CHAPTER SIXTY

—JASMINE

I look away from Hades and take a seat in front of Denzel, trying to process the unexpected turn of events.

"Denzel," I call softly, my voice laced with a mix of confusion and trepidation.

He immediately starts talking, as if he's been waiting for this moment.

"It's not a proposal, Jasmine. You becoming my wife is more like a partnership between us. We will help each other grow. Not because we have feelings for each other."

I shake my head, my mind reeling with the implications.

I've just walked out of a crappy, loveless marriage, and I'm never going to put myself in that situation again.

The thought of entering into another loveless partnership, no matter how practical or beneficial, is unthinkable.

"I don't know, Denzel," I say, my voice firm but hesitant.

“You do,” He says. “We get married, continue the way we are. What’s the difference?”

“It’s eerily the same thing I agree. But it’s not possible” I state.

“It’s not?” He says.

“Well, I decline and I’m sorry” I lay