Crimes in the Name of Love

The day before my wedding, my so-called friend Joel Sanford got behind the wheel and killed my dad. It wasn’t some tragic accident—he was reckless and my dad ended up paying the price.

And as if that wasn’t enough, his fiancée didn’t just stand by him; she went ahead and posted their marriage certificate online, like they had nothing to be ashamed of.

I couldn’t just let it slide. I took Joel to court and even showed up at their wedding to demand justice.

I wanted him to pay for what he had done. But instead of getting support, I was humiliated. People laughed at me like I was some crazy guy who couldn’t move on.

That was when Jasmine Greer, my childhood sweetheart, stepped in. Right there, in front of everyone, she proposed to me.

She said she would be my rock, my safe place, the person who would always stand by me. I was desperate, broken and honestly, I believed her. I said yes.

I even handed over the case to her, trusting she would make things right. She told me Joel was in prison and I believed her without question.

For the next three years, I let myself think I had finally found someone who cared about me, who wanted the same justice I did.

Then one day, everything fell apart. I overheard her talking to her lawyer.

"Ms. Greer, did you really marry Nash Schultz just to get a letter of understanding?" the lawyer asked, like he couldn’t wrap his head around it. "It’s just a car accident case. Why would you drag yourself into this mess?"

Her reply hit me like a punch to the gut. "The only way I could write the letter in Nash’s name was to marry him. That letter was Joel’s ticket to freedom. He deserves to be happy abroad. As for me… it doesn’t matter. I’ll live with it."

I stood there in shock, realizing my entire marriage was a lie. Everything she had done; marrying me, pretending to care, it was all part of her plan to free Joel. She didn’t love me. She used me.

——

Then, I saw her in her office, staring at pictures of Joel on her computer. He looked carefree, happy, living a good life somewhere far away.

Jasmine just sat there, looking at the screen, smiling faintly.

"It’s been three years," she whispered. "It’s enough to see him happy, even if I wasn’t the one to give him that happiness. And Nash… I’ve spent these years trying to make up for what I did to him. It’s over now."

One of the company lawyers burst in, furious. "Ms. Greer, do you have any idea what you’ve done? If this gets out, the entire Greer Family business could crumble. You’re risking everything over a murder case! Joel Sanford killed someone. Why are you protecting him? He doesn’t even care about you!"

Jasmine’s face was cold, her voice sharp. "I’ve told you, drop it. Joel didn’t kill anyone on purpose. It was an accident. I’ve already taken care of Owen Schultz’s funeral. That’s enough of an explanation for his family."

Her expression didn’t soften as she added, "If saving Joel means giving up the company, or even my life, then so be it. I’ll do whatever it takes."

The lawyer sighed, frustration evident. "And what about Nash? He’s going to figure this out eventually. What happens if he tries to visit Joel in prison? Everything you’ve worked for will fall apart."

He pressed further. "You used Nash’s name to save the man who killed his father. What do you think he’ll do when he finds out? You can’t keep this hidden forever."

For a moment, Jasmine stayed quiet. Then, without looking up, she clicked on a photo on her screen, enlarging it.

Joel’s face stared back, carefree and smiling, somewhere far away.

Her voice was softer now but resolute. "Then don’t let Nash find out. Ever. It’s been three years. Joel will be released soon anyway. Go make the arrangements. And make sure Nash never learns the truth."

The lawyer’s voice turned urgent. "Ms. Greer, as your lawyer, I’m warning you, this will leave a trail. You can’t erase it. You’re putting yourself, the company and Nash at risk for someone who doesn’t even care about you. If Nash finds out… it’s all over."

I couldn’t breathe. My hands trembled and tears ran freely down my face. My grip on the lunchbox faltered as my entire body shook under the weight of what I had just overheard.

Footsteps drew closer, pulling me out of my shock. I quickly ducked into the stairwell, pressing myself into the shadows, trying to muffle the sound of my ragged breathing.

It all fell into place. The accident that killed my father hadn’t been filed, not like Jasmine had claimed.

Joel wasn’t locked away in some cell, paying for what he had done. No, he was out there, alive and well, living a comfortable life overseas.

Jasmine had done it all. She had lied to me, used my name and betrayed my trust, all for Joel. Everything she had said, everything she had done during these three years of marriage, it wasn’t for me. It was for him.

The woman I thought was my savior, my partner, had carefully constructed this illusion of love and devotion, only to use me as a pawn.

Three years of lies. Three years of living in a cage she built around me. I thought I had found happiness, but the truth was, I had been drowning in betrayal.

I stumbled down the stairs, the world spinning around me, my heart hammering in my chest. By the time I reached the door to the company, I could barely stand.

What a cruel joke this life had become.