go home now.” Diane nodded her head. “Sure. I guess he promised he’ll go home early today again, am I correct?” She guessed. I bit my bottom lip as I nodded. She shakes her head, “And you still believe him. Anyway, that’s your choice. Let’s hope he will keep his promise today.”

I smiled and hugged her. “Thank you for always supporting me, Die.” She tapped my back. “Go home now.” I nodded. “Get well, Diane.” She nodded. Before I left, I looked back and waved my hand. She waved back.

I’m lucky to have her. She’s the only one who understands me. Diane and I have been friends since college. She saw how Travis courted and proposed to me. She liked him for me before. But when he started ignoring me, she wanted to skin him alive. She even joked that only if she can, she will.

Diane was diagnosed with a rare disease one year ago. There’s only a small chance to get cured, but choose to fight. The hardship between her and I, hers, is worse. I’m fighting to save my marriage while her. She’s fighting for her life.

She can’t walk anymore. I pity her, but she is always telling me that she’ll smack my head if she sees me pitying her. So, I never did. I don’t want her to feel weak. I want her to fight until she recovers. I wanted to see her get married.

I’m slowly losing my husband now. And I don’t want to lose her too. I look up the hospital before I get inside my car. “I wish you a fast recovery, Diane,” I whispered.

It was four at noon when I reached our home. The first thing I did was prepare dinner. He said he would come home early today, and I’m sure he’ll do it this time.

I was smiling while cooking. Even if he’s treating me coldly, I know he still cares for me. If he did not, he should have filed for divorce two long years ago.

A satisfied smile formed on my lips. I’m done cooking. I only need to wait for him. While waiting, I decided to take a bath. I should be presentable. I was applying makeup on my face when I heard his car outside.

He’s here now. I know he won’t let me down. I rushed to apply my lipstick and went downstairs to welcome him. I welcomed him with a kiss on the cheek, but he looked away, so I only kissed his cheeks. That’s alright. What's important is that he came home early.

“Dinner’s ready. Do you want to eat now or after you take a bath?” I asked. He glanced at me and said, “Now.” The smile on my lips widened. Now. He answered now, not later.

“Okay. Let’s go.” He nodded and followed me into the dining room. As we were eating, I caught him staring at me. Is there some dirt on my face?

“Why?” I asked. He shook his head and looked away. I unconsciously touch my face. Is he staring because I put on too much makeup?

“You wore makeup today,” he mumbled. “Is it too much?” I worriedly asked. He shook his head. “No. It looks fine.” Really? I thought it bothered him. I looked down and ate. There’s a small smile playing on my lips. This is the first time he has complimented me after two years.

“Do you have anything to do after this?” he suddenly asked. I looked up. “Nothing. I’ll wash the dishes afterwards. Why?” I asked. He looked at me and smiled a little. I felt like I wanted to cry. Did he smile at me?

“Do you want to watch a movie?” I stared at him. Is he serious? “Of course, I would love to!” I said happily. He nodded, “Alright. Eat now; I will wait for you in the living room.”

“You’re done?” I asked. He nodded, “Yes. I’ll wait for you there,” he said. I nodded, “Sure. I’ll be there in a minute.” He shook his head.

“You need to eat. You’re getting skinnier,” I nod. When he left, I couldn’t help myself but cry with joy. Is he back? The one I love is back. I wipe the tears on the corner of my eyes.

“How are you today?” he asked me while we were watching a random movie. “I’m fine. I visited Diane this afternoon,” I answered.

“Diane,” I nodded. “Yes. Her condition is getting weaker. I’m worried about her,” I said and sighed. He looked at me. “I thought she was doing great?” I shook my head. That’s what she always tells me, but I know she’s lying.

She doesn’t want me to worry about her. But I can't help it. “She lied. She can’t hide the fact that her disease is getting worse,” I answered. I heard him sigh and did not talk anymore.

“How about you? How are you today?” I ask him, too. We’re talking casually now, but this is better than no communication, after all.

“Quite tired. But I’m okay,” I nodded. “You finished your work early today,” I said and leaned back on the couch. “Yes. I wanted to come home—” he paused, so I looked at him. He’s looking at me now. And for the first time again after long years of longing for this kind of look. He did it again.

“Hi. Is this Jasmine, Jasmine White?” A feminine voice answered from the other line. “Yes, I am,” I answered. She took a deep breath. “I’m Miss Rezende’s private nurse. I… I need to tell you something,” she stuttered. Huh? Is there something wrong with Diane?

“I’m listening.” There’s a silence on the other line. “Miss?” “Hmm. Yeah, I’m still here. I don’t know how to tell you this, but Miss Rezende passed away three this morning.” What? Even Diane’s joking with me like this?

“Maybe you’re mistaken, Miss—” she said no. “I know it’s shocking, but that’s the truth. Miss Rezende left a message for you. Doctor Jaime will give it to you when you come here. I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. White.” I closed my fist tightly. No, not Diane. I can’t lose her, not the two of them today.

“I’m coming today.”

“Of course, ma’am.” I hung up the phone. I hurriedly took a shower and got dressed. When I arrived at the hospital, Doctor Jaime, Diane’s doctor, met me. He looked at me sadly as he handed me the letter.

“I’m sorry,” he said and left. Tears slowly fell from my eyes. This is not a dream. She’s really gone. You’re so unfair, Diane. You were so lively yesterday when we were talking. Why did you leave me like this? I need you to know, Diane. Come back.

I slowly approached his lifeless body. It’s painful to see her like this. I can’t imagine her lying in a casket. I will forever miss her. I opened the letter she left for me.

“Dear my friend, Jasmine.

I know that when you read this letter, I am no longer in this world. I know I’ll hurt you with my sudden death. Yesterday, I was happy that you visited me again. I had surgery this afternoon, but I hid it from you because I did not want you to worry about me. You already have a lot of problems, and I didn’t want to add more. There’s only a small chance for me to survive after my surgery.” I lost my strength. I slowly sat down on the floor. I never expected that all of this would happen to me now.

“But I wanted to take a chance. I want to get better so I can help you with your problems. But it seems like I can’t do that anymore. I know you’re crying right now; I’m so sorry. I didn’t want this either. I'm writing this letter to tell you something I’ve been hiding for a long time. I hired someone to keep an eye on your husband three months ago. I kept this matter from you because I knew you wouldn’t agree. But I did it anyway.” I covered my face with my hands. I feel like I don’t want to go on. I’m afraid of what I might find out. I took a deep breath and mustered the courage to face it.

“For me to rest in peace, I want to confess to you. Your husband is having an affair with another woman. I know you won’t believe me, but trust me, that’s the truth. Along with this letter, I left some pictures to prove my statements. If you still don’t believe it, you can visit the address at the end of this letter. You can’t be with him, Jasmine. It’s time for you to leave, leave his life permanently. He doesn’t deserve you. He’s an asshole for treating you like that. But knowing how stubborn you are, you might not follow my advice. And I still respect that. Even though I’m no longer in this world, I still support you. I will guide you from heaven.

Love, Diane.”