Chapter 50

Jasmine shrugged. 'I told you, he had to go back to work. He sent his apologies.'

Her mother frowned. 'He seems to be working rather a lot lately.'

‘Collins has always worked hard, you know that’

'But he seems to be working extra hard the last few months.'

Jasmine looked at her mother's expectant expression, sighing deeply. 'If you have something to say, Mom, then say it. I don't feel like playing games.'

Her mother looked worried despite her outburst. 'Are you happy with Collins, Jasmine?’

She looked away. 'Of course. Just tell me what you have to say, Mother,' Jasmine said tautly, knowing her mother didn't believe her.

'Well, I've heard--'

'Yes?' she prompted tensely as her mother hesitated.

'It-may only be gossip---'

'Mom!'

'There's talk that Collins may not be spending all his time away from home working! There, I've said it now.' Victoria sounded quite shaken. 'I feel so much better now that I've just said