"Jesse, I've made up my mind. I want a divorce from Jacob Gilmore."

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone before he finally spoke. "What about Jasmine? She's still so young. If you divorce him, you'll have to fight for custody."

My heart clenched at the mention of Jasmine.

She was the daughter I carried for ten months and gave birth to through unimaginable pain.

Now, she lay still and lifeless on that hospital bed, her eyes closed forever.

I fought back the tears, my voice choking. "My daughter is gone. Today, she left me forever. Jesse, I want to go home."

"I understand. I'll arrange for the best divorce lawyer, Rose. She can get the papers filed and in five days, you'll be free of that bastard."

"Josephine, I'll be waiting for you at the French airport in five days."

The afterglow outside fell on the bed and Jasmine's face at dusk.

I touched my daughter's face for the last time, tears streaming down my face, "Baby, it's Mom's fault. Mom shouldn't have fallen in love with Dad."

I've secretly been in love with Jacob Gilmore, the heir to a well-known New York company, for ten years.

He was distant, cold and elegant. Rumors said he was impotent and uninterested in women.

For ten years, I had tried every possible way to seduce him, 999 attempts in total, each ending in failure.

Every time, Jacob would gently wipe away the tears from the corners of my eyes and say coldly, "Josephine, I'm sorry."

Until my 23rd birthday, my family was going to immigrate to France.

My eldest brother was worried about me staying alone in New York and always wanted to find me someone to rely on, so he simply drugged me and Jacob.

Even under the influence, his gaze remained clear and cold. He fought hard to maintain control, never crossing the line with me once.

However, I couldn't stand the heat building inside me and I clung to him desperately.

Jacob couldn't stand being pestered by me and his voice was hoarse. "Josephine, you will regret it if you do this!"

He was the person I had been thinking about for ten years. How could I regret such a rare opportunity?

I boldly put my arms around his neck. "I will never regret doing this to you."

Before he could speak, I kissed him, blocking all the words he wanted to say.

That night, we were utterly lost, feeling waves of heat and finally reached a climax.

The next morning, everything had changed.

The passion from the night before was gone, replaced only by hatred in his eyes.

Yet, from that reckless night, I became pregnant. Left with no other choice, he married me.

The child born was Jasmine.

As if it were a punishment, he spent most of his time abroad, gone for six long years at a stretch.

I could only stay home with our child, foolishly waiting for his return.

He occasionally returned but went to great lengths to avoid physical contact with me. As for our daughter, he wouldn't even hold her.

When Jasmine was five, she suddenly fell gravely ill. I sought out famous doctors everywhere, but none could save her.

Just yesterday, Jasmine's condition took a sharp turn for the worse. After emergency treatment, she was transferred to the ICU for observation. Her little mouth murmured, asking to see her father one last time.

I rushed out of the ward and dialed Jacob's number.

The first time, there was no answer.

The second time, he hung up.

The third time, a recording informed me that the line was busy.

It wasn't until the fifth attempt that he finally answered.

I quickly replied while clutching my phone tightly, "Jacob, Jasmine is very sick. Can you please come to the hospital as soon as possible?"

He scoffed, "Josephine Sorensen, if you want me to come home, just say so. Can you please stop using the child as an excuse every time?"

"No, this time it's real, Jacob. I beg you, please come to the hospital to see your daughter one last time."

"Are you still not tired of acting? I'm sick of your pathetic performances!"

The line went dead.

But Jasmine was still inside, waiting. I couldn't give up just like that.

I continued to dial his number again and again.

I didn't know how much time had passed before the phone was finally answered again.

"Jacob, something has really happened to Jasmine, you … "

A gentle female voice came from the other end. "Are you looking for Jacob? I'm sorry, he's still in the shower."

I could faintly hear the sound of running water on the other end.

That single sentence was enough for me to recognize the voice.

It was Selena Jones, Jacob's childhood sweetheart.

They had once been engaged, but she had rejected Jacob ten years ago. She went abroad to get married and even had a daughter named Sadie.

Then, a sweet, childish voice chimed in from the other end. "Mommy, what were you and Uncle Jacob busy doing in the room just now? Are you done? Oh, Mommy, why are you wearing so short?"

I had heard they had lived together during his years abroad, which was true.

Jasmine was critically ill, lying in a hospital bed, fighting for her life. Meanwhile, her own father was out there, enjoying himself with his childhood sweetheart.

I couldn't bear to listen anymore and hung up the phone.

I leaned against the wall outside the ward, burying my face in my hands and weeping silently.

Not long after, a piercing alarm blared from the equipment in the ward. I rushed back to the bedside and grasped my daughter's hand.

"Baby, Daddy will be here in a little while. Just hold on a bit longer!"

My daughter reached out, struggling to wipe away my tears.

Her face was pale and she shook her head weakly. "Mommy, does Jasmine not have a daddy anymore? Daddy won't come, will he?"

My heart was torn apart, but I tried to weave a comforting lie. "Baby, no. Daddy is just too busy right now and can't come immediately. Hold on a little longer and Daddy will be here soon!"

Little Jasmine held on stubbornly through the entire night.

Unable to bear watching my daughter suffer any longer, I called Jacob again, dialing his number the whole night through.

Still, he never answered his phone again.

The light in my daughter's eyes gradually faded and she finally closed her eyes in my arms.

"Baby, don't leave Mommy! I beg you, open your eyes and look at Mommy again!"

My cries were hoarse with grief as I repeatedly called her name.

But her little hand hung limply, offering no response.

"Ms. Sorensen, please accept my condolences. It's time to arrange for the deceased's remains."

The nurse's voice beside me pulled me back to reality.

"According to the procedure, we must also notify the deceased's father. I'm just letting you know in advance."

Before I could stop her, the nurse had already connected the call to Jacob.

"Hello, is this Mr. Gilmore? This is Clayton Hospital. We are formally informing you that your daughter, Jasmine Gilmore, has passed away."

"Please come to the hospital as soon as possible."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line.

"Is Josephine Sorensen there?"

The nurse glanced at me. "Yes, Ms. Sorensen is here. We're just waiting on you, Mr. Gilmore."

He let out a cold laugh, his voice like ice. "How much did Josephine pay you to put on this act? Please do me a favour and tell her to stop with these little games. If she keeps this up, she won't be able to hold onto that precious 'Mrs. Gilmore's title she fought so hard for."

The beeping and ruthless ridicule echoed in the quiet ward.

I took a deep breath and said, "It's okay. I'll handle it alone."

I looked down at the little girl on the hospital bed one last time, kissed her cheek and personally accompanied her to the crematorium.

The moment I received her ashes, my phone rang. It was the cemetery agent.

"Ms. Sorensen, there's a problem! The burial plot you reserved has been taken by someone else!"

"But I already paid for it. How could someone just take it?"

The agent hesitated, clearly distressed. "You've heard of the Gilmores in New York, right? It's for Mr. Gilmore, I couldn't say no. Their family is too powerful."

I carefully placed my daughter's urn down and rushed to the cemetery.

From afar, I saw Selena and her daughter Sadie burying something.

Jacob stood beside them, dressed in all black.

A week ago, the doctors issued a critical condition notice for Jasmine.

He had spoken to me privately several times, urging me to prepare myself that my daughter's life was counting down its final days.

That's why I purchased this burial plot close to home.

After lulling Jasmine to sleep every night, I would come here to arrange her final resting place.

Jasmine loved the color pink and adored Peppa Pig. I draped the area in soft pink tulle and covered it with Peppa Pig stickers.

All that was left was to engrave her name on the tombstone.

However, all of this was destroyed. The pink tulle and Peppa Pig were thrown aside like garbage.

My vision went black with rage. I charged forward.

Jacob looked surprised to see me, but his expression quickly turned cold. "What, getting someone to fake a scene wasn't enough? Now you're stalking me, too?"

"I didn't fake anything and I'm not following you. I'm done chasing after you, Jacob!"

He had never seen me like this before.

I'd always been gentle and obedient and never raised my voice to him.

However, something inside me had shifted.

Jacob was about to speak when Sadie rushed forward and pushed me away.

"You're trying to steal my daddy, aren't you? He's mine! I won't let you take him!"

She stood there with her hands on her hips like a tiny tyrant. "Today is the day we bury Jacky! Don't ruin it, you bad woman!"

Selena quickly pulled her back. "I'm sorry, Josephine. She's just a child. Our family dog passed away unexpectedly and I asked Jacob to come help. Once we're done, I'll ensure he returns to you."

That's when I finally got a clear look at the tombstone behind them.

It read in large, bold characters: Here lies our beloved dog, Jacky. There was even a photo of the dog surrounded by flowers and food.

Meanwhile, my Jasmine was still lying in the cold urn and a dog took her grave away.

I rushed forward like crazy, throwing the flowers and dog food to the ground, ready to tear that tombstone apart.

Why should my daughter suffer indignity even in death?

I must vent my anger for my daughter!

Jacob grabbed me by the arm. "Josephine! Why aren't you at home with your daughter? Why are you making a scene here? I'm just here with Selena to bury a dog! Is this really necessary?"

I shouted, "Do you even know who that grave was for?! I bought it for Jasmine!"

Before I finished speaking, Sadie burst into tears.

Her crying was so loud that it drowned out my voice and attracted Jacob's attention.

"Josephine, come here and apologize!"

"Why should I apologize? It was you who did something wrong!"

Selena grabbed the angry Jacob in time, "Please, let's not fight over this. It's not worth ruining your marriage. I'll take Sadie and leave now."

Selena started to walk away, pulling Sadie along. But as they brushed past me, Sadie suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground.

Selena immediately scooped her up, her voice laced with accusation. "Josephine, we already agreed to leave. Why did you have to push Sadie? Why are you being so cruel to a child?"

Jacob rushed over, panicking and checking Sadie's injuries. "You've gone too far! You'd better hope nothing's wrong with her. Otherwise, I will hold you responsible!"

After saying that, Jacob pushed me away.

I staggered backward, crashing into a nearby tombstone. The sharp edge struck my head and a searing pain shot through me as blood trickled down my forehead.

I slumped against the tombstone, watching with blurry vision as Jacob took Selena and Sadie away without looking back.

I went to the hospital alone, got registered, saw the doctor and had my wound stitched up.

When everything was done and I returned home, it was past midnight.

Jacob didn't come home all night or even ask about me.

I spent the whole night alone, my wound aching.

But the pain in my heart was a thousand times worse, tormenting me endlessly.

The house was full of Jasmine's scent and the traces she left behind.

The pain of losing a daughter is hard to heal. My heart was broken and I tossed and turned all night without sleep.

The next day, I was in a trance and I sat at the dining table with a haggard look, eating breakfast that tasted like chewing wax.

Jacob suddenly returned and noticed the scar on my forehead, "You are injured? When did it happen?"

My tone was cold. "It's already taken care of. No need for Mr. Gilmore to worry."

"Josephine, do you have to talk to me like this? I already apologized to Sadie for you about yesterday. Selena and Sadie have also said they forgive you."

Jacob wanted to say more, but suddenly suppressed his anger and tossed a small package before me.

"I haven't been home much lately. That's why you're acting up, right? Inside is the Elsa princess dress that your daughter loved the most."

He also took out three Disneyland tickets and handed them to me as he spoke. "It just so happens I'm free in a couple of days. When the time comes, you can put this dress on our daughter and we will go to Disneyland together."

Jasmine was already gone. What was the point of him giving these gifts now?

I looked at him quietly, without moving.

I didn't react, so Jacob simply placed the tickets on the table.

He casually said, "Sadie wants to come over to play tomorrow. Take your daughter out. This is Sadie's condition for forgiving you for causing a scene at her beloved puppy's grave yesterday."

When he mentioned the robbed graveyard, I felt so heartbroken that I couldn't help crying again.

He guiltily looked away and continued, "I'm doing this for you and your daughter's sake. Sadie is very jealous and can't stand other children calling me Daddy."

After that, he turned around and left without waiting for me to speak.

It was impossible. I would leave here in a few days.

Before that, I have to deal with all the remaining things.

The next day, I got up early and packed Jasmine's belongings in the room.

Suddenly, there was a loud noise outside.

I was startled and went out to check. I saw Selena playing with Sadie in the living room.

Sadie was jumping up and down on the sofa. This wouldn't have been unusual; children always have a special enthusiasm for bouncy things.

But what she was stepping on was Jasmine's posthumous work.

My daughter had drawn a family portrait, which was being trampled under Sadie's feet.

My mind went blank and I rushed forward, yelling angrily, "Get down! Give me back that drawing!"

Sadie wasn't afraid of me at all. Instead, she laughed. "Why should I give it to you? It's just that little bitch Jasmine Gilmore's worthless drawing. It's not worth anything. What's wrong with me playing with it?"

As if still unsatisfied, Sadie picked up the drawing and tore it in half as she spoke.

She stood there arrogantly with her hands on her hips. "This is what happens when you try to steal my daddy!"

No! This couldn't be happening! My daughter's drawing couldn't be destroyed like this!

I couldn't hold back any longer. I stepped forward and pushed Sadie away, snatching the drawing back into my hands.

The drawing was completely torn apart. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't piece it back together into a complete picture.

Sadie fell to the ground and started wailing.

Selena stepped forward and slapped me. "Josephine, it's just a drawing. Do you have to target Sadie again and again?"

Her eyes passed through my back and Jacob was walking towards me.

She leaned in and whispered, "Sadie isn't wrong. Jasmine Gilmore is just a bastard child without a father! Don't you have any idea how she became Jacob's daughter?"

"You and your daughter are both disgusting trash."

I didn't care what outsiders said about me.

However, Jasmine was already gone. I couldn't let her suffer these vile words any longer!

I clenched my fists and punched Selena, knocking her down.

Selena fell to the ground while holding Sadie, looking at me in shock.

How could one punch be enough? I grabbed her long hair and punched Selena like crazy.

Jacob pulled me away from behind, his voice filled with hysteria. "Are you crazy? How have you become like a shrew?"

Selena threw herself into Jacob's arms, sobbing. "Josephine, Sadie grew up abroad and has a more carefree personality. She didn't mean to ruin Jasmine's drawing. She already apologized to you. Even if you don't accept it, you can't just hit people!"

"Josephine, I told you before to have your daughter keep her things tidy! If she hadn't left her things lying around, Sadie wouldn't have picked them up to play with! You can only blame her!"

Jacob turned around and then helped Selena and Sadie up.

"Sadie, didn't you say you wanted to ride the carousel? Let's go, Daddy will take you now."

I stared at their retreating figures, my mouth filled with bitterness.

Jasmine was five years old and we had never taken a family photo. There was only a family portrait that she imagined.

He had never taken her to an amusement park even once.

It turned out that a high-ranking heir to a famous New York City company could also have a gentle, fatherly side.

I was left alone in the large, quiet living room, repeatedly trying to glue the painting back together.

An entire night passed. I finally managed to barely put the family portrait back together and tidied up my daughter's old toys.

The housemaid held up the Elsa princess dress that Jacob had left behind and asked, "Madam, should we still keep this dress? I remember Miss Jasmine loved Princess Elsa the most."

"Throw it away. We don't need it anymore."

From now on, Jasmine and I would have nothing more to do with Jacob.