Chapter Three

Aria's POV (Now in Jasmine's Body)

Today was the most anxious day I ever had. I wake and continue reminding myself repeatedly: I am Jasmine now, not Aria. This new reality is peculiar and challenging. But I also think Adam can be the key to my revenge.

I wake up at dawn to the thud of heavy steps approaching the door. Adam is here, and I can tell he is mad even before his arrival. I struggle to stop myself from shaking where I'm standing.

The door creaks open and Adam steps in. His blazing anger-flecked eyes traverse the room.

"Jasmine!" he thunders. "Do you realize what you have done?"

I speak as clearly as I can. "I did not try to kill myself, Adam."

He taunts. "Pushed?" he growls, his voice rough. "That's a good alibi, don't you think?"

I look away. "It's the truth. I was pushed by someone who did not want us to marry."

Adam looms over me so close that I can feel his anger. "Why should I trust you, Jasmine?" he demands.

I cross my arms and respond firmly, "I don't require your trust. But if you are such a powerful Alpha, prove it. Employ your power to find out the truth."

He glares at me for an instant. I believe he's going to attack me, but then he inhales deeply and says, "Fine. I will have my people find out the truth."

I swallow painfully. "Thank you, Adam," I answer softly.

But he is not done. He leans forward, snarling in a low, menacing voice, "This has shamed me and our family. You will apologize publicly and do whatever it takes to reclaim our honor. Is that clear?"

I nod quickly. "Yes, I understand."

His face softens for an instant, then rehardens. "Remember, Jasmine," he warns, "you are my wife now. I will not tolerate any disobedience."

I shiver and reply in a whisper, "I remember Alpha."

Adam turns to face me and leaves me alone with my troubled thoughts. I sit on the side of the bed, shivering with my hands. I know that Adam is cruel, but if I am with him and become close to him, then I can get the chance to take my revenge on those people who cheated me. If it is the case that I have to be his bride for that, I have to do my part.

I am alone later in the mansion hallway. I am lost. I see expensive wood paneling and gleaming marble floors—things I never saw as Aria, unwanted omega. I am trapped and furious.

I am pulled from behind by a firm arm around my waist. I jump in shock.

"Who are you?" I struggle to break free.

A soft voice says, "Jasmine… my love."

I turn, my heart pounding. "I. uh." I stutter.

The man smiles warmly. "Jasmine, what is it? Did he do something to you?" he asks gently.

I attempt to smile and say, "I'm fine. I'm just a bit shaken."

His face becomes serious. "I knew you didn't want to marry, Jasmine. I always knew it."

I breathe out. "It's complicated."

He steps closer and hugs me again. "I can keep you safe, Jasmine. If you don't want this marriage, I will help you. You just have to tell me what to do."

I am hope and fear. I know Adam will be out of it for us if we get caught by him. I try to be calm and take a breath and say to him, "Listen, it isn't safe that we get caught like this. We need to be careful."

He slowly, slowly nods. "Yes, it isn't safe," he says. "But I guarantee you, I will wait for you.".

I stand there, then say, "I'll try." He touches my forehead with a gentle kiss and heads back into the dark.

I head back to my room and pace back and forth, trying to make sense of all of this. Adam's anger, his demand for an apology in public, and this other man telling me that he likes me—this all becomes a maelstrom of confusion. I ask myself, "What are Jasmine's secrets? What did I do?"

A sudden knock on the door disrupts my reverie. I get up and, seeing Amy standing at the door, find that she has a folded arms expression and an angry face.

"Ah, have you at last come to call off your little charade?" she asks.

I scowl back and reply, "I do not know what you are referring to."

Amy rolls her eyes. "Jasmine, you can act dumb, but we all know what went down. You attempted the victim act, and it isn't going to work. Not on Adam."

I scowl at her. "What do you mean?"

Amy steps in closer and gets in my ear, whispering, "You think Adam has a thing for you? Do you think he'll save you? You made a big mistake, and you've humiliated us all."

Her words sting. I insist, "What did I do to make you dislike me so intensely?"

Amy inches closer and says in a hushed tone, "Don't act stupid. You tried to ruin everything by being weak. You embarrassed our family.".

I remain quiet, outrage and anger churning in my belly. Amy casts one last look before she moves away from me. I rest back on the wall and let her words sink in. I know Jasmine has never been a popular one in this family. They are all a family of deceivers, and I'll use them on her if I can.

By evening, I am so drained. I have to act like Jasmine, obey Adam's orders, and deal with Amy's outrage. I also don't have to reveal the secret meeting with the good-natured gentleman to anyone. I keep thinking to myself, "I have to do what Adam wants now." I will apologize to everyone if need be. I will be the best pretend fiancée in public for the time being, and I will wait for the right moment.

I am positive, "Adam is dangerous, but I've been in worse situations before. I will do what I have to tomorrow to gain his trust. And when I'm ready, I will show everyone they were dumb to let someone like me get away from them."

As the sun dips on the horizon, I crawl into bed and swear under my breath, "Tomorrow I will move closer to Adam. Tomorrow I will figure something out to get this around." I close my eyes and try to still have a racing heart.

I remind myself that all I say and all I do is all in this deadly game. I must keep what I am a secret until I have my chance to attack. Even though I'm living as Jasmine now, inside I'm still Aria. I will have my revenge, and I will attack.

I drift off to sleep with these thoughts swirling in my head, promising that I will not let this new life beat me. I will wait patiently, I will study, and when the time is right, I will take revenge on all those who have wronged me.

This is my life now. I have to be strong, but I am scared. I have to be like Jasmine, though I miss myself!