His Secret Child, Her Revenge: Remarrying Up novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53 Give the Money Back Then

Chapter 53 Give the Money Back Then

Jasmine tapped her phone a few times.

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A moment later, Caleb’s phone buzzed with a notification. It was a five-thousand-dollar wire transfer, with a note attached: [Happy Birthday.]

Caleb smiled and was just about to say something when Jasmine cut him off with a sigh.

“I’m broke lately, so that’s all you’re getting. Not a penny more. If it’s too little for you, give it back.”

Caleb burst out laughing. “I was actually going to say that I told everyone else not to bring gifts or spend money. I just wanted to get together and have a good time.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?” Jasmine asked.

“Forgot.”

Like hell you did, Jasmine thought.

Aloud, she held her hand out. “Give the money back then.”

Caleb immediately shoved his phone deep into his pocket. “No Indian givers! Besides, this is the first time you’ve ever gotten me anything. There’s no way I’m returning it.”

Jasmine smiled but didn’t say anything. She had originally planned to buy him a real gift, but after the endless string of miserable things that had happened today, she just hadn’t been in the mood.

Soon, the table was alive with laughter and conversation as everyone dug into the feast. Jasmine was the only one who couldn’t seem to bring herself to care about the food.

Sierra noticed this and sighed quietly to herself. She nudged the plate of plum-glazed ribs toward Jasmine and whispered in her ear, “Since you’re here, just try to have fun. Eat, drink, and forget about it. Miserable as you are, you’re only giving those miserable bastards exactly what they want. Didn’t you say you wanted to treat me to Celestial Garden anyway? This is perfect. Caleb’s footing the bill, so let’s just enjoy ourselves.”

Jasmine let out a genuinely relaxed laugh. “You’re right.”

Caleb walked over, glass in hand. “Hey, you two, stop whispering. Come on, have a drink! This is from my private reserve here. I don’t break this out for just anyone.”

He went to pour Jasmine a glass, but Sierra intercepted him before Jasmine could even speak.

“Jasmine quit drinking,” Sierra said. “I’ll take this glass for her. Happy birthday!”

Caleb wasn’t having it. “The only reason I drank for her last time was that I couldn’t stand watching other people peer-pressure her. Today is my birthday. Just one glass. Plus, it’s an incredible vintage; I really want her to try it.”

Not wanting to announce her pregnancy to the room, Jasmine had to make up a lie on the spot.

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Chapter 53 Give the Money Back Then

“I’m on my period.”

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Caleb raised an eyebrow. “Seriously? Of all days, it had to start today? Talk about terrible timing.

“Blame yourself,” Jasmine countered. “Who told you to have a birthday on the day my period started?”

Left speechless by the retort, Caleb burst into a hearty laugh.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” he said. “Still as sharp-tongued as ever.”

He downed the rest of his drink in one gulp, then let out a sigh. “And yet, you seem different somehow –

“I’m still the same old me,” Jasmine replied.

“No, no, no.” Caleb wagged his finger, suddenly turning to Ethan, who had been quiet most of the time. “Do you know what she used to be like?”

A trace of tenderness softened Ethan’s cool, distant eyes. “I don’t, actually.”

“Well, let me tell you.” Caleb threw an arm around Ethan’s shoulder, his excitement building. “When I first met her, she was just a young girl. She always wore her hair in a ponytail and dressed really simply. But man, was she gorgeous!”

Caleb drifted into the memory.

“It wasn’t a flashy kind of beautiful. She just had this refreshing, natural look that made you feel good just being around her. Plus, she carried herself so well. Back in college, she had countless guys chasing after her. Too bad she was so cold and blunt. When she rejected people, she didn’t spare their feelings at all!”

Caleb gritted his teeth in mock resentment. “Take me, for instance. I’m a good-looking guy-I was practically the campus heartthrob at Rivercrest! But to her, I wasn’t even worth a second glance.”

Ethan gave a faint smile. “She didn’t think you were worthless; you were just overconfident. Sounds to me like she made the right call in turning you down. Everyone knew about your reputation as a player, after all. You can’t expect a beautiful flower to grow in manure.”

Jasmine looked down, stifling a laugh. She hadn’t realized Ethan had a sense of humor.

Sierra clapped her hands in delight. “Good one, Mr. Brooks! He really is a total piece of work!”

Instead of getting annoyed, Caleb just laughed. “You guys are the only ones who would dare tease me like this.”

Then, Caleb leaned in and whispered something in Ethan’s ear, bringing a warm, genuine smile to Ethan’s

face.

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