***** "Are you out of your mind, Cindy? Why are you acting so weird?" Damon said with a displeased tone as he pushed Cindy from him with a light hand. "I am acting weird because I am insecure about our relationship, you know," Cindy's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability creeping in. "It's just... I don't feel everything is fine." Her eyes searched his for understanding. "I want more than just a commitment from you." She paused, a slight tremor in her voice. "Every time I see other women linking up with you, it's like a knife through my heart, you know?" "People make rumors about me just to be in the headlines, that's all," Damon remarked with a distant attitude, his expression aloof as if he wanted Cindy to back off. "I thought you were sensible." There was a subtle implication in his tone. If it had been any other girl, he might have pushed her away harder, but Cindy was special to his grandfather, who wouldn't tolerate any mistreatment of her. "Then kiss me, prove to me
*****The next morning, Jasmine was left alone in the house as she got ready to visit her mother's grave. Nadia received an invitation to a small event with her businessmates and wanted to bring Payne with her. As a result, she eventually dresses Payne up well and lets her leave with Nadia. Before departing, Payne stated, "Mommy, please do not forget to give grandma my favorite flower and tell her that I will come to see her soon!" At the time, Jasmine got a call from Ceece."What distant shores have you set sail for? I've reached out countless times, leaving texts in your inbox, yet no response from you has found their way back to me," Jasmine exclaimed, her brow furrowed in frustration."Jas, I gotta hit you with some seriously bad news, and honestly, I'm drawing a total blank on how to wiggle out of this one," Ceece groaned over the phone, her voice tight with tension."What's up?" Jasmine's voice lowered a notch, a tinge of apprehension creeping in."I don't know how it happened
*****"Veronica," Jasmine repeated, her voice tinged with recognition as she observed the person who had just slapped the car bonnet hard."Layla said you were practically dead, disappearing into thin air after getting pregnant!" Veronica exclaimed, a hint of ridicule evident on her face as she addressed Jasmine."I hope seeing me has changed your opinion," Jasmine said, her voice carefully controlled as she addressed Veronica and the others gathered around. She knew this group well; they could easily be considered Layla's followers.Veronica scoffed, crossing her arms defiantly. "Don't flatter yourself, Jasmine. Just because you decided to grace us with your presence doesn't mean anything has changed. You look as poor as you were. By the way, you hit my car" she retorted, her tone dripping with disdain."I was a little distracted, I apologize," Jasmine began, her tone sincere as she addressed Veronica. "But I can see that your car is fine, just got a few scratches," she added, gestur
***** Jasmine suddenly felt a shadow hover over her, tall and wide as if a tree stood before her. She looked up and found herself gazing into the face of Damon. His eyes, sharp and narrow, twitched as he spoke. “How much money do you need, Jasmine?” he asked, his voice carrying the weight of something unspoken. "What?" Jasmine inquired since she could not comprehend what he was trying to express. Besides, what exactly was he doing here? She turned her head and noticed a black automobile on the opposite side of the road. "My question is not such hard to understand. I inquired how much money you needed right now since you were sobbing on the road, which must be because of money," Damon said without feelings in his voice. Jasmine's eyes narrowed as she licked her bottom lip, a gesture of skepticism as she gazed upon the man before her. In her years, she had never encountered one so lacking in the ways of communication. "I have no need to seek your aid, nor do I recognize any k
*****Jasmine stood up to leave. On the way she thought about how she would spend her days without a job because all are savings had been given to the house. She did not know how but all the work had suddenly been taken away from her and she had no one to blame.Suddenly she bumped into a man, "Oh, I am sorry! I was bit distracted, sir,""Jasmine!""Oh... Uncle Bittle! It is good to see you again!" Jasmine politely said. Uncle Bittle was a little bit older than her father, but he used to hang out in their house when she was a teenager."I was not sure it was you, Jasmine, but my assumption is correct," Uncle Bittle replied. "I heard you no longer reside here, so you are returning to your house to visit your father!""No, I was just here!?" Jasmine struggled to answer as she believed Uncle Bittle did not know anything about their family matter."Are you aware that your father is seriously unwell as a result of cancer?" Mr Bittle inquired, seeming surprised. Jasmine blinked a few times
***** "I cannot stand how she talks to your mother," Paul said to Layla, his voice tight with frustration. He then turned his stern gaze to Jasmine, continuing, "She has been taking care of your father all these years while you ran away—hiding somewhere to save your face. If you really want to be in this house, the least you can do is say some good words and ask for her forgiveness." Kesha's heart swelled with pride as she looked at her soon-to-be son-in-law with pleased eyes. She had not expected him to stand up to Jasmine, who had once been his love and with whom he had shared a strong bond, witnessed by everyone. Jasmine's face reddened with a mixture of anger and shame. "The only thing I've asked for is to meet my father, and that's it. I haven't asked anything from any of you, nor do I wish to interrupt your time. But if you're not willing to give me a chance, I'll gladly leave now. Maybe one day I will get a chance to see my father somewhere outside of this house," she said wi
*****"Alright then," Jasmine replied, tucking the letter carefully into her shoulder bag. She waited with bated breath, her curiosity piqued by the gravity of the situation."Please, make sure to visit me again," Ronald said, his voice tinged with regret and a weak smile playing on his lips. "I owe you and your mother an apology. And as for my health, don't concern yourself too much—it's the result of my own actions, and I must face the consequences."Jasmine nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "I will come back soon. Take care of yourself, Dad."Ronald's eyes softened, a flicker of hope in their depths. "Thank you, Jasmine. It means a lot to me."Jasmine got up from her seat and headed toward the exit before stopping at the door and giving a glance to get her father over her shoulder as if She wasn't ready to leave, not without knowing if there was anything more her father wanted to say, even though she had been gently urged to depart.With a sigh, she walked out of the room and head
***** Jasmine was preoccupied with the letter, her suspicions reaching new heights. As she drove hastily towards her house, her phone rang. It was a call from Ceece. She picked up and put it on speaker, focusing on the road as she drove attentively. The sun was setting, and she assumed Payne must have already returned home with Nadia. "Hello, Ceece. Tell Payne I'm on my way home and will be there soon!" Jasmine said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the turmoil in her mind. "Jasmine, I’m not at home," Ceece's voice came through, fraught with anxiety. "There's a problem I’ve found myself in, and I don't know anyone else here who can help me out of this." Jasmine's grip on the steering wheel tightened, concern washing over her. "You sound tense! What happened?" she asked, pulling over to the side of the road to give the conversation her full attention. There was a momentary pause on the other end before Ceece continued, her voice trembling. "I tried to help you, Jasmine, but