Jasmine stepped into a classic-style restaurant with sparkling crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and soft jazz music playing in the background. She had taken a moment to fix her hair before entering, trying to calm her suddenly racing heart. After Danzell had informed her that he would be meeting her mother, Evelyn, Jasmine felt a knot in her stomach.As the restaurant door opened, the aroma of delicious food immediately filled her senses. Jasmine scanned the room for Evelyn and Eli, Danzell's mother, who had arrived earlier. In the corner of the room, she saw them sitting elegantly, as if waiting for an important moment. Swallowing hard, Jasmine hesitantly walked towards them."Hi, sweetie, you always look beautiful," greeted Eli with a warm, comforting smile. Eli, with her elegant silver hair, was always friendly and sincerely welcomed Jasmine. In contrast, Evelyn merely watched Jasmine's arrival with a blank, cold expression."Thank you, Aunt Eli," Jasmine replied softly
Jasmine let out a long sigh as she stood in front of the family's grand house. Inside, her family was waiting with anticipation. They wanted to hear the official news about her engagement to Danzell, a man chosen by her mother. However, her heart was heavy. Jasmine knew her feelings were not for Danzell but for someone much closer.Just as Jasmine was about to step inside, a strong yet gentle hand pulled her from behind. She was startled to see the face of Seth, her stepbrother, who looked both angry and anxious."Come with me," Seth whispered tensely, pulling her towards the backyard garden.Once they were out of earshot, Seth released her wrist and stared at her intensely. "What are you doing, Mine? How could you agree to get engaged to Danzell?"Jasmine's heart raced. "I didn't know Mommy would plan all this. I couldn't do anything, Seth," she replied hoarsely, almost in despair."Jasmine, you can't do this!" Seth exclaimed, his voice trembling. "We... you and I... we care for each
Tonight is the company's anniversary celebration, currently led by Seth. The grand hall is filled with the glitter of crystal lights reflecting colorful hues, creating a magnificent and elegant atmosphere. Guests arrive in their finest attire, exuding an aura of endless luxury. Laughter and warm conversations fill the air, accompanied by soft music played by the orchestra in the corner of the room.In another corner of the hall, Lucas, Seth's father, is surrounded by a group of guests busy congratulating him on his success as a legislative candidate. Satisfaction radiates from his face, adding to the pride of the esteemed family.Amidst the crowd, the presence of Monica and Danzell's family draws attention. They attract many looks due to rumors about their relationship with the Lucas family.Seth stands near the drinks table, his eyes fixed on Danzell who is chatting with Jasmine. The clear admiration in Danzell's eyes every time he looks at Jasmine makes Seth's blood boil."You look
25The lift door creaked open, inviting Jasmine and Danzell to step inside. The small space felt cold and sterile, as if it held its own secrets within the metallic walls. Jasmine took a deep breath, gently releasing her embrace from Danzell. She felt the need for distance, even if only a few steps."Do you feel worse?" Danzell asked with concern. His sharp gaze tried to penetrate Jasmine's unyielding inner walls."No, I just need some rest," Jasmine replied coldly. Her words were like ice, hanging in the air momentarily before dissipating. She shifted her gaze to the shiny lift floor, avoiding Danzell's concerned gaze.The lift began to move upward slowly, the almost inaudible hum of the engine accompanying the silence between them. Jasmine let her mind wander, back to the haunting moment since that night. Amidst the glittering lights of the party, she saw Seth and Monica passionately kissing on the dance floor. The scene was etched in her mind, like a painting she didn't want to see
Danzell stared at Jasmine's back as she stood with her back to him. The soft glow of the room's light cast a silhouette on her body, creating shadows that highlighted her elegance. He never expected Jasmine to choose him over Seth to accompany her that night. Over Seth, who was always by her side.Danzell sighed softly, breaking the permeating silence.“How are you?” Danzell asked, trying to hide the concern in his voice.Jasmine glanced briefly, then replied shortly, “I’m fine.” She walked over to the vanity, sitting in front of the large mirror that adorned the room. Her wet hair started dripping, creating small spots on the mahogany wood.Danzell watched Jasmine pick up the hair dryer, ready to dry her hair. Quickly, he stepped closer and gently took the device from her hand. “Let me help you,” Danzell said, his voice full of tenderness.Jasmine looked at him through the mirror's reflection, their eyes meeting in a meaningful silence. Danzell turned on the hair dryer and began dryi
Jasmine jolted when Danzell returned her kiss. Her heart pounded as if it might leap out of her chest. It seemed too late to turn back. What had started as a trivial tease now evolved into something deeper, shaking her to her core.Initially, Jasmine just wanted to retaliate against Danzell's constant annoying behavior. His antics always unsettled her, and that night, she thought of teaching him a small lesson. However, she got too carried away. The kiss, which began as a whim, soon warmed her heart in an inexplicable way.Danzell, who initially appeared surprised, began to respond. He deepened their kiss, further confusing Jasmine about her feelings. Instinctively, Jasmine tightened her grip on Danzell's back, as if to ensure this moment was real.Finally, after several seconds that felt like eternity, Danzell broke their kiss. He looked intently at Jasmine's flushed face, his eyes searching for answers that might never be spoken. "Jess-" he began, his voice low and husky.Jasmine gu
Jasmine walked lightly through the luxurious hotel corridors. The sound of her steps echoed along the walls adorned with beautiful paintings. Her heart was pounding, not just because of the family gathering she always looked forward to, but also because of Danzell and Monica joining them this morning.Jasmine sat right next to Seth, who promptly pulled out a chair for her. However, what made Jasmine feel trapped was her seating position directly opposite Danzell, who now smiled at her casually.“You look unwell, Sweety,” said Eli, who was always more attentive to her than her own mother, Evelyn.“Yes, she wasn’t feeling well last night, Mom,” answered Danzell, drawing the attention of everyone seated at the dining table.Eli looked at Danzell suspiciously. “How do you know?”Seth, who had been silent, now spoke up. “Because they were together last night, right, Mine?” Seth said, with a tone that made Jasmine feel like Seth intentionally wanted to tell everyone that she was with Danzel
Jasmine fell silent, not knowing what was filling her mind at that moment, but one thing was certain: her head was throbbing. Jasmine's silence puzzled the photoshoot crew a bit because this time there were no protests when the makeup team brushed her face with cosmetics, unlike usual. Even when Patricia, her manager, tried to talk to her, Jasmine seemed not to hear and appeared to be somewhere else."Jess, are you listening to me?" Patricia finally asked, snapping Jasmine out of her reverie."Did you say something, Cia?" Jasmine asked, making her manager just shake her head."Is this because of your brother Seth's engagement?" Patricia asked, making Jasmine fall silent. Seth and Monica's engagement was indeed going to be held this weekend, earlier than the previously set date. Jasmine didn't know the reason behind this decision, but their family agreed to hold the engagement that seemed rushed."Not really, I'm just a little tired," Jasmine denied, though it would be a lie to say she
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