My Allergic Fiancé Wants Me Dead

Finally, it was date night. But the restaurant was twenty miles away from my office.

By the time I finished work and fought through the traffic, the food on the table was already cold and rubbery.

Jasper Sterling said he didn't mind my lateness, but his face told a different story.

The table was covered in seafoodDall served chilled.

He knew I was deathly allergic to shellfish. Since there wasn't a single thing I could eat, I tried to make a suggestion.

"I heard their signature roast duck is famous here. Should we try it"

He barely looked up, his tone cold. "Order it if you want."

Jasper had always been a man of pride, though he usually managed to be considerate.

I assumed he was just sulking because of my schedule.

The restaurant was packed. I waved my hand several times, but the servers kept rushing past without stopping.

Jasper finally raised his hand to have the server swap his utensils.

But he didn't mention ordering more food. He just started eating, ignoring me completely.

The smile slid off my face.

When Jasper noticed, his expression darkened instantly.

"Don't start with the spoiled princess routine over a dinner. Your father has been bedridden for six months, and I'm still trying to secure my position in the company."

He leaned in, his voice dropping to a hiss. "No one is going to back you up anymore. You need to learn how to be humble and how to please people."

I stared at him, stunned.

"You're losing your temper with me more often lately. You're becoming so impatient."

Jasper slammed his silverware down with a loud 'Clack'. "So what I'm the one constantly putting up with you. If you can't even handle this, then there's no point in us getting married."

We only saw each other two or three times a month. He was putting up with me

Looking at Jasper, I suddenly felt like I was staring at a stranger.

In the last few months, he had threatened to break up or cancel the engagement more than once.

I used to be the one making compromises. Now, it felt like he expected me to surrender every single time.

"You're right. There really is no point in this marriage."

Jasper and I started dating back in college.

He came from a struggling family, but he was brilliant and fiercely proud. He was the type of man who would rather break than bend.

During a club event, Jasper helped me with my public speaking. He even tutored me after hours.

I respected his talent and admired his integrity.

Behind the scenes, I pulled strings to ensure he graduated smoothly and landed a job at my father's headquarters.

He climbed from entry-level to General Manager in just six months.

I suppose even a dog knows how to use its claws for protection. I just didn't realize when he learned to bare his teeth at me.

I grabbed my bag to leave, but Jasper caught my wrist.

"When are you going to stop making a scene I waited an hour for you because of some minor issue at your office, and I didn't complain."

"I told you to order whatever you wanted. Why do you have to pick a fight now"

People at the neighboring tables began to stare.

"She's so pretty, but what a temper. Couples should learn to compromise," a woman whispered loudly.

"That poor guy waited an hour for her. The food is ruined, and she's still being difficult," an older man added.

"Look at how expensive this place is. Her boyfriend clearly spends a lot on her. She should be grateful."

Everyone was eager to play the mediator.

It was the first time I had ever been lectured by a group of total strangers.

Jasper was the one being passive-aggressive, yet I was the villain.

He sat across from me with his arms crossed, watching the spectacle with cold eyes.

A waitress walked by and shot me a disgusted look.

"So much drama. With a temper like that, how did you even get a guy like him"

I looked up at her and frowned. "Nellie Vance"

She was Jasper's childhood friend from his hometown.

Last month, he hired her as a part-time assistant. She messed up two contracts, exposing different price quotes and losing us a major client.

Now she was working here

This restaurant was nowhere near the headquarters or the branch office.

I knew high-end places like this gave commissions on expensive seafood platters.

I glanced at the table, and it all clicked.

Nellie turned pale and instinctively looked toward Jasper for protection.

Jasper cleared his throat. "Audrey, an outsider sees things more clearly. Everyone is telling you the same thing. Stop being difficult..."

I cut him off. "You know I'm allergic to shellfish. I never eat cold food. Did you order this whole spread just to see me in the ER"

The table went dead silent.

Jasper froze. He looked down at the lobster and oysters as if he were seeing them for the first time.

Before he could speak, Nellie began to cry out in a defensive, shrill voice.

"Your father is dying, and the whole company is on Jasper's shoulders! He's lost so much weight from stress, yet he still made time for you!"

"He was worried the hot food would get cold while waiting for you. He ordered ahead because he didn't want you to wait!"

"He thinks of everything for you, and all you do is nitpick. You're just a spoiled brat!"

"Is being rich that great Does having money mean you can treat your boyfriend like he's not human"

I tilted my head, staring her down.

"My father is the Chairman. He's always been the one behind the scenes. Jasper is just a manager doing his job. How is the company 'on his shoulders'"

"And you're right, money isn't everything. But I moved Jasper from the bottom to the top in six months. Don't you think that's a little bit impressive"

Nellie screamed in frustration. "He got that position because of his own talent!"

"Even without you, Jasper would have made it! It was only a matter of time!"

I watched as the annoyance on Jasper's face softened. He clearly agreed with her.

He even reached out to tug at the hem of Nellie's apron.

It was a gesture that was intimate without being overtly sexual.

To a stranger, it looked like a comforting friend.

But I knew Jasper. He was a germaphobe who hated physical contact. This was a massive red flag.

"Nellie, that's enough," Jasper said softly.

"But Jasper! I can't stand her demeaning your talent! You're the most successful person from our town!"

She almost mentioned their village but caught herself to protect his pride.

Jasper's eyes shimmered with affection. Then he turned back to me, his face turning into a mask of calm.

"I didn't think through the menu. Don't take it out on Nellie. She doesn't think as much as you do."

"She's young. She's just honest and direct."

They were a united front, acting like they were the ones suffering.

I whispered to myself, Youre right. Im calculating. Im the one who overthinks.

I guess I really was the blind one. It took being a bystander to finally see the truth.

Our five-year relationship had rotted long ago. I was just finding out.

Regardless of how far they had gone, the moment he chose to touch her, it was over.

Jaspers heart had already moved on.

Audrey, its just a dinner. Youre always imagining things and looking for trouble.

He turned to Nellie, his voice unintentionally softening. Nellie, bring us a roast duck.

You got it, Jasper!

The girl nodded happily and practically skipped away.

She had the playful energy of someone who knew she was cherished.

I felt a sudden wave of vertigo.

I never thought of myself as the jealous, imaginative type.

Yet, I had heard that word from Jaspers mouth constantly over the past six months.

When my custom-made dresses went missing and ended up on her, he told me she was just a girl who had never seen nice things.

He told me not to be malicious.

When Nellie posted a photo of them holding hands, wearing my engagement ring, he said she just wanted to know what it felt like.

He told me not to overthink.

Last week, on our fifth anniversary, Nellie fainted at our doorstep.

Jasper rushed her to the hospital, but they ended up on her social media feed later.

It was a photo of them at the beach. Nellie was on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek.

I hadnt even asked about it yet, but he had already warned me not to be paranoid. He said she was just like a sister.

Bang!

A plate of roast duck was slammed onto the table beside me.

I jumped as a sticky, dark sauce splattered across my arm.

Is this your idea of service I asked, my voice trembling with suppressed rage.

The sauce was thick, greasy, and smelled like old fish.

I had a thing about cleanliness, but I tried to keep my voice down. Clean this off me. Now.

Nellie didnt move. She pouted and looked at Jasper with teary eyes.

Jasper, I didnt mean it. I just wanted her to get her food quickly.

She had ruined my clothes, yet she was apologizing to him.

And of course, Jasper stepped in to play the hero for her.

She was trying to be helpful. Shes just clumsy. Dont bully her.

The black sauce on my arm felt disgusting. It made my skin crawl.

I narrowed my eyes at him. She caused the mess. Why shouldnt she fix it Since when is asking for an apology bullying

The restaurant was quiet now. Every word I said was being recorded by the curious eyes of the crowd.

Nellie bit her lip, tears finally spilling over.

Jasper, dont fight with her because of me. Im just a waitress. Its my job to be a servant.

Suddenly, my vision began to blur.

I couldnt hear them clearly anymore. It felt like thousands of ants were crawling under my skin and down my throat.

I heard a familiar voice, but the tone was incredibly harsh.

Audrey! People in the service industry arent slaves! Theres no need to look down on her!

You know how much I hate your elitist attitude!

Was that Jasper

I couldnt focus on his words. My heart was racing, and my body was itching uncontrollably.

Jasper... I think... Im having an allergic reaction... Get me to a hospital...

He let out a cold laugh. Oh, so now youre playing the victim too Stop copying her and get up.

Everything was fading into a grey mist. I heard Jaspers phone ring.

He took the call, then looked at me slumped over the table.

If you want a way out of this argument, this isnt it. No one is going to worship you forever, Audrey.

You need to learn to bow your head. Think about that.

I heard the murmurs of the crowd as two blurry figures walked away together.

Then, I lost consciousness completely.

...

When I woke up, I was staring at a hospital ceiling.

My lead assistant, Sebastian Blackwood, was sitting by the bed.

The doctor said I arrived too late. My throat had almost closed up, and my vision had been compromised.

I would need to stay under observation for at least two weeks.

The last message from Jasper was from two days ago.

Stop faking it. Im busy with the company. I dont have time for your games.

I hate being misunderstood.

I sent him the medical reports and the hospitalization records.

There was no reply.

When youre weak, your mind tends to wander to dark places.

I whispered to the empty room, Jasper, if you knew you almost killed me... would you even care

I laughed at myself. It was pathetic.

Why was I still hoping for a heart that had already turned black

Jasper didnt contact me again after that night. He went completely radio silent.

The main office was a mess, and the branch had too many projects that needed my personal touch.

I couldnt afford to stay in bed, so I started working from the hospital.

I kept Sebastian busy running back and forth.

I was so occupied that I almost forgot Jasper existed until a message popped up on my phone.

It was from Jaspers number, but the words didnt belong to him.

Hey big sis, Jasper gave you a month to reflect on your behavior. Have you learned your lesson yet

I suddenly realized it had been an entire month since Id seen him.

Jasper has been so busy with the company. Hes exhausted. Im taking good care of him for you. You should really learn from me.

Youre way too controlling. You dont know how to appreciate a man like him. Do you have any idea how much hes suffered being with you

Do you know how humiliated he felt while your father was still around to look over his shoulder

Jasper said that only when your father is gone will the company truly be his. Only then can he finally stand tall!

So thats what it was.

When Jasper told me to bow my head, he meant he wanted to take over.

Then, a video was sent to me.

The background was the bedroom in the new house Jasper and I were supposed to share.

Nellie was wearing one of Jaspers dress shirts. Her bare legs were exposed as Jasper pinned her down.

His usually cold voice was filled with a rare, desperate tenderness.

Nellie... Nellie... youre mine...

The video cut off there.

The content was sickening, but the camera angle looked strangely professional.

I looked up at Sebastian, who was standing by my bed.

Sebastian, do you ever watch... adult videos

Cough! Cough!

Sebastian nearly choked on his own breath. He couldn't stop coughing.

I beg your pardon, Miss

I smirked, observing the man in front of me.

He was trying to look composed, but the tips of his ears were bright red.

Sebastian wore silver-rimmed glasses and always looked like a stoic, untouchable professional.

My father once told me that Sebastian was a quiet kid in the orphanage. He only got colder as he grew up.

My father worried he wouldnt be loyal, but on my eighteenth birthday, he finally admitted Sebastian was the most faithful man he knew.

I watched him closely. I thought you were a monk, Sebastian. I didnt realize you had a secret stash of spicy videos.

He looked more tense than Id ever seen him.

I stopped teasing him and forwarded the video to his phone.

Investigate Nellie Vance. Specifically her history in the adult entertainment industry. I want everything.

Yes, Miss.

Then, I sent a message to Jasper.

I have the evidence of your cheating. Were over. Get out of my house immediately.

That house was built by my mother before she passed away. The man living there could be Jasper, or it could be anyone else.

He didnt reply. I spent the night tossing and turning, my mind racing.

As soon as the sun came up, I grabbed Sebastians arm.

Discharge me. Were going to the house.

I couldnt stand the thought of them trashing my home for another second.

When I arrived at the front door, my hands were shaking with rage.

The custom-made gold-plated lock had been replaced with a cheap fingerprint scanner.

Sebastian, call someone to rip this door down.

And call the police.

That custom hardware was worth a fortune. Replacing it was a felony.

The noise of the door being forced open was loud. When it finally gave way, the smell of cheap booze hit me instantly.

Clothes, pants, and underwear were scattered everywhere.

Nellie came running down from the second floor, wearing a wrinkled shirt. Her underwear was visible as she moved.

Seeing the crowd at the door, she screamed and tried to cover herself.

Audrey! Why did you bring all these men here Im exposed! How will I ever show my face again

I let out a cold laugh.

Youve been caught on camera with a lot less on, Nellie. Why start being shy now

At least youre wearing a shirt. Thats more than your usual viewers get.

On the way over, Sebastian had sent me a file. There were so many videos and photos.

I thought to myself: girls should never be raised in poverty. Its too easy for them to lose their way for a quick buck.

Nellie curled into a ball on the stairs, her shoulders shaking with sobs.

Audrey, I know youre upset about Jasper, but you cant just insult my dignity like this...

I didnt know if he was woken up by the noise or her crying.

Jasper emerged from the bedroom, looking hungover and haggard.

His eyes were bloodshot. When he saw me, he couldn't hide his fury.

Audrey Sterling! Have you lost your mind Bringing a mob here to catch us

Do you have any idea how you look right now A bitter, jealous woman! We arent even married yet and youre already acting like a shrew!

I ignored him and turned to Sebastian.

Pull the security footage. Check if anything else is missing besides the lock.

Sebastian moved immediately.

Jaspers face twisted into a snarl.

Youre so petty. Youre a woman, yet youre dragging Nellies name through the mud. And as for me... youre trying to destroy my pride!

He glared at me, his face looking ugly and distorted.

It was like the mask had finally slipped off.

Jasper grabbed a coat and draped it over Nellies shoulders.

Just because Nellie and I grew up poor doesnt mean were thieves!

I burst out laughing. I laughed until my eyes burned. I picked up a coat hanger from the floor and used it to lift a pair of white panties off the sofa.

You talk about being clean Im the one who should be disgusted.

A man and a woman alone, and your underwear is in the living room. You two couldnt even make it to the bedroom.

I dropped them back on the floor with a look of revulsion.

I was about to show him the video when Nellie jumped up, sobbing, and handed him her phone.

Jasper, Audrey didnt contact you for a month. I just wanted to remind her of how hard you work and how much you sacrifice.

But she brought all these people here just to humiliate me...

Jasper looked at the messages, and his anger seemed to vanish, replaced by a patronizing sigh.

He rubbed his temples and looked at me like I was a difficult child.

Audrey, youre being impulsive again. This is all a misunderstanding. I was drunk after a business meeting last night, and Nellie brought me home. I threw up on her.

She didnt send the whole video. Later on, I told her shes like a sister to me. It was just a joke. Why are you being so sensitive

I couldnt believe it. Even now, he was making excuses for her.

It wasn't that Nellie was playing games. It was that Jasper was allowing her to taunt me.

I didn't want to waste any more words.

Were done. Get your things and get out of my house.

The word done didnt faze him, but the phrase my house did.

His face went dark.

He didnt have many weaknesses, but his ego was massive.

I used to be so careful with his feelings. I used to prioritize his pride over everything.

Not anymore.

Jasper stared at me for a long time. When I didnt back down, he became impatient.

You know Nellie and I have known each other forever. If I wanted her, I wouldnt have spent five years with you.

A womans reputation is everything. You need to apologize to her. Now.

Sebastian brought over a chair for me.

Apologize

I sat down and scoffed. If my family didnt have hundreds of millions in assets, would you have even looked at me

Youve been playing the long game for five years, Jasper. Do you really think youre that clever

Sebastian handed me a folder. I threw it right at Jaspers face.

I spoke slowly, emphasizing every word.

Jasper, either you take your whole crew of relatives and get out of my company, or you bet every cent youve saved and try to fight me.

And while youre at it, why dont you show me how to be humble and pleasing