"Dad, please I'm begging you to stop being so cruel toward my mother. She will die if the therapy is not started soon," Jasmine begged, kneeling on the chilly marble floor. Despite her efforts to conceal her tears, her watery face revealed the intense feelings she was experiencing as a result of her father's carelessness.
Ever since Ronald fell in love with Kesha, Jasmine's mother became a constant source of annoyance for him. However, he found himself unable to evict her from the house due to the property she owned, which was now under his ownership. "Well, this is your mother's faith, which I believe God bestowed to her because he, too, believes she is useless. I am not going to spend a penny on her. If you want to live with us, I need you to treat that woman the way I do. She might be your mother, but trust me, she's a snake. You know nothing about her," Ronald stated as he lay on the couch, watching TV. At that moment, a mother and her daughter entered the hall carrying shopping bags. "Oh, now I see why I can smell dreadful rotting trash in the home," Kesha exclaimed, staring at Jasmine on the floor with distaste. "Mom, are you calling my adorable step-sister trash?" Layla giggled as she hurriedly approached Jasmine with an excited smile, "Tell me something amazing about my nails since they are expensive!" Layla pressed Jasmine to speak, despite her obvious distress. The awful thing was that she was aware of the reason behind Jasmine's return to the residence. When her destitute mother became ill, she took her out of the house and promised never to return. "Dad, please!" Jasmine pled with a broken heart, oblivious to the abuse she was receiving. "Did you not hear what I asked, Jasmine?" Layla said, grabbing Jasmine's chin and forcing her to concentrate on her nails while ignoring the pain in Jasmine's chin. "Ah, Layla, you are hurting me!" Jasmine moaned in agony as she sought to free her chin from Layla. Kesha moved up and addressed Jasmine, wearing her vicious mask. "Did not you pledge that you would never return to this house? You were so arrogant, and even called me a mistress," Kesha's eyes blazed with anger. "If I may say so, this was not your mother's fault. Yes, she was working here, but the food she was receiving was wonderful. I truly believe that it is you who is to blame for your mother's failing health." Kesha replied, laying her hand on her daughter's shoulder, who let go of Jasmine's chin and moved to her father. Jasmine listened to Kesha and swallowed her insult with tears in her eyes. "Dad, you know I did two modeling shots today, and they said I am fantastic for theater, and I am confident that if I get a role in a movie, I will achieve tremendous success," Layla chimed with a big grin before giving mocking look at Jasmine because it was Jasmine who proclaimed her wish to be an actress, which then became her passion. "My faith in you will never wane. I do not need anybody to suggest that one day you will become a renowned actress in the movies and people would queue up outside of our house to obtain your autograph," Ronald brushed Layla's hair affectionately before taking the beer bottle from the table, entirely ignoring the other girl on the floor, who was own blood. "Oh, Dad! You are the best!" Layla said, hugging her papa tenderly. "Why are not you listening to me, Dad?" Jasmine shrieked as she sprang up from the floor, her bloodshot eyes screaming with wrath. "Keep your voice low, Jasmine!! I do not detest you, but I despise your mother to the core. As long as you are willing to leave her side, I will hold you in my arms, just like Layla. Throw that wretched lady in the gutter, and you will get the finest life you deserve," Ronald firmly stated. "You are a monster, Ronald!" Jasmine said anger in her eyes burning like wildfire, "I do not have the money to treat my mother; otherwise, this is the last place I would come to beg, but I have mistaken." With each word spoken, the intensity of her anger grew, her voice trembling with suppressed fury. "See Ronald, I warned you that we had not seen the actual face of this girl; now look, you did not listen to me," Kesha remarked, approaching her husband, but inside she was smirking maniacally. This is what she wanted because Ronald still had feelings for Jasmine, which she detested. As a result, she was looking for a method to make Ronald detest this girl as much as he despised her mother. Ronald put the beer bottle on the table and stood up, shouting at Jasmine, "You do not deserve to be my daughter; get out of this house right away. If your disgusting mother dies, I will pay for her burial.” Jasmine wiped her tears with the back of her palm and took a deep breath before saying, "If I and my mother survive, I promise you that in the future I will put you and your family to knees." Jasmine turned around and walked for the door, the sound of her footfall echoing the rage coursing through her veins. "How could she insult my father? He did everything he could to make her life better, but she, ArghI can't stand it," Layla snarled, charging toward the door, determined to smack Jasmine for satisfaction. "Layla, don't!" Kesha tried to stop her daughter, but Layla would not listen. But when Layla went out the door, she noticed a black car stopped in front of the gate. It was Paul, Jasmine's ex-boyfriend. She was the reason they broke up because she wanted Paul for herself. "I saw Jasmine leave. Where did she go!? I need to talk to her!" Paul said. Layla started sniffing when she heard Paul and added, "My sister had come to seek money for drugs. She kicked up a fuss and departed after we denied it." "What? When did she start using drugs? Paul confusingly asked. "We hid this from you because we did not want to tarnish her picture in your mind, but she has been on narcotics for a long time." Layla sniffled and looked down at her feet. "Oh, Paul! Please, be mine!" Layla thought.Vote, please!
****"Jasmine, I know it's tough, but crying won't change things," the woman said softly, setting down a steaming cup of tea in front of Jasmine, who remained huddled by the window, tears streaming down her face.Jasmine's voice cracked with anguish as she bared her soul to Nadia. "I... I can't see a way out, Nadia," she whispered, her words weighted with despair. "I don't own anything valuable to sell, and even if I land a job in some corporate office, it won't come close to covering my mother's treatment. I'm just so exhausted," she admitted."I wish I could offer you a solution, Jasmine. Even if I could get you a job at my office, it wouldn't be enough to cover your mother's treatment," she said softly, her hand resting tenderly on Jasmine's shoulder, offering what comfort she could. "And I... I don't have any savings to help you out either," Nadia confessed, her own heart heavy with helplessness."It's alright, Nadia. I appreciate your willingness to help, especially when my own f
The following day*****Jasmine clutched her phone, eyes fixed on the message on the screen. On one hand, the news that she was the chosen candidate brought a rush of relief. Yet, a gnawing fear crept in, leaving her body tense and her mind clouded. It was not an exaggeration to say that they had given her the option to step back, but she felt compelled to proceed in order to secure the money."Excuse me, ma'am! We've arrived," the cab driver spoke up, noticing the woman in the backseat showing no sign of intending to exit the vehicle.Jasmine startled, jerking upright and opening her eyes to gaze out the window.The cab driver, sensing something amiss, spoke out of concern, "Is everything alright with you, ma'am?""Hu..." Startled, Jasmine turned around and forced a tight smile. "Yes, sir. I'm fine," she replied. As she spoke, she felt beads of sweat forming on her forehead, her palms clammy with nervousness."Okay then," the cab driver responded before starting the engine and drivi
****With the morning's arrival, Jasmine awoke with a groan, only to find herself amidst unfamiliar surroundings. The jolt of realization snapped her fully awake, prompting her to sit up, and her curiosity instantly ignited.As Jasmine scanned the room, her gaze darted eagerly in search of the mysterious man, but all she found was a space filled with nothing but her scattered clothes. Plus, she found her sleeping mask away from her reach.Jasmine hurriedly got out of bed and put on her clothes before leaving. However, she ran into the maid, who was pushing a tray loaded with food."I have been advised that at 10:00 a.m., I must offer you a protein-rich meal, therefore before you leave this place, I will ask you to eat this food," the maid remarked plainly.Jasmine was going to object to the meal, but before she could even form a sentence, the maid had already spoken.“I sincerely hope you would heed his advice, provided that you are fulfilling the terms of the contract that my master
****"This is a hospital, not your personal stage for drama. Leave now," Jasmine commanded, her tone sharp with authority, knowing Layla's intentions to unsettle her mother."Jas, why are you wrapped up in that heavy shrug?" she asked, her skepticism evident. "It's not exactly chilly out, so forgive me for wondering what's really going on.""It's none of your business!" she snapped, her tone sharp and uncompromising."Heidi witnessed you speaking with the gynaecologist at the hospital. So she tried to find out what happened with you from the gynaecologist, but she refused to tell her, and she had seen you wearing a shrug that day," Layla's interrogation crackled with intrigue, her eyes drilling into Jasmine with relentless curiosity. "Come on now, spill the beans! What's the big secret you're holding onto?""Jas, what happened to you? Why are you attending a gynaecologist? How come you have not brought it up to me?" Jasmine's mother spoke in a worried tone."Mom, it's nothing serious,
*****5 years later; "Shit! Completely slipped my mind to tell the manager about calling off the shoot today," Jasmine muttered, her voice tinged with frustration, as she entered the bustling lobby of the Sydney airport.“My teacher said using curse words is really bad, Mama. And if you keep saying them, Santa will put you on the naughty list, and then you won't get any gifts,” a child's voice adoringly to Jasmine.Jasmine halted abruptly, her gaze softening as she looked at her adorable daughter, who resembled a living Barbie doll. "Sweetheart," she began, her tone gentle, "I know I've been using curse words a lot lately, and I'm sorry. It's just that I've been feeling so frustrated because I keep forgetting things and it's throwing off my whole schedule.""Mommy, you need a vacation," the small girl said, her smile bright as she tightly held her mother's hand. Though she was too young to fully grasp the struggle, she could see just how hardworking her mother was.As they walked tog
*****"Dante, you shouldn't have run away! Now come to me," the man said coldly, his tone devoid of warmth or sympathy."I asked you, who are you to this boy," Jasmine demanded, pushing Dante behind her and positioning herself in front of the man with a cold expression. She couldn't shake the feeling that the man exuded an imposing aura, perhaps hinting at a darker affiliation, like that of a gangster."He is my son, and you will not question me on this matter again," the man retorted, his voice tinged with anger as his temple throbbed with frustration.Jasmine's mouth fell open for a second before she quickly regained her composure, as she brought Dante in front of her. "Is he really?" Jasmine asked Dante, and in return, she observed his nod as confirmation. The man didn't seem like a father figure; instead, he exuded the air of a playboy. That's why she sought Dante's confirmation."You shouldn't have run from your father, Dante!" Jasmine said gently, handing him over to the man, wh
****Jasmine and Dante stepped in, their presence commanding attention, while Damon came to a stop right behind them. Together, they formed a picture-perfect family, a sight that could only be described as ideal in the eyes of any beholder."Mr. Colley!" Suddenly, a voice shot out, catching the attention of the trio. They turned to see a man with a radiant smile rushing toward them. Jasmine instinctively glanced behind her to see who he was addressing, and her eyes met with Damon's. With a silent understanding, she realized that he was Mr. Colley.Quickly, Jasmine leaned toward Dante and whispered, "Let's sit at the center table."Dante nodded and walked alongside Jasmine, his heart brimming with joy, while the businessman brushed past them without a second glance, his attention solely fixed on Damon Colley. Today was particularly significant, as he had brought his daughter along with him."Mr. Colley, it is nice to see you again," the man exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with exciteme
****"Derek, you're not the first to offer their daughter," Damon said icily, his gaze piercing Derek's with a chilling intensity. As he spoke, his lips curled into a menacing smirk, sending shivers down Derek's spine."Mr. Colley, I'm exceptionally adept with children, and I truly believe your son would benefit greatly from having a mother figure in his life. If you're uncertain, I'm willing to prove myself over months or even years. You'll witness the progress firsthand," Bailey pleaded, feeling a sting of rejection as Damon Colley openly dismissed her. Failing to make a difference would mean missing out on a significant opportunity for advancement."Wow!! you would make a fantastic nanny. Your father must be beaming with pride," Damon remarked, casting a subtle glance toward Derek, who went red in embarrassment. Then, turning his attention back to Bailey, he added, "You do not fit the bill as my wife in terms of beauty, nor possess the strength to conceal your intentions from me.""