Daphne had called only twice all week. Nina told her she was in the hospital, no details—didn’t want to worry her. Still, it hurt more than she wanted to admit.
“What happened?” Nina asked hoarsely at last, unable to stand the silence.
“They want to transfer you,” Jasper said shortly.“At your family’s insistence.”
She froze.
“Frank?” she whispered.
Jasper nodded.
“I heard it from the department head. They’re preparing paperwork to move you to a private clinic under the supervision of a‘family physician.’On paper—a caring husband. In reality—an attempt to isolate you.”
A chill ran down her spine.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Nina said sharply.“I’m conscious. They can’t do that.”
“Legally, he can,” Jasper replied evenly.“You’re still his wife. Until you’re discharged, he has the right to interfere.”
“So what are you suggesting?”
Jasper exhaled, his fists tightening.
“You’ll come with me,” he said firmly.“Right now, it’s the only place where I can guarantee your safety. You can’t leave the country in your condition. You can’t stay here either. I’ve already discussed it with Nolan.”
Nina stared at him, stunned.
“Why?” she asked in disbelief.“What are you even trying to do?”
Jasper met her gaze. His eyes were steel—steady, unflinching.
“Don’t I owe you?”
She gave a short, humorless laugh.
“You really think a few days under the same roof will make up for what you did?” Nina said harshly.“I won’t be alone with you. You destroyed my life, Jasper. And now you’re asking me to just forget it?”
“I’m not asking you to forget anything,” he replied quietly.“Not you. Not myself.”
“Then what is this?” she scoffed.“Soups, guards, living together. Is this your way of easing your conscience? Or are you just bored? Reminding yourself who I am to you? I’m your victim. You shouldn’t be anywhere near me.You raped me.”
The word tore out of her in a single breath—and Nina went still.
It was the first time she’d ever said it out loud.
And the first time she’d said it to him.
They stared at each other. Nina saw the veins stand out on his arms. Suddenly, her strength began to drain away.
Jasper’s face didn’t move. His fists stayed clenched. For a split second, she thought he might snap.
“I—” she started, then stopped. Her voice was shaking.
“I’m not bored,” he said sharply.“And this is hell. Every meeting with you feels like taking a bullet. Because I know exactly what you think of me. And you have every right to.”
He paused, then continued more harshly:
“I’m not offering help because of the past. If you don’t want to stay with me, you can go to Lynn’s house. She’s living with me right now.Nolan says the incompetency status will be overturned in a week. And right now, Nina, I’m not the one destroying your life. Your husband is. Look around. Just for a minute, stop living in the past while your present is falling apart.”
