"So, the company needs working capital right now. Can we put the shares issue aside?"
He looked up at me, his eyes taking on that familiar, pleading quality that used to melt my heart.
"Once the IPO is successful, I'll give you half the shares. Okay?"
I looked at him and laughed.
It must have been an ugly sound.
"Simon Henson, do you really think I'm that easy to fool?"
"Jasmine? You think I'm lying to you?"
"I thought you understood me better than anyone! When did you become like this?"
"Petty! Unreasonable!"
Watching him fluster and rage, I felt nothing but cold amusement.
"What have I become?"
"I just refuse to be the fool you manipulate anymore."
"Simon, return the shares, or we divorce. Simple as that."
"Impossible!" He cut me off. "The company is at a critical stage. I won't let you destroy it!"
"Then I'll see you in court."
I turned to leave.
"Jasmine!"
He caught my wrist. His grip was bruising.
"Does it have to end like this?"
"We have years of history. Can you really just throw it all away on a whim?"
I ripped my hand from his grasp.
"You were the one who threw it away first."
"From the moment you sacrificed me over and over for Sarah, we were finished."