All Your Empty Promises

Yasmine Silva gave everything to Leo Quinton over fifty years of marriage. After he was injured on a mission and left disabled, she left her respectable and steady job as a TV station host to stay by his side and massage his legs every day. He said he never wanted children. She endured ten miscarriages and was left unable to have any. Even then, she never once complained. Everyone said Leo was blessed to have a wife like Yasmine. It was only after Leo passed away that Yasmine, who had cared for him all her life, learned the truth. To him, she had never been a blessing. She had only been a burden that kept him from his wife and son. Chapter 1 “How is that possible? I’m Leo’s wife! Why can’t I apply for his death certificate?” At the registry office, the white-haired Yasmine Silva held Leo Quinton’s urn and questioned the staff in confusion. “Ma’am, only immediate family members can apply for a death certificate. According to our records, you’re still unmarried.” With trembling hands, Yasmine put on her reading glasses and stared at the staff’s computer screen. The staff had not lied. She had been with Leo for fifty years, yet the records still showed that she was unmarried. Before she could recover from the shock, the staff added, “We found that Mr. Leo Quinton was married fifty years ago. His wife was Yara Summers, and they had a son named Noah Quinton. “Although Ms. Yara has passed away, you can contact Mr. Noah to handle the death certificate.” The moment Yasmine heard the names Yara and Noah, her head buzzed. Was Yara not Leo’s sister-in-law, and Noah his nephew? How could they be his wife and son? If that were true, then what was she? She had cared for Leo for decades and had also taken care of Yara when she was ill. What did that make her? A servant? Yasmine left the registry office in a daze. On the way out, she received a call from Noah. “Auntie Yasmine, Uncle Leo left everything to me. You don’t mind, do you? “After all, I am the sole heir of the Quinton family, but he did leave something for you. He left you a place in the Quinton family’s ancestral tomb. One day, you can be buried there with him. “That is his way of thanking you for taking care of him and my mother all these years.” Yasmine let out a bitter laugh. Fifty years of devotion, and all she received was the right to be buried beside Leo. Right till the end, Leo had thought only of his “son.” Did he never stop to consider that she had no job, no pension, and no way to support herself in the years ahead? Whatever lingering affection Yasmine had for Leo vanished. All that remained was hatred for being deceived for fifty years! She looked at the urn she had caressed countless times and wished she could smash it on the ground. But fate showed no mercy. It did not even give her the chance to vent her anger. A runaway truck came barreling toward her. There was a loud crash, and blood filled Yasmine’s vision. People gathered around and whispered. “Oh, I know this old woman. Her husband just died, and she has no children. I suppose this is her fate.” “Yes, she has no family left. Maybe it would’ve been better if she had gone with her husband. Perhaps they will be together again in the next life!” No! No! As a soul, Yasmine shook her head in desperate refusal. If there were another life, she would never allow herself to be tied to Leo again. … “Yasmine, have you thought it through? “Do you really want to give up the job you worked so hard for and give up your future just to take care of your husband? “You are the backbone of our station, and you should know the provincial station offers its employees an opportunity to study abroad. The program starts in seven days. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. I was planning to put your name forward. Please think about this carefully.” Yasmine stared at Emma Larson, the director of the TV station, who looked heartbroken. It took her a long time to process everything. Leo’s accident and her resignation had happened in 1977. Could it be that she had returned to the past? Chapter 2 Yasmine made up her mind and took Emma’s hand. “Ms. Larson, you’re right. I shouldn’t give up on my future. “As for this resignation letter, please just pretend I never submitted it.” Emma breathed a sigh of relief and patted her shoulder. “I’m glad you came to your senses. “Yasmine, you’re about the same age as my daughter. Forgive me for saying this, but giving up your career for a man is never the right choice.” Yasmine nodded, though bitterness lingered in her heart. In her last life, it had taken her a whole lifetime to understand that truth. This time, she would not waste her love and devotion on the Quinton family, who had never shown her any kindness. When she glanced at the list in Emma’s hand, she suddenly noticed a familiar name. Emma noticed it and smiled. “Quill is doing very well now. He’s a top host at the central station. I recall he was your senior, right? Once you’re abroad, you two can look out for each other. “I’ll contact him now. On the day of departure, you can take the special flight together.” Yasmine thought of the man who had always been gentle and elegant back in school, and she felt a flicker of anticipation. She had not seen Quill Jensen in years. When she returned home from the station, she was about to push the door open when she heard Yara’s voice inside. “Leo, back then, you married me for mine and Noah’s sake. You even hid it from Yasmine with a fake certificate. I know you’re injured, but I can’t resign to take care of you and Noah. Just pretend that you’re physically and mentally unstable and make her quit her job. “You’ve done so much for me. I really don’t know how to thank you.” Then, a man’s low, steady voice cut through, and every word pierced Yasmine’s heart like a knife. “There is nothing to thank me for, Yara. We grew up together. Just because you chose my brother back then doesn’t mean there was nothing between us. “Now that he is gone, it’s only right for me to take care of you and Noah. The Quinton family’s estate will go to Noah in the future. “As for Yasmine… I do love her, and I do feel guilty. But she is someone who’s easily satisfied. She won’t care about money or reputation. One day, when we’re both gone, I will be buried next to her. That will be my way of making it up to her.” Yara’s voice sounded again. “But if you treat her like this, won’t she leave you if she finds out the truth?” Leo chuckled and said confidently, “Impossible! She has always been careless and naive. As long as we keep it under wraps, she will never know. Even if she does, she loves me too much to walk away. “My companionship will be yours, but my love is hers. That is fair enough.” Yasmine’s fingers tightened around the doorknob. Leo was shameless and far too sure of himself. He believed she would accept every humiliation just because she loved him. But she was no longer the Yasmine who had loved him blindly in her last life. She wiped her tears, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. The room fell silent at once. A man in uniform with sharp brows and striking eyes sat in a wheelchair. His lips were faintly flushed. It was clear what he and Yara had just been doing. For an instant, panic shone in Leo’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it under the same irritation he had shown these past few days. “Yasmine, you came home this late? Do you want me to starve?” Since the accident, his moods had become unpredictable. The gentle man he had once been was no longer present. If Yasmine had not overheard his and Yara’s words, she would never have realized that it was all pretend. He wanted her to feel guilty, give up her job, and stay by his side as nothing more than a caretaker. When Yara noticed Yasmine’s face, she stepped forward at once. “Leo, that’s enough! Yasmine already plans to quit her job and look after you. Maybe something held her up on her way home.” The iciness in Leo’s face melted at once. “Yara, don’t worry. I was only scolding her. She really doesn’t act properly sometimes. “You’ve always had a weak stomach, and Noah’s still so young. I can’t let the two of you sit here hungry and wait for her to cook.” Yara gave his wheelchair a light tap. “It’s not that serious… Ahh!!!” Her cry startled Leo so badly that he nearly rose from his chair. “Yara, what happened?” “It’s nothing. Just a splinter in my hand.” Leo looked uneasy. He caught her hand and pulled her toward the bedroom. “A woman’s hands are precious. How can this be nothing? Let’s put some ointment on it.” The two of them were caught up in each other. The atmosphere between them was thick with intimacy. Yasmine thought her heart had long turned to stone, but it still twisted in pain. He said a woman’s hands were precious, but how many times had she told him her hands were cracked and raw from washing clothes and begged him for a simple jar of hand cream? He had bought one but had given it to Yara instead. He said, “Her work is more demanding. She needs it more than you.” Yasmine never understood how a schoolteacher like Yara would need hand cream more than a TV host who always had to appear on the screen. She convinced herself that Leo was only showing appropriate concern for his widowed sister-in-law. In this life, she finally understood. He claimed that a woman’s hands were precious. It was not just any woman. For him, Yara’s hands were precious. He had never cared about her. He cared more for Yara. Luckily, in seven days, she would be on a plane flying across the ocean. She would be far from the Quinton family’s mess and would never return. Chapter 3 Yasmine quietly made dinner. Her cooking was always delicious. The smell wafted into Noah’s room, and he came running out. When he saw her carrying a steaming bowl of seafood porridge, a wicked smile spread across his face. He stuck out his leg, and Yasmine stumbled. The porridge spilled all over her, and the scalding heat made her cry out in pain. But the very next moment, Noah’s loud sobs drowned her out. “Auntie Yasmine, I know you don’t like me, but how could you burn me like this? “Mom, it hurts!” Yara and Leo rushed out at once. Yara took Noah into her arms, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Yasmine, if you’re upset about quitting your job, take it out on me. Don’t pick on Noah!” Yasmine was about to explain, but Leo pushed her away. She staggered back and slammed into the cabinet. The pain in her waist nearly doubled her over. Leo looked at her with disgust, as if he could not see her pain at all. “Yasmine, Noah is just a child! He’s my brother’s only son! How can you be so cruel?” Yasmine lifted her head and glanced at Noah’s arm. His so-called burn was no bigger than a fingernail, while her own arms were covered in blisters. The sight was almost laughable. Such a tiny scratch, and yet he had managed to pin such a serious accusation on her. Such a tiny scratch, yet Leo’s heart ached so much he insisted on rushing Noah to the hospital. As they were leaving, Noah peeked over Leo’s shoulder and made a face at her. The look reminded Yasmine of another time, when he had been running a high fever. Yara had been nowhere to be found, and Leo was away on duty. Yasmine had come home from work to find Noah burning up. With no buses running and no rides to the hospital, she had staggered down the dark streets, carrying him on her back the whole way. She then spent two nights in the hospital, watching over him as he received his IV. She had truly cared for Noah like her own child. In her past life, she had never had children of her own, so she poured all her love into him. She had barely used any of her parents’ inheritance for herself. Instead, she bought Noah a car and a house. But what did she get in return? That boastful phone call before her death and the boy’s cruel smirk today, made her realize just how worthless her loyalty and devotion had been. There was no guarantee that true affection could get genuine care in return. Noah was already twisted at such a young age. She would not waste her love on him again. She went back to her room to tend to her wounds. The blisters on her arms were so large that they made her tremble in pain. Gritting her teeth, she held a needle to the flame, pricked the blisters, and applied some ointment to them. The pain was unbearable. To distract herself from the pain, she packed her belongings. After half a day of sorting out her things, she had only managed to fill a small bundle. It was almost laughable. After all these years with Leo, all she owned were a few sets of clothes and some shoes. The only jewelry she had was those her parents had left her. The Quinton family was not poor. Leo’s parents were retired soldiers, and Leo himself had been a regimental commander. His monthly allowance was several thousand dollars. But when she thought about it, Yasmine realized she had never taken a single penny from him. Instead, she had used her own salary to support the household and never dared to spend it on herself. Yet Yara, a primary school teacher earning only a few dozen dollars a month, somehow had gold necklaces and bracelets. Once again, Yasmine felt the sting of Leo’s favoritism. It was like a needle pricking at her heart. She continued packing and finally pulled out the two marriage certificates she had once guarded so carefully from the bottom of a drawer. She remembered the day Leo had brought them home. His face shone with guilt. “My brother just passed away. We can’t have a big wedding. Yasmine, I’m so sorry. “But from now on, you’re the lady of the Quinton family. I’ll treat you well.” Looking back, what had he really felt guilty about? Was it really because they could not hold a grand wedding? Every word he had said back then had been a lie. He had tricked her for half a lifetime, and the pain of it had nearly ruined her. With tears stinging her eyes, Yasmine ripped the worthless papers to shreds. Chapter 4 When Leo came back from the hospital with Yara and Noah, Yasmine was already in bed. The wounds on her hands hurt so much that she could not sleep well. The moment Leo opened the door, she woke up. Hearing the sound of the wheelchair getting closer, her heart raced. She hated him. The thought of sharing a bed with him made her feel sick. Fortunately, Leo stopped when Yara’s soft voice sounded from the doorway. “Leo, Noah seems to be having a nightmare.” With that, Leo turned and left without hesitation. Silence filled the room again. A little while later, strange sounds emerged from the next room. Yasmine wanted to shut them out, but the night was too quiet and her hearing too sharp. She heard Yara’s moans mixed with Leo’s heavy grunting. “Leo, slow down. Aren’t you afraid Yasmine will hear us?” “Then, be quieter, Yara. Knowing she’s next door makes it feel even better, doesn’t it?” “You’re so annoying! Stop saying my name, honey.” “You want me to call you babe instead? You really are something.” “You’re the one who said Yasmine just lies there in bed like a dead fish. Don’t you prefer me this way?” “I do. I love you, baby.” Each filthy word pierced Yasmine’s heart. She could not believe she had become part of their twisted game. From the way they spoke, it was clear that this was not the first time they were doing this. Leo had sworn he was only looking after Yara. What a joke! Taking care of his widowed sister-in-law all the way into her bed. He really was not afraid of his brother coming to haunt him in the middle of the night. Who knew how many times they had used Noah as an excuse to get into bed together? Yasmine’s stomach churned. She jumped up and ran to the bathroom to vomit. The sound gave her away. Leo came out of Yara’s room quickly. His eyes were still clouded with desire, though his tone was gentle. “Yasmine, are you alright? Did you not eat tonight? Is your stomach acting up?” He stepped closer and patted her back, as if he had not shoved her away earlier. He acted as though he had not been in bed with Yara just moments ago. That was what Leo always did. He always treated her sweetly after hurting her. He always mistreated her, then made her think he cared for her. This time, she only felt sick. She gagged until bile burned her throat. Her stomach was empty, and a strange pain spread through her lower belly. She tried to stand and move away from him, but just as she rose, the world went dark. The last thing she heard was Leo’s panicked voice. “Yasmine, wake up!” Chapter 5 When Yasmine opened her eyes again, she was in a hospital. The sharp scent of disinfectant filled her nose. Before she could open her eyes fully, she heard Yara’s low voice. “Leo, even though Noah cried a few times when he found out about the pregnancy, this child is your own flesh and blood. You don’t always have to think only of us.” Yara knew exactly how to play her cards. Leo’s answer was firm. “No. This child can’t stay. “I’ll tell Yasmine the baby has problems and convince her to get rid of it. Noah is insecure. I can’t let him feel hurt.” He comforted Yara a little more, then turned around, only to lock eyes with Yasmine. For a moment, panic flickered across his face. “Yasmine, y-you’re awake? When did you wake up? Why didn’t you say anything?” Her voice was hoarse when she spoke. “Just now.” “Then… did you hear what the doctor said?” The way he tested her made Yasmine’s lips curl in mockery. “I didn’t hear anything. Weren’t you the only one in here just now?” Relief washed over him. After a pause, he said carefully, “Yasmine, you’re pregnant. Two months already. “But the doctor told me the baby might not be developing well. He suggested we end it. Do you agree?” He looked a little guilty. He knew how long she had dreamed of having a child that was theirs. But for Noah’s sake, he had no choice. He had even prepared fake test results because he was certain Yasmine would refuse. But before he could take them out, Yasmine said softly, “Alright.” He almost thought he had misheard her. “What did you say?” Calmly, Yasmine said, “I said that’s alright. Let’s get rid of the baby.” To be born into such a cruel family was a curse in itself. Leo did not want a child who would threaten Noah’s inheritance. She did not want a child who would have to fight for their own father’s love. A baby deserved everything good in the world. If the baby could not have that, then it was better not to be born at all. Leo stared at Yasmine. He was unsettled by how decisive she was. Something about her felt different, though he could not put his finger on it. He told himself he was just imagining it. She was still obedient and compliant. That should have made him happy. The abortion went ahead as planned. For Yasmine, it was the first since she returned to the past, but it was the eleventh time across both lifetimes. As the warm blood seeped out of her, her eyes grew red despite her efforts to hold back her tears. Leo held her hand and comforted her. “Don’t be sad, Yasmine. We’ll have more children.” They both knew it was a lie. There would never be another. Yasmine said nothing. Leo ran out of words. The air between them turned awkward. And yet, compared to the chaos of recent years, the quiet almost felt like a relief. Ever since Yara and Noah had moved into their small courtyard house, Yasmine had seemed like a different person. She had always been fussy before. Looking at her pale face, a flicker of pity softened Leo’s eyes. He was just about to tell her that he would treat her better and not to overthink this when the door suddenly opened. Yara walked in with a lunchbox and smiled brightly. “Yasmine’s been through so much. I went to the state-run restaurant to buy some food to help her recover.” The tin lunchbox was crammed with greasy fried chicken, a slab of meatloaf, and even a side of garlic butter shrimp. Yasmine felt nauseous with just one glance. But Leo looked relieved and placed the lunchbox in front of Yasmine without hesitation. “Yara, these dishes are so hard to get! After everything Yasmine put you through, you still are thoughtful. That’s very kind of you.” Then, he winked at Yasmine. He was probably hinting that she should thank Yara. Yasmine ignored him. She knew exactly what he meant. Yara had given her a way out, and Leo wanted her to play along and take it. But why should she? She had done nothing wrong. The ones who were truly disgraceful were Leo and Yara. When Yasmine stayed silent, Yara jumped in smoothly. “Yeah, I waited in line so long my legs cramped up.” As she spoke, she casually lifted the hem of her dress. Leo’s eyes fell on her smooth, bare legs, and his gaze darkened. “Yasmine, you eat first. I’ll take Yara to the doctor for her cramps. After all, she stood in line for you.” Yasmine stayed silent, disgust churning inside her. She knew he had gone to hook up with Yara, again. Chapter 6 Yasmine said calmly, “Fine. Go ahead.” The next two days passed the same way. Whenever Yara came by with food, she would complain about one ache or another, and Leo would take her out for a “check-up.” The meals Yara brought were things Yasmine could not stomach, but Leo never paid them any mind. After three days in the hospital, Yasmine had lost a lot of weight. Even the nurses began looking at her with pity. She only gave them a faint, grateful smile and showed no sign of sadness. Maybe she had grown numb to it all. Even if she saw Leo and Yara in bed with her own eyes, her heart would not stir again. She thought she had already had enough of it. She wanted to wait a little longer before she left for good. But she had not expected that someone still saw her as a thorn in their side. When she returned from the hospital, she found that her packed bag had been rifled through. A sense of dread washed over her. She rushed to check and realized that the jade bracelet she had hidden at the bottom was gone. Her parents had loved each other so much. Her father gave his life for the country when she was still a child, and her mother spent the rest of her life alone. That bracelet was her father’s gift and a symbol of his devotion to her mother. It was the one thing her mother had held onto all her life. On her deathbed, her mother had given it to Leo. She had asked him to put it on Yasmine’s wrist and swear to treat her well for life. Leo had said, “If I ever fail Yasmine, may I lose everyone and witness my family’s ruin.” Yasmine had quickly covered his mouth to stop him. Back then, she had truly believed him. It was only after learning he had deceived her all along that she took the bracelet off. But where had the bracelet gone? She tore through the house in panic and searched every corner. Then, she spotted Noah in the yard playing with his friends. Dangling carelessly from his hand was her bracelet. Her heart jumped to her throat. “Noah, give that bracelet back to me!” Noah turned and made a face at her. “Even my mom doesn’t have something like this! Why should I give it to you? “I’d rather smash it than let you wear it. La-la-la!” He tossed the bracelet to the ground. With a sharp crack, it shattered into pieces. He was not satisfied with that, and he stomped on the shards. “Stupid bracelet! Here, take it! Pick it up yourself!” The last thread of Yasmine’s reason snapped. She rushed forward and slapped Noah across his smug little face. He fell to the ground and sobbed loudly. “You trash! You hit me! I’ll tell Dad to kick you out!” “Yasmine, you’re mistreating Noah again?!” Just as Yasmine leaned down to gather the broken pieces, Leo slapped her so hard that she fell to the ground. The jagged shards cut deep into her palm, and blood oozed from her hand. Leo did not even look at her. He went straight to Noah, gathered him into his arms, and comforted him. “Noah, this is all your Auntie Yasmine’s fault. I’ll make her apologize.” But Yasmine refused to do so. “He’s the one who broke my bracelet! Do you have any idea what that meant to my mother—” Leo cut her off impatiently and said, “Your mother is dead! It’s just a bracelet. I can buy you another!” Yasmine staggered back. She was unsteady on her feet. Leo realized he had gone too far. For a moment, guilt flickered in his eyes. But it vanished the instant he saw tears well up in Yara’s eyes. “Leo, maybe Noah and I should move out. I can take care of him myself. We don’t want to get in your way.” He looked at Yara and thought she was trying to hold her pain back and was only thinking of him. Then, he looked at Yasmine, who seemed cold and unyielding. Disappointment filled him. “Yasmine, I’ll ask you one last time. Will you apologize to Noah?” “I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?” “Fine. Fine! Your temper’s gotten out of control lately. Don’t blame me for what happens next.” Leo let out a bitter chuckle and picked up his phone. “I suspect Yasmine has ties to foreign agents and is leaking state secrets. Take her in for interrogation.” The “evidence” he handed over was nothing but letters from the foreign professor Emma had arranged for her studies. Chapter 7 Yasmine felt like she had been thrown into ice-cold water. She froze. Times had changed. Things were more open now than before, but if one was accused of colluding with foreign forces, interrogation was unavoidable. Leo knew what happened to the people under questioning. He had told her all about their misery. Yet for Yara and Noah’s sake, he was handing her over himself. Guards pushed her forward. Before she was taken away, Leo leaned in close. “You think faking a letter to study abroad just to play your little game with me would make me send Yara and Noah away? Take this as a lesson. Stop your scheming.” If he had only looked at her face, he would have seen the last flicker of hope for him die in her eyes. But he did not look at her. He had abandoned her many times before. Why would this time be any different? Yasmine did not fight back. She could not take it anymore. They locked her in a pitch-black interrogation room. The cold air raised goosebumps across her skin. The one in charge was Leo’s own subordinate. His eyes were filled with disdain. He cracked a whip in his hand and brought it down hard. Snap! Snap! The whip, soaked in saltwater, carved bloody welts into her skin. Yasmine screamed and spat out through gritted teeth, “Is this your idea of interrogation? This is nothing but torture!” Her cries only fueled him. He struck harder. “Our commander sacrificed his legs for this country, while you colluded with foreign powers! You shame him! “He told me to make sure you learned your lesson. Whatever happens, he’ll take responsibility. Now, tell me. What was in that letter?” Did he love Yara and Noah that much? Leo loved them so much that he was willing to see her beaten like this! She shook from the pain. She was about to speak, but the man sneered. “Forget it! You’ll only deny it. Keep beating her! Don’t stop until she breaks.” Two men dragged her away. The nightmare lasted four days. Her body was covered in whip marks, and her fingers were bruised from being crushed repeatedly. Each time she passed out, a bucket of salt water brought her back. There was not an inch left on her body that was not in pain. She thought she really might die here. Then, the door opened. Yara walked in as she pushed Leo’s wheelchair forward. Leo looked down at the tied-up Yasmine. For a moment, pity flashed in his eyes. “Yasmine, it’s been four days. Do you admit your mistake? “Yara is generous. She’s willing to let go of how you treated her and Noah. If you just apologize, I’ll take you back home.” Her heart had long turned to stone, yet his words still made her laugh bitterly. “Fine! I’m sorry. “I’m sorry for resenting Yara and Noah. I’m sorry for getting in the way of your love for them. I’m sorry for showing up at the Quinton house and disturbing your happy little family. Is that enough?” Leo saw her teary eyes, and anxiety stirred in his chest. “Yasmine, that’s not what I meant. “There’s nothing between me and Yara. I swore to my brother I’d take care of her and Noah. You know that. Why can’t you understand?” Yara stepped in to add fuel to the fire. “Yasmine still misunderstands us, Leo. Maybe Noah and I shouldn’t be around you anymore.” Leo shook his head without hesitation. “No. Not again. Yara, I don’t want to hear that again. If you leave with Noah, how can I face my brother?” He turned back to Yasmine, and disappointment burned in his eyes. “Yasmine, you’re being childish! Stay here and reflect.” He wheeled away in anger. Yara did not follow. She stopped in front of Yasmine, lifted her chin with a finger, and smiled airily. “See? I put in the slightest effort, and Leo won’t listen to you.” She then placed a hand on her stomach. Her expression was smug and taunting. “You haven’t heard yet, have you? I’m carrying Leo’s child.” Chapter 8 Yasmine suddenly looked up and blurted out a question. “How far along are you?” Yara smiled. “Three months.” Three months. One month older than the baby she had lost. Yasmine remembered that Leo had told her he was away on a mission at that time. In truth, he had already taken in Yara to “take care of her.” How shameless could he be? How could he claim there was nothing between him and Yara and accuse her of being paranoid? A wave of nausea hit her. She forced herself to remain calm so as to not show any weakness in front of Yara. But Yara was not about to let her off. She clapped her hands, and several burly men stepped inside. “This is Yasmine Silva, the famous TV host. You all know her. She’s now a traitor accused of colluding with foreign powers. “I’ll let you have your fun. Just don’t kill her.” One of Leo’s men hesitated. He was unsure if this had gone too far. Yara’s next words stopped him cold. “This is all Leo’s idea. He wants to teach her a lesson so she won’t dare betray her country again.” Yasmine shouted in fury, “I didn’t! You framed me! I never did any of this! Call Leo here! I want to confront him face-to-face!” “Denying it won’t help. Leo won’t save you. He already promised me and Noah a trip to the islands. You can stay here and enjoy yourself,” said Yara viciously. With that, Yara slammed the interrogation room door close behind her and left. The men drew closer. Yasmine could already smell the stench of their bodies. Rough hands grabbed at her arms, her legs, and other places she did not want to be touched. She shut her eyes, and tears of despair streamed down her cheeks. She regretted everything. Why had she fallen for Leo’s lies? Why had she ever tied her life to someone like him? After returning to the past, she should have stayed far away from the Quinton family and their mess. At least then she would not have ended up here. Yasmine bit down hard on her tongue. If this was how she was to be humiliated, she wanted to die. The taste of blood filled her mouth. At that moment, the door burst open. Emma rushed in. When she saw Yasmine’s condition, her eyes turned red with anger. “Yasmine is the star of our provincial TV station! How dare you torture her without evidence?!” The man in charge protested. “Commander Quinton said she’s a spy. He even showed us her letters. How could that be false?” Emma nearly laughed in fury. She threw an official document in his face. “Those are letters from her university supervisor abroad! Don’t tell me you didn’t even bother to find someone to translate them? “This is a personal attack! Just you wait. I’m going to file a formal appeal!” She helped Yasmine, who was barely conscious, out of the room. No one dared to stop her. Yasmine’s voice was weak but firm as she said, “Ms. Larson, please take me away from here.” “But you’re injured, and you don’t even have your belongings.” Yasmine glanced at her battered body and smiled wryly. “It doesn’t matter. I just want to leave as soon as possible.” Wounds could heal, and belongings could be replaced. Her mother’s keepsake was already destroyed. There was nothing left for her here. Emma had no choice but to put her on the private plane herself. Before leaving, she looked at Yasmine’s pale face and sighed. In only a few years with Leo, this spirited young woman she had mentored had faded from a lively person to a lifeless shadow of her past self. “Yasmine, do you want me to help you file for divorce?” Yasmine shook her head. Meeting Emma’s disappointed eyes, she said slowly, “We were never married. So, there’s no need for a divorce. “I have nothing to do with Leo anymore.” Those few words carried the weight of fifty years of bitterness across two lifetimes. After saying goodbye to Emma, she buried the cherished broken jade bracelet in the soil of her hometown. From then on, she would go her own way. She swore never to see Leo again.