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
Monica walked closer as Seth buttoned up his shirt. That morning, the sunlight streaming through the hotel window bathed the room in a soft glow, but the atmosphere between them was far from calm. "Are you leaving right away?" Monica asked, stroking Seth's six-pack abs, trying to draw his attention while he was still busy with his buttons. Seth held his breath for a moment before answering, "I have to meet Jasmine." His words made Monica click her tongue in irritation. They had just spent a passionate night together, yet Seths mind was always on his stepsister, which annoyed Monica."You can meet her tomorrow, right? | still want to spend time with you, Seth." Monica tried to lure him with a gentle touch on his shoulder and moved in to kiss him. However, Seth stopped her with a raised hand. "Enough, Monica. There are many things I need to take care of, especially regarding our engagement," Seth said, making Monica exhale sharply. Though his words sounded promising, they didn't guel
The rain fell softly outside the window of the small apartment, creating a soothing yet haunting rhythm. Jasmine sat silently by the window, her gaze distant as she stared at the thin mist enveloping the streets of Edinburgh. The sound of raindrops seemed to be her only companion in this new place she had come to for her escape.Two days had passed since she arrived in this city, bringing with her only a small suitcase and a handful of hopes for finding peace amidst the chaos in her mind. Her phone had remained off since she arrived, with no intention of checking it. Jasmine knew well that this action would cause confusion and worry among those who knew her."Patricia must be struggling," Jasmine thought, remembering her manager who was always quick to handle work contracts now left unattended. She could imagine Patricia's tense face as she tried to calm clients and explain Jasmine's absence.Seth, her faithful boyfriend, must be furious. This was the first time Jasmine had run away w
Jasmine blinked as the morning sunlight began to stream through the window, waking her from a sleep that was finally somewhat restful. The sound of birds chirping outside and the rustling of leaves in the morning breeze slowly made her open her eyes and lift her body from the bed. There was no more thunder and storm from the night before; now, there was only a bright morning with dew still clinging to the leaves.Jasmine sighed with relief, feeling a little better than the night before. She stepped to her bedroom window, opened the curtains, and let the fresh air in. The first morning sunlight she felt in Edinburgh warmed her chilled body. It was a pleasant change from the rainy days that had greeted her arrival."Today seems like it will be a good day," Jasmine thought with a small smile.With renewed enthusiasm, Jasmine intended to freshen up. After showering and getting dressed, she stood in front of the mirror, trying to convince herself that everything would be alright. Her mind