Page 82 of Tempted

“But the baby is a reality isn’t it? I haven’t really thought about how to deal with this as far as visitation or anything but let’s talk about that when we get closer to my due date.”

Hope swelled in his chest but he didn’t want to get too overzealous and scare her off. “Agreed. About your case though, it’s at the judge’s discretion whether he or she will overturn the verdict or send it to trial. I think it depends a lot on the DA’s recommendation.”

Jasmine groaned. “That guy was so scary. There’s no way he’d recommend that my charges be overturned.”

“Lucky for you, a new DA has took office last year.”

“How is that lucky for me? Isn’t one like the next?” There was a wealth of bitterness in her voice and he couldn’t exactly blame her. The law was in place to protect people, not screw them over as it had done in Jasmine’s case.

“Not necessarily. This DA has a more liberal platform than the last, not to mention, he and I went to law school together. I was a first year when he was in his last. I’m not saying we were the best of friends, but we were friendly and I know how he works. So this can only help.”

Jasmine snorted. “Is that how it works? You go out to lunch and play a few rounds of golf and it’s over with? It’s no wonder the rich and famous never go to jail.”

She had a point. In criminal law, those with the resources could afford attorneys who had connections while the others like Jasmine had to make due with who they were assigned. It was one of the reasons he’d switched his concentration to corporate law. “I understand your frustration. And if it were as simple as playing a few rounds of golf with him, which I don’t play by the way, this would have been over and done with. There are still procedures that need to be adhered to which is why we’ll continue to collect as much evidence as possible. The more information we have the better the outcome would be for you.”

Jasmine sighed. “I don’t mean to sound so angry, but…it’s almost hard to believe my nightmare may be over soon.”

“If I have anything to say about it, it will be.” Victor smiled.

He glanced at his watch and groaned. Today was a half day at Chelsea and Tyler’s school and he’d promised he’d pick them up because his mother had a meeting with one of her charity committees. “Jasmine, I hate to cut this meeting short, but I have to pick my kids up from school. The teachers are having some kind of in house training which means the students will be off for the day. I can drive you home if you’d like unless…no, that’s okay.” He was foolish for even thinking along those lines.

“Unless what?”

“Unless you’d like to come with me to pick them up. They’d love to see you.”

“No! I mean, I don’t think it would be a good idea. At least not yet anyway. Besides, I probably should be getting back home. Doctor’s orders you know.”

“Okay.”

“But I’ll take that ride though.”

At least he had that.

Once the bill was paid he led Jasmine outside, his heart heavy. She’d just made it abundantly clear she had no intention of being in the children’s lives again. Maybe there was no hope. The only words spoken for the duration of the ride to her house was Jasmine giving him directions. He dared not ask her about her fiancé because he didn’t want to know. That she was with someone else was painful enough to deal with.

When he pulled up in front of the house as instructed, Victor waited for her to get out, dreading their parting. “I’ll call you this week to let you know what else we’ve turned up.”

“Thank you.” She moved to get out of the car and then paused. “Um, Victor, could you tell the kids I said hello and I hope to see them soon.”

“Of course.”

“Good. I look forward to your call.”

Victor wanted there to be more to what she’d said, but tried not to get his hopes up. If she wanted to see the children he would encourage it. He understood Jasmine was only tolerating him for the sake of her case, but maybe it could become more. Much more.

* * *

Jasmine had never been more confused before in her life. Her meeting with Victor should have cleared up any residual feelings she may have had for him, but instead her head was in an even bigger jumble than before. And then there was Jason. What was she going to do about him? First there was the huge cover up he’d perpetrated where Victor was concerned and then there was a question of whether she should go through with marrying him.

Where was he anyway? She expected him to be here by the time she got home. In fact, Jasmine was ready for a big confrontation, but he wasn’t home. She stifled a yawn feeling tired. This was the most activity she’d had in days and a nap was probably in order.

On her way to her bedroom, she halted by the stairs leading up to the loft Jason used as his studio. Normally she would have gone past it, but something in the back of her mind told her to go upstairs. Jasmine attempted to walk past but curiosity got the better of her and she headed up to Jason’s studio. She felt bad because she normally didn’t enter his private domain without his permission, but one peek wouldn’t hurt would it?

Once inside, she saw all of his paintings and works in progress, many of which were of her. He’d gone a bit overboard with all those paintings of her in Jasmine’s opinion. One particular painting caught her attention. It was her, a very pregnant her, much more advanced in pregnancy than Jasmine was. She didn’t remember posing for that picture.

Walking closer to inspect it, she frowned. When did he paint that picture? She noticed a picture sitting in the easel box resting against the painting. Jasmine picked it up studied the subject. It was exactly like the painting. A very pregnant woman who looked like her. But, it wasn’t her. There were a few subtle differences, but this woman was her doppelganger.

“Where have you been?”

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