"Rachel''s checkup is going to take quite a while. Stay with her for now; I''ll be backter," Haynes said, ncing at his watch.


    Jasper, who could never keep his thoughts to himself, let out a dryugh. "Haynie, we both know why Rachel''s in this condition. You promised me you''d take care of her, and look where that got us. And now, with Rachel at death''s door, you''re off having lunch with Ste?"


    Haynes shifted his gaze towards Jasper, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Jasper softened his tone, sensing the tension. "Haynie, if it wasn''t for Rachel pulling me out of the fire that time, I wouldn''t be here. She loves you, and I was willing to step aside for that."


    He paused, remembering the past. "When Deanna disapproved of you two and you broke it off, I didn''t me you. I just want Rachel to spend herst days without regrets."


    Jasper and Haynes had been like brothers since childhood, bonded by more than just friendship. Jasper had once put himself in harm''s way to save Haynes, nearly paying the ultimate price. Rachel had swooped in just in time, saving his life.


    Despite Jasper''s feelings for Rachel, he chose to support her happiness with Haynes. He understood why Haynes had married Ste, given the circumstances with their child. But now, with Rachel terminally ill, he couldn''t stand the thought of Haynes abandoning her.


    By two in the afternoon, Haynes still hadn''t shown up.


    Ste, not one to wait around, dialed Haynes'' number. To her surprise, the call was quickly answered-not by Haynes, but by Jasper.


    "Ste," Jasper said smugly, "you can stop trying. Haynie''s with Rachel and won''t being to meet you."


    Ste sighed, her suspicions confirmed. "You guys nned this, didn''t you?"


    Jasper chuckled, unbothered by her usation. "Of course! You wanted to steal Haynie away today, didn''t you? Well, I made sure that won''t happen. Does it make you mad, Ste? Good! I love watching you squirm."


    Even over the phone, Ste could picture Jasper''s self-satisfied grin. She couldn''t help but shake her head at his antics.


    "Do you even know why I wanted to meet Haynes?" Ste asked, amused by his ignorance.


    Jasper scoffed. "Why should I care? All that matters is Haynie''s not leaving Rachel today, so give it up!"


    Ste had never encountered anyone as clueless as Jasper. She knew that if Rachel found out the truth, she''d probably be furious enough to strangle him.


    Despite her frustration, Ste gathered herself. Engaging in petty squabbles with someone like Jasper wasn''t worth her time. "Jasper, I wanted to meet Haynes to discuss-"


    Before she could finish, Jasper hung up, leaving her staring at the disconnected call in disbelief.


    Sighing, Ste tried calling back, only to find the line dead. She took a deep breath, realizing she''d have to confront Haynes in person at the hospital.


    Ste had already prepared for this. If Haynes agreed to a divorce, she''d walk away, no strings attached. It was better to part amicably than drag on in misery.


    But if he refused, she was prepared to fight for what was rightfully hers.