Chapter 45

Jasmine sat on a wooden bench in the backyard, engrossed in the book on her lap. Occasionally, her eyes glanced at the slowly falling leaves, creating a beautiful orange carpet around her. The cold air started to creep in, making Jasmine tighten her scarf around her neck. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the soothing yet slightly melancholic scent of autumn.

It had been over a month since she moved to this new place with Seth. Jasmine still found it hard to call this place home. To Jasmine, home should evoke warmth and familiarity, something she didn't feel here. It was too unfamiliar, too quiet, despite being spacious and grand.

For the past two months, Jasmine had hardly gone out. She shut herself away from the crowds, leaving behind the noisy outside world. Her phone lay untouched somewhere. Without internet, she chose books as her escape, painting to calm her mind, listening to music from the old vinyl records, which were vintage but charming, and occasionally watching pre-downloade