Jasmine woke up the next morning on edge, she looked at the side of the mattress, the sheets were perfectly tucked making her wonder if it was all in her head or if someone had truly been with her the previous night.Shaking her head she sat up, there was no way in hell Chad would have stayed with her on the same bed, the man rather moped the sea than do that.She looked around the room, there were no signs of Chad at all. A shame. She'd wanted to use him as a little distraction to get over her lingering unease. She never remembered her dreams but she'd also had a bad feeling about them when she woke up and last night was one of those dreadful days. Jasmine showered in less than ten minutes, flipped on her red and white fur coat before stepping out of her room. It wasn't exactly the most interesting place to be.Once she walked out of her suite, the decorations in the hall overwhelmed her. Unlike the other days where it was just a simple Christmas tree and light, this time it was a
Jasmine looked back at Chad waiting for him to speak. “Are you done?” Chad sighed. She didn't understand what kind of question he was asking her and why it pissed her off. She shot him a glare. “Are you seriously asking me that?”Chad gave her a blank look she didn't even understand and crossed his arm, his cold blue eyes narrowing at her. “What?” She asked, still unable to understand the look he was giving her.Chad fingers found their way to the bridge of his nose, before his head fell forward. “So are you going to tell me why you felt the need to interrupt?”Jasmine let out a dry laugh. “Oh, I don’t know, maybe because I was tired of watching your ex-girlfriend grope my fiance in public?”His brow arched and though a part of him was glad that Jasmine had showed up before he let something stupid happen,he still wasn't going to show it. “I know what I’m doing, Jasmine.”She rolled her eyes at him. “Yeah right. You had everything completely under control. I'm guessing that was y
Evening came sooner than later. As expected, everyone was excited for the Christmas Eve party. It happened once every year except for the last three years when Ava was out of the country.Unlike most years, this one was different, even the air felt different.The grand hall had been transformed into something out of a winter fairytale. Jasmine stood at the far end of the hall observing. She couldn’t help but feel disappointed. With the way Georgia and the others spoke of the party, she had expected something extravagant, not the bore it was turning out to be.Jasmine never thought she would be here. Not after everything that had happened the night before. Yet, here she was, standing in a room full of people on Christmas Eve.With so many people in the room, it was much warmer, and for that, she was grateful, especially since she had chosen to wear the emerald dress that had miraculously been placed on her bed.She knew the dress was from Chad, even though she hadn’t seen him to confi
Jasmine's fingers tightened as she watched Ava walk away. Now, what was she supposed to do? She couldn't run, she should.Instead, she did the only thing she could do. She turned to the nearest server and grabbed another glass of wine. Then another.Jasmine and alcohol were the biggest enemies but she didn't care that it burned or the way people glanced at her. If anyone had a problem, they could take it up with someone else. She was pissed and confused all at the same time. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. What was the worst Ava could do? She had already humiliated her, exposed her, and made it clear that she wasn’t welcome here.Jasmine downed another sip of wine, her thoughts spinning. How else was she supposed to deal with emotions she didn't even understand?She took another glass ready to drown it down when a hand rested in her shoulder making her tense. “Slow down. You don't want to cause a scene. Rich or Classy men are still men.” Jasmine turned to see Jordan watching her w
Chad dragged a hand down his face as he stepped into the hallway. He had walked out on Jasmine, but it wasn't the end. He just needed a moment to understand what the hell was going on. Jasmine's words still rang in his head, repeating constantly.He couldn't help but think about the way she had said it, as if she hated admitting it, as though she was fighting whatever she felt. He couldn't blame her. He himself couldn't even say the words. Did he feel it, or did he not?And the worst part was, he felt something too. A flutter in his chest, one he had only ever felt for Ava.His steps quickened, his palm forming a fist. He didn’t know what pissed him off more. Was it the look on Jasmine’s face, how broken she had looked over something that wasn’t even real? Or was it the fact he actually felt something too?But it wasn’t him. He didn’t kiss Ava. So what the hell was going on?His jaw tensed as he pulled his phone from his pocket, the unread text staring back at him.Ava: Come to the
His mouth parted in disbelief. “Kol?” With a small smile he nodded. “In the flesh and blood.” Chad's eyes widened further as he looked at his brother who was supposed to be dead.“You're alive?” Whether he was seeing things or not he didn't know. He took a step back, shaking his head. “No, this—this isn’t real. You’re dead.”“Yeah, about that… I didn't actually die that day. I got lucky.” Kol grinned, his hands slipping into his pockets so casually as if he didn't just throw a bomb on everything Chad had believed up until now. “Lucky?” Chad snapped. “Is this some kind of joke?”Kol tilted his head, that same easy smirk playing on his lips—the same one Chad hadn't seen in decades or more. “I know it’s a lot to process. But trust me, I’m real. Flesh and blood.” He lifted a hand and tapped his chest. “See? Not a ghost.”Chad’s fists clenched at his sides. “That doesn’t answer a damn thing. You died! I saw the ashes left by the fire along with our parents too.”Kol twisted his head an
"Get a hold of yourself," I said finally, watching Ava wipe away the last trace of her fake tears. “He bought the act. That’s what we needed.”She let out an exaggerated sigh, stretching like she had just wrapped up a performance. “Still, you could have wrecked us all. Gladly you didn't and we're solid now.”I let out a dry chuckle, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Don’t get your hopes up. Whatever we had today? I did it for my own gain. Don’t mistake it for something it’s not.”Ava narrowed her eyes, arms crossing over her chest.This had never been about her, or Jordan, or whatever revenge scheme they had planned for Chad. The only reason I’d agreed to play along was because I needed something to keep Chad from asking too many questions about my disappearance."Since my Ava here has a habit of taking matters into her own hands," Jordan spoke up, he seemed a little uneasy as if he was trying to mask something, then added. “We all might as well play along.”My gaze flicked lazily be
The bells of Christmas morning filled the hotel and Jasmine stirred in her sleep, her head throbbed with a light headache and unable to bear it anymore, her eyes flew open. A groggy sigh left her lips as she turned on her stomach, burying her head into the pillow.She'd had too much to drink that her memory was now a fog. What happened last night?Her eyes traveled down to her body, she was no longer wearing the emerald dress she wore the night before but instead it was a satin nightgown that smelled like it'd just be brought fresh from the laundry.Her body went still, something wasn't right. Who had changed her? A jolt of panic ran through her mind as she tried to recall what happened the previous night. At first it was all a blur until it all started coming back piece by piece. She remembered how tipsy, angry and overall.. jealousy, she had been. Her emotions were heightened and she kept on spilling uncontrollably to Chad. And overall, her fingers traced her lips. They had kisse
The silence in the room was unnerving, and everyone was eager to know what the response of the clients would be."See... I told you this was pointless, if none of the other applicants could do it, then certainly Jasmine would be the worst person to call for the job." Chad muttered to June."Well, sir, even if she fails, it was worth the risk. Would you rather she hadn't done anything and we lose the job, then you figure out that she gets this contract for another company? At least when she fails, you'll know she was truly incompetent like you said." June replied politely.Chad shrugged. "You know me, I'm never wrong about a person, so I don't need to follow the goddamn rules. I'll judge the fucking book by its cover." He said, brushing his hair slightly with his hand."Relax sir, the investors hadn't said anything yet, and I'm sure they wouldn't like side talks at such a prestigious meeting." June said."Wait... Are you telling me to be quiet? Just because you are related to me doesn'
Jasmine sighed, a mischievous smirk spreading across her face. "Not a chance.""Please, Jasmine, just come with me," June begged, her voice soft and desperate as she hurriedly got out of the Mercedes."Yeah... Just drop your stupid pride and come back." The receptionist said."Shut up!" Jasmine and June echoed together."As I was saying. Chad realized his mistakes... And wants to give you a chance to work with us. It's a one time pay, so once you are able to secure us the contract, he is willing to give you a hundred thousand dollars." June said, her voice persuasive.Jasmine sighed. "I'm gonna help you with a billion dollar project and you are only offering me a hundred thousand dollars? That's quite greedy of you. I'm sure this was Chad's idea. What does he take me for?" She protested.June sighed. "Alright, name your price. We'll give you whatever you want." She said, trying her best to convince Jasmine.They were running out of time, and Jasmine was their last hope.Jasmine folded
"Fuck no!" Chad said bluntly. "There is no way I'm letting this amateur mess up my chance with the investors.""Ummm... With all due respect sir, our chances with the investors are basically zero without a business strategist. We had to call some of the people who came for an interview to give us some ideas, but even their ideas were rejected. "The lady said.Chad sighed. "Then screw it..." He cursed. "There is no way she would be able to make any difference if all those people had failed.""Well... With her we still have a three percent chance of getting the contract if she is as bad as you say." The lady protested. "Can I have a look at her portfolio?"Reluctantly, Chad handed Jasmine's portfolio to the lady, and she went over it quickly."Well damn it... This lady is more than qualified for this role sir, if I were you I...""But you aren't." Chad cut her off. "I'm the boss around here, and I'll decide who gets hired and who doesn't, so if I say Jasmine here isn't hired, then she i
"What? Owe you an apology? I'm not the one who cheated." Chad retorted."Cheated? What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Jasmine defended."Oh please, cut the chase, and let's get straight to it. If you don't want to talk about it then it's fine. I'm happier without you anyway." Chad said, his voice laced with venom.Chad's words cut through Jasmine's soul like a hot knife in butter, and she felt tears trying to creep out, but she quickly forced them back."So are we just going to pretend like you didn't use me as a one-night stand?" Jasmine blurted out.The moment instantly became awkward, but she couldn't retract her words.Chad sighed. "So we are doing this?" He retorted."At least tell me what I did wrong," Jasmine said, her voice getting emotional. "Do you know how painful it is to wake up to an empty bed after such a passionate night? Or didn't I mean anything to you? Was that night just a joke or was it part of the contract?"Chad felt guilty about hearing Jasmine's question
"Chad?" Jasmine blurted out, feeling a mixture of emotions.A part of her was finally happy to see him, while the other part was confused and anxious about what his reaction would be to her.Chad raised an eyebrow, startled for a moment. He hadn't been expecting Jasmine as one of the candidates. However, he quickly regained his calm and cold demeanor before she could notice his surprise."Have a seat, miss; your interview has already commenced," he said, without a flick of emotions.Interview?What the fuck is he going on about? She thought. Is he just going to pretend like he doesn't know me or is this some crazy prank?Was he just going to go on with the interview like he didn't know she was the one? Or was this some sort of prank? First, he vanished without a trace, leaving only a message of their contract ending after using her as a one-night stand.Was that his plan all along? Use me to make Ava jealous and all, and when he was finally ready to get back together with Ava, he woul
The week came in a blur, and Jasmine had to return to work. Though she dreaded the idea, it was either that or she would be eating the scraps off the street for breakfast, lunch and dinner.Her mind wandered back to the New year's event, she hadn't heard anything from her Dad since then and for some reason she'd stopped herself from actively trying to connect to him, though her curiosity was at its peak. Where had he been all these years? Why did she feel something different, strange being around him?However her thoughts were interrupted by a crashing noise. She looked over to see she'd bumped into another of her work colleagues. Both her food tray and the others scattered all over the place. Shit! Shit!!Had she spaced out? She had been completely unaware of her surroundings and worst of all, this was the third time this week. She quickly bent down to help with the cleaning but before she could touch anything, Mr Whitman's voice echoed from the back of the room.“Jasmine. To the
“Mina.” His voice cracked.Jasmine took two steps backwards shaking her head. “This can't be real. You're dead.”Her father, John, took a step into the light, a side smile on his face. “I am not, and I can explain everything. I just want you to believe me.”“How? Mom? Since when? Where have you been all this while?” Questions kept spilling out of her mouth uncontrollably.“I can explain, Mina. I just want this to be between us.”Her mind scrambled to make sense of his words. “What do you mean between us? We have to tell mom. Do you have any idea how hard this has been for her?”She shook her head as if trying to wake up from a terrible dream. “I must be hallucinating. You died! I went to your funeral.”John took two steps forward until he was just a few steps away from her. “I will explain everything, I just need you to promise me you won't tell your mom.” She didn't say a word and stared at him disoriented. He reached out, holding her palm in his. “You're all grown up now.”His han
The Withers family were all gathered at her Aunt Chelsea’s house. It had become their tradition to spend the New Years and Christmas there ever since her father died.Chelsea was much younger than Jasmine's mother, Nimani. If anything, she was half her age. Chelsea was her step-aunt from her Dad’s—or at least, that was how she understood it from her mother's description. All she truly knew was that they were related, and her mother had a really close relationship with Chelsea even before her marriage to her father. Chelsea brought the last tray of her MasterChef recipe, placing it gently on the table, her face beaming with pride. “Voila..” She took the tray lid off dramatically. “This year's Christmas special! Or at least what we would have had if Jasmine had showed up and did not just magically disappear. “Jasmine rolled her eyes at her. She could tell from the false anger Chelsea played that she just wanted to dig into where Jasmine had actually gone.“Can we just have dinner f
Jasmine stared at Peter, dumbfounded. She couldn't formulate any words to fill the internal confusion she felt.Peter didn't wait for Jasmine to register an answer and instead gave a firm nod.“I'll be waiting.” With that, he turned away and left.Images of the previous night rushed back into her head. After all that, he'd just vanished the next morning. Was it something she did?Finally, dragging the life back into her dead, shocked body, she turned back into the room. But just a few steps away, a sinister chuckle stopped her cold.She didn't need to turn to know it was Ava—who else would be that jobless to pause their own life just to enjoy someone else's misery?“What's wrong, darling?” Ava mocked.When Jasmine didn't turn, she continued, “Do my ears hurt, or did I just hear that Chad abandoned you?”Jasmine's throat tightened.“Oh, please… don't act like you didn't see this coming. He's Chad Blackstone of course, do you really think he cares about you?” Jasmine stiffened as Ava c