Chapter 100

Joshua's gaze was drawn to the phone screen. The moment he saw the flashing name, a sharp pang shot through his chest. His hand curled into a fist, nails biting into his palm. A wave of jealousy, raw and unfamiliar, surged through him with overwhelming force. But despite the storm raging inside, years of discipline and restraint kept him from showing it. He stood slowly, each step away from the couch feeling heavier than the last, as though his entire body were weighed down. The ringtone continued, loud and grating, slicing through the quiet like a cruel reminder. Jasmine, still seated on the couch, looked pale. After hesitating for several seconds, she finally reached out with a trembling hand and pressed the answer button. Calvin's voice erupted from the other end, furious and accusing. "Jasmine, what the hell is going on? Didn't we agree you'd come home for dinner tonight? Where are you? Don't tell me you're with Joshua. So it's true, isn't it? You're really unbelievable. Don