259

AXEL

My heart pounded like a drum in my chest as I watched Jasmine step out to the living room. Her eyes were dark with anger. She whispered something to her mum while looking in our direction. Her mum nodded, rubbed her back gently, and left us alone in the living room.

A deep frown carved her face as she gave us an acidic stare, one after the other.

“What do you want!” she asked in a very bitter tone.

I couldn't believe it. Jasmine, of all people, was the one who held the key to Ashley's salvation. It seemed like the universe just wanted to mock our predicament.

The memory of our last encounter still stung.

It had been a bitter breakup, filled with accusations and hurt. The way our love turned sour and became a toxic broth of resentment and anger was not something I wanted to dwell on. I had been the one to break it off, a decision I never regretted.

I had never imagined that we would cross paths again, let alone find myself under such dire circumstances. But now, faced with the pos