"Keep it up, Jess, looking good,"
"Look to the left, just like that, hold it."
All eyes were now fixed on a model who was skyrocketing to fame, a stunning model with a tall and captivating figure, just like most models. However, she had her own allure, not just her beauty, but also her personality.
"She's annoying, but unfortunately, she's beautiful."
"Yeah, you can't do anything about her good luck."
"Isn't God unfair to us?" Molly said, holding a few pieces of clothing in her hands.
"Hey, you're eating from her hand, so just accept it, okay? Keep your complaints to yourself," Lusy said, smiling mockingly at her colleague. Before Molly could respond to her friend's taunt, Lusy immediately nudged Molly's arm while looking back where a man was now approaching with his blank face and, unfortunately, he was handsome.
"Is the photoshoot still long?" he asked, making Lusy and Molly remain silent without blinking, until they realized themselves and received questioning glances from their interlocutor.
"Oh, yes, maybe a few more outfits for Jess," Molly replied, making the man nod before leaving a thin smile in their minds. Molly and Lusy just watched his sturdy back move away and approach the set.
"There she is, the luckiest one that makes me jealous the most," Molly said, making Lusy nod in agreement this time.
"Does their whole family really inherit godlike looks?" Molly murmured again when she saw how beautiful Jasmine was and the man who was asking them.
"Hey, they're not a real family," Lusy said, making Molly return her friend's gaze.
"I thought it was just cheap gossip," Molly guessed.
"Who knows, the media doesn't clearly report on their family, like it's taboo to discuss and for the public to know," Lusy replied, finally pulling Molly's hand to find a seat and move away from the photoshoot set a little bit.
"Are you curious?" Lusy asked, seemingly seeing Molly's enthusiastic expression.
"You're her assistant, I'm afraid you'll report me to your boss," Lusy said, making Molly sigh irritably.
"Hey, you know, I never mix work matters with my curiosity. I'm professional," Moly replied, making Lusy snort. Yes, it could be said that Moly was always curious about circulating gossip, even if it was just cheap gossip or unclear news, making Lusy sigh roughly.
"Listen, I'm not saying this is the truth. You know, I heard it from someone else too," Lusy said, making Moly nod with shining eyes, making Lusy sigh roughly again.
They...
"Great job, Jess. You're always reliable," Ramon said as he walked towards Jasmine, showing the camera in his hand, filled with photos of Jasmine in various poses.
"Yeah, I know," Jasmine replied, making Ramon chuckle.
"I like your answer," Ramon replied, then handing the camera he held to his assistant.
"Only my answers you like?" Jasmine asked, making Ramon silent as he looked at Jasmine's beautiful face, which didn't even care about the conversation they were having. Ramon knew for Jasmine, all of this was just small talk.
"Do you want to have lunch with me?" Ramon invited because there was no point in continuing their previous conversation.
"It seems..."
"Mine __" someone interrupted from behind them, making Ramon immediately look to see who was interrupting their conversation.
Meanwhile, Jasmine just sighed as if feeling tired. She didn't need to turn around to know who was coming. From his heavy voice and the way he called her name, Jasmine knew it was Seth, her beloved older brother.
"Are you done?" Seth asked.
"Oh yes, we just finished. Long time no see, Mr. Harold," Ramon said.
"Yeah, not many chances for us to meet," Seth replied, pulling Jasmine's waist closer to him, and it didn't escape Ramon's sight as he clearly saw how protective Seth was of Jasmine.
"What are your plans after this?" Seth asked, looking at Jasmine who had been avoiding his gaze.
But before any of them could answer, someone approached them and came closer to Ramon.
"Ah, I think I should go now. There are some tasks waiting for me," Ramon replied, making Seth just smile thinly.
"What about your lunch invitation earlier?" Jasmine said before Ramon could turn around. Ramon glanced at Jasmine for a moment before looking at Seth, who only showed a cold, flat expression. It was always difficult for Ramon to read what expression Seth had, but clearly Ramon could feel the tension rising. Yes, it seemed they were indeed spiritually related, as Ramon equated Jasmine and Seth's expressions, which were always difficult to guess.
"I apologize, I forgot that I already had prior plans and ended up inviting you," Ramon said with a regretful face, making Jasmine pout disapprovingly.
"Next time, you should prioritize your invitations to me," Jasmine said, then walked away leaving Ramon and Seth behind. They watched Jasmine's back as she walked towards the dressing room followed by her assistant.
"Yeah, I guess you're used to her attitude like that," Seth said, making Ramon nod.
"In that case, I should go see her right away. I don't want to bear the brunt of her annoyance," Seth said, then left to catch up with Jasmine to the dressing room, leaving Ramon silent. Somehow, he felt unfit to have a conversation with a Seth Harold.
Moly was about to help Jasmine remove the dress she was wearing, which now showcased her beautiful back, when the dressing room door opened to reveal Seth standing silently on the threshold, making Moly slightly startled.
"Oh..." Moly's words trailed off.
"You can leave, Moly. That's enough for today. You can enjoy your time and tell Patricia to cancel all my schedules," Jasmine cut in, making Moly widen her eyes.
"Everything, Miss?" Moly asked incredulously because for today alone Jasmine's schedule was full until the evening, so how could she cancel it just like that.
"Do I need to repeat myself?" Jasmine asked, making Moly just stay silent. Yes, this wasn't the first or second time it had happened, making Moly have to start getting used to it, as she had only joined as the assistant to this top model a few months ago.
"May you be blessed, Patricia," Moly thought, knowing that her manager would be the one to bear the consequences of Jasmine's attitude. Moly then chose to leave immediately and enjoy her free time. Moly glanced briefly at Seth, who was just staring straight at Jasmine, before closing the dressing room door, leaving the two of them alone.
"You look upset, Mine," Seth said as he walked closer, while Jasmine chose to remove the accessories she was still wearing. She just stared at her reflection in the large mirror in front of her. Jasmine didn't care about Seth's question.
"Did I do something wrong?" Seth asked again, now standing right behind Jasmine, making Jasmine's movements stop as she felt Seth's cold hand touching the skin of her back, feeling Seth slowly unzip the dress that was still clinging perfectly to her body.
"I apologize if I have made a mistake," Seth said softly again, making Jasmine sigh roughly. It was always like this, she would easily melt just with the apology Seth always said to her.
It was clear how a small child curled up in a dark and stuffy room, in a worrying condition. She could only cry, enduring the pain all over her body, which now appeared bruised in several parts.The heartbreaking situation was something she often experienced; her agonizing cries were not from the blows and violence he received, but from the heartache of never receiving love like other children. Her childhood was only filled with fear and anxiety.The small door in front of him slowly opened, increasing the child's fear. She widened her eyes as someone approached with a belt in hand."I beg you, I promise I'll never misbehave again, I'll be a good child," the child sobbed. However, it seemed like a futile plea as the person began to swing the belt in their hand.Jasmine immediately opened her eyes wide, sweat dampening the side of her face, her heart pounding fast, and her body trembling. Once again, the nightmare plagued her sleep. Jasmine didn't know how long she had been experiencin
Seth immediately followed Jasmine's steps as she suddenly left the dining table."Mine!" Seth exclaimed, but Jasmine seemed to ignore him, continuing towards her parked car. She shouldn't have joined the family breakfast in the first place."Mine!" Seth snapped, grabbing Jasmine's arm, which she promptly shrugged off roughly. Jasmine glared at Seth disapprovingly before turning to grab the car door handle."Are you angry?" Seth asked, causing Jasmine to fall silent.Was she angry? If so, what reason should she give? Why did Seth seem to consider her anger normal, making Jasmine feel even more insignificant to him?"I planned to tell you after breakfast. I didn't know if Daddy would bring it up again," Seth explained, causing Jasmine to clench her fists. With all her strength, Jasmine composed her expression."You don't need to explain anything to me, Seth," Jasmine replied, making Seth more certain of her anger. Seth approached, and Jasmine could smell his scent permeating her senses.
Seth continued to stare at the watch on his wrist, ignoring the conversation that sounded faint in his ears. It had been over two hours since the last message he sent to Jasmine, and so far, he hadn't received a response."Well, it seems we don't need to prolong the conversation any further, the compatibility between them seems quite evident, doesn't it?" Evelyn's last sentence caught Seth's attention as he had been trying to ignore them. Seth glanced at Monica with a sheepish expression, while both his parents and Monica's father seemed delighted, responding to Evelyn's statement with laughter."Is that so, does it look like that? What do you think, Seth?" Monica's question seemed to seek Seth's direct approval or disapproval. Seth began to change his expression, with a calmer demeanor and a friendly smile."Yes, if that's the view of our parents, I believe it's honesty. I trust them," Seth's response made Monica smile broadly. It was clear that the dinner they intentionally arranged
Jasmine didn't know what was on her mind right now, being on the lap of a man and kissing him."Jess," Ramon growled when Jasmine was reluctant to break the connection of their lips. Ramon didn't dislike enjoying Jasmine's soft lips; he just didn't want to go any further and seem to take advantage of Jasmine's drunken state."Why, don't you like it?" Jasmine asked, looking into Ramon's eyes, which were looking warmly at her."Not like that, I just don't want you to slap me when you regain consciousness," Ramon said with his smile, making Jasmine grumble in annoyance."Do you think I'm still drunk right now?"Yes."No, maybe yes, but it's just a little drunk. I can still remember if I kiss you in my car tomorrow, and I won't forget it. I just want to feel a little relieved," Jasmine said, her voice like a whisper at the end of her sentence, letting Ramon know that the model who was liked by many men was not okay right now, not just because of her drunken state since her arrival at Tayl
Jasmine could feel her body temperature rising, either from the gentle touch Seth was giving her, or perhaps from the alcohol she had previously consumed. Either way, Jasmine could only grip Seth's shirt perfectly clinging to his body. Her head spun as Seth deepened their kiss, allowing Jasmine to feel the warmth of Seth's breath on her face, their tongues intertwining. Finally, Seth released their lip lock. He observed how Jasmine's face had turned perfectly red, including her lips, which shimmered. This prompted Seth to reach out and touch Jasmine's sweet lips, always difficult to resist, pressing his thumb against Jasmines lips, still warm and moist. "How much alcohol have you had, Hem?" Seth said, sinking his thumb further into Jasmine's mouth, who remained silent while returning Seth's gaze. "I'm angry right now, Mine," Seth said again, moving his face closer, his other hand pressing against Jasmine's neck while his thumb still pressed against her hot tongue. "In what way sho
Evelyn gazed out the window, where she saw a black car pulling into their driveway. She knew it was Seth's car. Since her marriage to Lucas, Evelyn had begun to open her heart again, trying to heal the wounds inflicted by her former husband. She felt fortunate to be matched with a caring man like Lucas, who was willing to wait for her and accept her past scars. Therefore, Evelyn accepted whatever was in Lucas's past life, including Seth. She loved Seth as much as she loved her own son, trying to give him whatever he wanted and bringing happiness to him.Evelyn's smile faded as Seth walked to the side of the car and opened the door. Jasmine emerged from Seth's car, causing Evelyn to clench her fists tightly. Evelyn wasn't oblivious to their relationship; she was just trying to turn a blind eye for now and keep trying to keep distance between them. Evelyn realized from the beginning that Seth had always shown attention and affection to Jasmine, and over time, she realized too late that
Seth continued to stare at the unfamiliar number that had sent him a message earlier in the morning, trying to guess who might be trying to threaten him. The figure of Ramon crossed his mind, as he was the last man associated with Jasmine. Without waiting any longer, Seth immediately tried to contact Patricia to confirm."Hello, Sir," greeted Patricia."Hello, Patricia. Can I get Ramon's number, the photographer who last worked with Jasmine?" Seth said, causing Patricia to pause for a moment on the other end, seeming hesitant to give it to Seth."I need a photographer for my project and I remember him. I can't call Jasmine because I'm afraid she might be resting now," Seth continued, trying to convince Patricia."Ah, alright, Sir. I'll give it to you," Patricia finally replied."Thank you, Patricia," Seth said, about to end their call before Patricia stopped him again."Sorry, Sir, is Jess alright?" Patricia asked, seeming concerned about her model."Earlier, I offered to check on her
Jasmine tossed aside the necklace accessory that the wardrobe team had just prepared, startling the people in the makeup room and turning the atmosphere tense."Are you new here?" Jasmine asked the young woman, who could only bow her head in response."I apologize, miss," she murmured, earning a scoff from Jasmine. After that, Jasmine rose from her seat, folded her arms, and arrogantly stared at the female worker."I suggest before you work with me, at least learn what I deem worthy to wear and what is not. Do you expect me to wear the trash you just handed me?" Jasmine said in her cold tone, causing the worker to slowly look up to meet Jasmine's gaze."But miss, that necklace is supposed to be worn by you. It's a request from the brand that—""Enough, I don't want to be forced by anyone. If they want to work with me and make me their brand ambassador, they should follow my ways," Jasmine replied. Amidst the murmurs of the other workers, which Jasmine ignored, Patricia entered the roo
Jasmine gazed at Lily, who was now sleeping soundly in her bassinet. The quiet night was accompanied by the gentle ticking of the wall clock. Moonlight streamed through the window, providing just enough dim light to see her daughter's tiny face. Jasmine slowly reached out her hand, caressing the soft, rosy cheek as gently as a cloud. Her touch was so delicate, as if she feared disturbing the sweet dreams that might be filling Lily's mind."My child," she whispered softly, barely audible. "You mean everything to me."Since Lily's arrival, Jasmine felt that happiness had finally found its way to her. A feeling that once seemed so foreign now blossomed in her heart. The pain she had once endured seemed repaid in full by Lily's presence. A small smile formed on her lips as she remembered the long nights filled with tears, now replaced by the baby's small laughs and giggles.Yet, behind all this happiness, there was a shadow of fear that constantly haunted Jasmine. Sometimes, she feared th
Seth walked quickly towards the nursery, cold sweat running down his temples. Panic gripped him after realizing the fatal mistake he had just made. "How could I forget that bag?" he thought, frantically. His briefcase contained important documents that should never fall into Jasmine’s hands. He needed to retrieve them before Jasmine opened it.However, as the nursery door opened, he saw his worst fear realized. Jasmine stood there, holding the document he wanted to keep from her. Her eyes widened as she read its contents, then she looked at Seth with a gaze full of questions and disappointment."Seth, what does this mean?" Jasmine's voice trembled, reflecting the turmoil in her heart. She held up the document, pointing it at Seth. "It says that I'm not Mommy's child. How is that possible?"Seth stood stunned in the doorway, feeling as if the world was collapsing around him. He knew this moment would come, the moment he had feared for so long. "Jasmine, let me explain," he said, trying
Jasmine glanced at the clock on the wall, which showed ten in the morning. Time seemed to move at a snail's pace, slow and torturous. Her impatience waiting for their baby’s birth often left Jasmine confused about how to spend her days.Today, she decided to organize the baby items she had just bought with Seth. With a smile on her face, Jasmine pulled out tiny socks from the shopping bag, a blue and white combination that looked adorable in her hands. She then moved on to the clothes, hats, and shoes, feeling her heart swell with joy as she imagined the little angel who would soon be in their midst.In the middle of tidying up, Jasmine suddenly remembered something. "The cute sweater we bought, where did I put it?" she thought, furrowing her brow. With her already large belly, she slowly rummaged through the shopping bags around her. However, the sweater was nowhere to be found."Ah, where did I put it?" Jasmine grew more anxious. She decided to search in another room, trying to reca
Jasmine had spent the entire day in silence, her mind in turmoil. Monica's words kept replaying in her head, making her restless. Jasmine wasn't sure what Monica intended by mentioning those things, especially since she had never intended to discuss her pregnancy, neither publicly nor with her family.She felt like nobody cared about her, so she assumed people wouldn't be too interested in her latest news, including her mother, Evelyn. However, Monica's words made Jasmine reconsider. Should she inform her mother and Lucas about this happy news? What if they got angry and disapproved, especially if they found out it was Seth's child?Jasmine didn't know what steps to take. Monica had left a puzzle about what Seth knew about Evelyn's news. Jasmine started to wonder if Seth was keeping a secret from her."Mine," Seth said, now sitting beside Jasmine. Jasmine was startled, not even realizing Seth had come home."Seth, you're back? When did you come in?" Jasmine asked again, making Seth lo
Monica sat in the backseat of her luxurious car, her black sunglasses framing her graceful face. Her sharp gaze was fixed on a modest house not far from where her car was parked by the roadside. Nearly ten minutes had passed, and she remained patiently waiting, counting each passing second."Are you sure this is their house?" Monica broke the silence with a low yet firm tone, her eyes still glued to the door of the house.The bespectacled man sitting next to the driver turned to Monica. "Yes, Miss. Miss Jasmine used to live here first, and Mr. Seth joined her just a few weeks ago," he explained calmly.Monica nodded slowly, but her patience was wearing thin. "Should I find out more, Charles?" offered Charles, Monica's personal secretary, in a polite yet attentive manner.Monica shook her head. "No need, let's just wait. I have plenty of time today." Her voice exuded confidence, though a hint of impatience flickered across her face.Time crawled by, but Monica's patience was finally re
Seth looked over at Jasmine, who was busy with the flower arrangement in front of her. The room was filled with the fresh fragrance of flowers, creating a calm and warm atmosphere. Seeing his wife engrossed in her work, Seth smiled. He walked over, carrying a glass of Jasmine's favorite juice."Beautiful flowers," Seth said softly, enough to make Jasmine look up. She greeted her husband's smile with a sweet smile of her own."Thank you," Jasmine replied, gently taking the juice from Seth's hand. "You always know how to make me feel better.""Drink it slowly. I need to call Fito first," Seth said, gently touching Jasmine's shoulder. Jasmine nodded slowly, understanding that Seth always had many things to take care of.Seth walked away with his phone in hand, but his eyes occasionally glanced at Jasmine, who was once again focused on her flowers. With her growing belly, Jasmine looked so beautiful and graceful. She always found peace in arranging those flowers.While waiting for the cal
Seth woke up to the gentle movement beside him. He immediately sat up, his eyes scanning the darkness as he saw Jasmine trying to get out of bed."Mine, where are you going?" he asked, his voice hoarse from just waking up."I just need to go to the bathroom," Jasmine replied, her voice soft but clear.Seth glanced at the clock on the bedside table. It was still early morning, and he realized it was probably the umpteenth time Jasmine had gone to the bathroom that night."Are you okay? Are you feeling uncomfortable?" he asked, wanting to make sure Jasmine was alright.Jasmine smiled softly and nodded. "I'm fine. I talked to the doctor, and this is normal for someone as far along as I am in my pregnancy."Seth sighed, then without a word, he got out of bed and lifted Jasmine into his arms. Jasmine let out a small squeal."Seth, put me down. You should get some sleep. I can go to the bathroom by myself," Jasmine protested, but Seth didn't listen. He gently set her down near the bathroom
The sun was already setting when Jasmine stepped out of the hospital. The cool evening air greeted her, bringing new hope after days filled with anxiety and pain. Seth was beside her, vigilant as always. He carefully watched Jasmine's steps, ensuring her every move was safe."Today, we finally get to go home," Jasmine murmured with a relieved tone. "Thank you for always being by my side."Seth just nodded, his smile warm and loving. The journey home felt shorter than usual. Perhaps it was because this time, they were no longer burdened by uncertainty. The modest house where Jasmine had been staying for the past few months now felt warmer and more inviting.Upon reaching the front door, Seth gently guided Jasmine inside. He ensured her every step was steady, leading her with great care. Jasmine looked around the interior of the house with sparkling eyes. This was the place that had given her a sense of security, and now, with Seth by her side, it felt even more complete."Do you need a
Monica followed Seth’s firm and brisk steps. They moved through the quiet hospital corridors until they finally arrived at a small garden at the back of the building. The garden was peaceful, with only the sound of trickling water from a small fountain in the corner. Seth stopped and turned, staring at Monica with a sharp gaze.“How far will you take me?” asked Monica, her voice slightly trembling despite her effort to appear calm. She felt her heart beating faster than usual.Seth took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before speaking. “Tell me why you are here?” he asked, repeating the question he had asked several times along the way.Monica shrugged, displaying the indifference that often served as her shield. “I’ve told you, I’m just meeting an old friend. I’m not lying, I swear,” she replied casually. However, Seth was not easily convinced. He stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them, and stared at Monica with a look full of suspicion.“Don’t mess with me and Jasm