And somehow… it didn’t sound like a slap in the face.
Nina turned away, pretending to watch Russell as he kept tearing happily around the perimeter of the park. Inside, though, she felt hollow and heavy. And there was no one she could really talk to.
“Going to a therapist is kind of fashionable these days, by the way,” Jasper went on with a faint smirk.
Nina looked down at the business card again. Small black print. A woman’s name.
“Is this… someone you know?” she asked.
“Yes. A trusted professional. Completely confidential—you don’t need to worry about that.” He paused, then added quietly,“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I wasn’t sure.”
She snorted softly and slipped the card into her coat pocket.
“You’re taking on too much,” she said tiredly.
"It’s just advice. And it’s better than swallowing the crap I took away from you last time. Mental health matters as much as physical health. That’s the doctor in me speaking.”
Nina bit her lip. She wanted to argue. To tell him he had no right to interfere in her life. But she couldn’t.
Because he was right.
She lifted her gaze and looked at him. Jasper sat relaxed, hands in his jacket pockets. It was already March, but the air was still cold and damp.
Russell ran back, dropped a stick at his feet. Jasper leaned forward and threw it into the darkness. The dog launched himself after it and disappeared into the bushes.
They both fell silent. Everything around them seemed to freeze. Not a soul in sight—just the two of them, and the security detail watching at a distance.
Nina tightened her fingers on the fabric of her coat over her knees.
“I’ll think about it,” she said at last.
“That’s already something,”Jasper nodded.
They just sat there in silence, like two broken souls who no longer needed explanations.
CHAPTER 44
When Stella called, Nina knew immediately that something was off. Her voice was too sweet, too polished—society-perfect, scrubbed of emotion.
“Nina, sweetheart, it’s my anniversary. You’ll come, won’t you?”
Nina hesitated.
On the one hand, she wanted to get out of her four walls, feel alive again, breathe in something resembling normal life. On the other, there was a crushing weight inside her. The truth was, she didn't want small talk or champagne.
“Don’t even start,” Stella cut in before Nina could answer.“We’ve known each other forever, and if you don’t come, I’ll be offended.” A pause. Then, more seriously:“I mean it, Nina. This really matters to me.”
Stella had always known how to apply pressure. Memories. Obligation. Social decency. And even though they hadn’t seen each other in ages, she couldn’t bring herself to ignore the invitation.
“Will Frank be there?” Nina asked,holding her breath. The only question that truly mattered.
Stella hesitated.
“My husband invited half the guests,” she admitted.“You know him—he uses my birthday to gather the right people. But… I’ll check, okay? If Frank’s coming, I’ll tell you right away.”
Nina wavered until the very last moment. But she agreed anyway. Maybe she just wanted to remind herself that she could still wear a beautiful dress, walk past the whispers—and not break.
Over the past few weeks she’d lost noticeable weight. She was thinner now, more fragile. And yet, in the dress, she still looked refined, feminine, beautiful.When she stepped into the banquet hall, she caught eyes she’d almost forgotten how to notice.
