Chapter 75 & 76 : Moving Forward
SEMI-FINALE
🌹Jasmine’s POV🌹
“You ruined me, Jasmine” Her voice breaks my thoughts as I freeze, I could see the sudden determination in her eyes as she held the gun straight to my stomach, not missing her aim as sweat glides my forehead and my whole body arched in pain.
She’s going to do it, she’s going to shoot me, her eyes are watering as she held the trigger for the second time and I know what’s going to happen next.
Think Jasmine!, You can’t just die!
I looked around and my eyes suddenly falls on my free legs, my legs aren’t tied up and I can move them, I stiffened as she moved closer and stops right in front of me, Laurence was smiling devilshly.
“Sign the papers and I will tell her not to kill you……yet” he said and I gulped as I looked at Gina with pleading eyes, she looks awful as she ignores my eyes and I know I have to do the next right thing.
One..
Tick..
Two…
Tick..
Any moment from now she’s going to shoot!
Three!
Tick!
I swiped my legs to her rib region with all my might as she groans and glides to her left in pain releasing the trigger as it went straight for Laurence head and he falls down, the gun falls to the ground as she drops on her knees and Laurence falls dead!!
“Hóly shît!” Jasper yelled out as he scrambled towards Laurence’s dèad body as blood coated the papers and his shirt, Gina slowly stood up with shaking hands as she grabbed the chair and started losing the ropes.
“What are you doing!?” My harsh breaths choked me as she practically ignores my question and fiddles with the rope.
“I’m so sorry, I’m so freaking sorry, I’m really sorry” she mumbles silently as she pulled the ropes tightly securing me, just a few more pulls and I will be free, I will finally be able to get out of this chair that’s straggling the goddamn life out of me and…….
“Arrrrrrragh!!” Gina muffled groans filled the air as Jasper jabs her with the gun she dropped from behind, her hands falls from the ropes as she slumped to the ground almost passing out, she’s breathing heavily and my eyes widened as Jasper growled at me, I struggled with the ropes from behind trying to pull the remaining tights that’s holding me down.
“You think you can escape me!?” Slap!, Slap!
“Screw you Jasper!” I yelled as another slap follows .
“You think you can escape the dèath that’s already planned for you!?” Another slap! and my jaw clenched at the sting of pains as it rushed to my brain as I taste something metallic on my tongue, I’m fùcking bleeding, he grabbed my chin in a tight grip as he angled my head up to his burning gaze.
“Laurence might be dèad, but you owe me eighteen years of suffering Jasmine, if you hadn’t swon into the picture then all of these mess wouldn’t have been happening, see you in heaven, or hèll…..” A final slap that made my eyes rolled to the back of my head in pain landed on my cheeks and with that, the chair jerks up as the chain pulled me back to my initial position as I’m currently dangling in the air, my breath sharpens as I continued fighting with the ropes and soon enough my hands are freed but I keep them behind me.
“You are going down, I hope you little baby survives it” and with that the rustle of the chains made the chair unstable as it slowly lossened from the top, he’s going to release the chair, a sudden bang from the door made him turned as I glide my hands to the back of the chair, steading my legs to get the perfect landing and both of my hands are suprisingly holding the top egdes of the chair.
And that’s when I noticed one of Jasper’s weaknesses, he easily gets distracted and I’m definitely going to use this to my advantage
“Finally, my prey is here, one stone with sixty dead birds,…… this should be fun” Jasper snarled as the banging on the door continues and Gina eyes flutter open to see my next move.
“You are going to hurt yourself” she mouthed and I gave her a reassuring look while I watch her trying to stand up, Jasper’s sole attention is on the shaking door that he didn’t notice when the chains lossened on the chair and I land with a thud on my feet, swinging the chair with all my might and strength from behind as he crashed on his head and he falls down flat on his stupid face.
My legs wobbled as I staggered backwards and the broken chair falls from my hands, I smile to myself as I drop on my knees and the door flunged open, Jayson and Avia barged in with blood dripping all over them, they must have fought their way through and the relief on Jayson’s face soon morphed into horror as he stared at me, and that’s when I noticed the blood dripping from my mouth and in-between my legs……the way I landed was too rough and my baby…….it must have affected my baby.
Jasper groans as he rolled on his side and Gina took the keys laying besides him….. Avia hurried towards him with several kicks in his guts
“My babies!….” Jayson yelled as I groaned loudly, my stomach hurts and my legs are arching, my adomen feels like it would drop from my body soon as I clutched onto it and fall but not after Jayson cradled me in his strong arms, I smiled weakly at him as he touched my face and and practically wrapping me up.
“I kîlled Laurence, I’m a mûrderer” I mumbled as more blood flows from my mouth and legs, Jayson shook his head as he wipes my tears and blóod.
“You are fighter, you did what was right at the right moment, don’t you dare blame yourself” he said and I smiled weakly as I hold onto him
“We might not make it, I can feel it, I’m losing my baby, I’m losing our child Jayson!” I cried out as the pains increased and I had to bite Jayson”s shoulder to suppress the pains, he didn’t complain, heck!, I doubt if he even feels my teeth digging into his flesh.
“Not if I can help it, I made a terrible mistake of letting you go once and it’s definitely not happening again” he said as he carried me in his arms and I molded into his grip, the blood got worse and it’s dripping on both of us, my eyes managed to see Avia who’s literally trying to choke Jasper to death and Gina is staring at Laurence, I can see the guilt in her eyes.
“We have to get out of here!” Was the last thing I heard as I allowed the pains shove me into the wild tunnel of darkness.
✨Jayson”s POV✨
My heart is shattering into little tiny pieces as I watched my Jasmine passed out right in my arms, the blood dripping in-between her legs got worse and I know we don’t have much time to spare.
It wasn’t easy finding them, with the strong help of Avia, we managed to fight and shoot our way to the buttom floor that leads right the the open end of the warehouse, I know why he chose this particular room, because it’s an easy escape and I can literally see our cars parked right outside from this angle, we came from the back and somehow ended up here, I don’t know what my father was thinking when he built this place but I guess it’s to make it easy to escape Incase of any fire outbreak, that’s why there are four exits that leads outside and we’re at the forth exit.
“We have to get out of here!!” I yelled and Avia freed Jasper, I can tell his neck is broken due to the fact that he can’t even move his body, and that’s when I spot the broken chair, my Jasmine is truly a fighter, but at the same time she risked her health and that of our child.
“You guys go, I have to end this fúcker” Avia growled harshly as she grabbed the gun laying in front of Jasper and aims at him.
“We promised to not to kîll him, he needs to face the authorities” I said as I moved towards the door.
“Fúck the authorities, where were they when this bastard kîlled my cousin’s parents!…… I’m going to end him on behalf of Jasmine, I’m sure she would be pleased” Avia gritted out and I had to turn around.
“Let the goddamn cops handle him, if they find out you kîlled him then you are definitely going to be jailed for it” I said and she slowly drops her hands, she knows I’m right, as it is now, he’s broken and vulnerable, plus he would have to face the law and killing him means taking the laws into our hands, I can’t risk it.
“Does that mean….I will be jailed?” Gina asked as she trembled.
“Yes, I’m definitely handing you over to the police!” I snarled at her.
“I didn’t do anything wrong!” She shot back.
“You planned the accident that almost claimed Jasmine’s life, and the police found Mandy’s dead body and are currently running .investigations, you were the only one that was present when she died and since Riley is missing, you would be detained for questioning!” I yelled at her and she freezed.
“I didn’t kîll Mandy, she’s my best friend, I would never hurt her” she blurted out and I scoffed.
“Tell that to the cops….” I muttered as Avia suddenly ran past us and to the door.
“We are locked in!” She yelled and we all turned to the exit.
“I told you this isn’t over” Jasper’s slurred voice filled the air as a waffled smell englofs the entire space and that’s when I noticed the oil dripping endlessly from each corners of the room, before I could make a sense of what’s happening, Jasper threw a lighter at the third end but luckily it didn’t touch the oil.
“It will touch the oil eventually in about two minutes, and then, we will all go to hèll” he joaked as he coughed out blood.
“You sick freak!” Avia shot his hand and he groans falling back .
“We are all going to die…….” He didn’t get to say the words as Avia started banging virgoursly on the door.
Gina snaps out of her gaze as she fumbles with the keys she took, they are so many, her shaky hands trembled as the oil trickles to the burning light and it’s getting closer and closer by each passing second, the blood dripping from Jasmine has lessened as she sluggishly opens her eyes and stare at me…..but soon her eyes widened.
“F….f….. fire!” She stutters as the whole place started burning, it got to Laurence first and Jasper struggled to move away, the fire followed the lead of the oil and it’s getting closer to us.
“Open the damn door Gina!” Avia yelled as the whole place started burning.
“I’m fùcking trying!” She yelled back as the fire aims at the steel drain filled with oil, once it graces it this whole fùcking warehouse will blow up.
“Are we really going to die…?” Jasmine asked in pains and I kissed the top of her head to ease her tensed mind as Gina continued trying the keys.
“Never….” I muttered as i kicked the door open and at the last minute, Gina and Avia stumbled out but the impact of the blow up sent Jasmine and I flying.
“Jayson!” Avia yelled as thick black smoke covered us, Jasmine still coconed in my arms as she coughed, we are still on the pavement of the warehouse and explosion could be heard, I’m pretty sure Jasper is burnt to crisps by now, the thought of that made me stand on my feet as Jasmine layed weakly in my arms crying.
Judging from the fire Jasper is dead, he started the fire anyways and got consumed by it……….. karma is a little bîtch indeed, no matter what, it always strikes back, it doesn’t matter the time or distance.
“Why are you crying, Star?” I asked and she sniffled whilst clutching onto my shirt with her shaky fists.
“Don’t do it Jayson, I can’t leave without you” Jasmine read my thoughts as Avia ran towards us, the foggy smoke choking her as she grabbed Jasmine’s hand.
“Get her out of here” I said as she grabbed Jasmine’s hand, Jasmine managed to stand on her feet as Avia carried her on her back and she gasped.
“You….are…. bleeding!” She coughed the words out as I pushed them out of the smoke, ducking the woods with fire as we ran down the pavement.
“You guys have a few seconds to get out of there before the entire building explodes!!!” Gina yells as she managed to drag Avia and Jasmine out and I tried moving, but my feet hurt, it’s bleeding none stop and I’m on the verge of falling and I did, the smoke choking me as I coughed, and I heard crying and stumping.
“Take my hands Jayson!” Avia yelled as tears blinded her eyes, I have never seen Avia cry before with fear in her eyes, she came back for me, and I reached out for her hands, I can’t believe the strength of this woman as she pulled me and just when we’re about to land the entire building explodes with great force, pushing us over as we land on the sandy ground.
I slowly looked up as I smiled a little, the peramadics strapping fainted Jasmine on the strecher, she looks weak and spent, Gina guled by her side as Noah and Roland made sure they’re both safe, the cops and other forces I can’t make sense of hovering over the building, the fire consuming the whole place, burning down everything as rusted metals and woods falls like fire ball to the ground, as we were a few meters away, and I felt soft hands wrapped around me as I stared up.
“Don’t you dare dîe on us Jayson, We’re safe now” Avia’s soothing words was the last thing I heard as my eyes closed shut.
Chapter 77 & 78 : Embracing the Future Together
FINALE
🌹Jasmine’s POV🌹
Days later★★
I woke up to the screeching sound of beeping, I don’t know if it’s just my head but the sound tends to get my subconsciousness to it’s peak, I slowly opened my eyes and the awful smell of antiseptic hits my nostrils, God!, I hate that smell, and from the looks of things I don’t need a soothsayer to tell me that I’m in the hospital.
“She’s awake!” Mika sounded relieved as I looked around and my eyes widened, everyone is present and staring at me.
“M…. Mika?” I called out weakly as I tried sitting up but a sharp pain zaps through my abdomen and I groaned loudly, the pains are too much as I layed back quickly with brink of tears gathering in my eyes.
“You need to rest…. don’t sit up yet” Mrs Mantinda calm voice made me feel a little bit better as I shut my eyes close and exhaled deeply, the events of what happened at the warehouse still lives rent free in my head, I remember everything single thing that transpired, Jasper died in that fire while Jayson and Avia helped us escape, heck!, even Gina participated.
“How are you feeling?” Roland asked as he smiled down at me, I know he’s still hurt that I kept my huge secret from him but he still had my back, I love him so much…….. don’t tell Mika though 😉
“I’m fine, I’m really fine but my lower region hurts like hell” I breathe out and Delilah steps forward and took my hands.
“You will be okay, the doctor said you just need enough rest” she said and I nod, my eyes scanning the whole room in search of the only person that makes my heart beat crazily, the one person who held me in his arms while struggling to get us out of that burning wearhouse, the only person who got hurt whilst protecting me…… Jayson isn’t here.
I bite down the disappointment lugging down my throat as I smiled at everyone.
“I missed you so much, I thought I’d lost you!” Mika whined as she hugs me and Delilah smiled.
“Thank you guys so much for protecting me, Avia?” I called and she steps forward, pushing Mika out of the way as she cradded my free hand
“That’s just my little way of saying I’m truly sorry for being a bîtch towards you, I did a lot of stupid things because my parents said you were better than me, my parents plotted evil thoughts about you in my head and I believed them, I’m truly sorry Jasmine” Avia said as she hugged me tightly, although I’m still laying down but that didn’t prevent the hug.
“I have forgiven you a long time ago, I’m just glad you accepted the truth and we’re close again” I said and she stepped back as Mrs Mantinda swallowed hard.
“I also have to apologize for dragging you into signing that contract, I’ve realized that I’m a bad Mom, I shouldn’t be called a Mother if all I do is hurt my children, I know you hate me and I accept it, I just don’t want you to hate me for long, I’m sorry” Mrs Mantinda said as tears pooled down her eyes and I also found myself crying.
“You are a good Mother, you might have flawed along the line but that doesn’t change the fact that you care about your children, I don’t hold any grudges against you, I’ve forgiven everything your late son did to me, please don’t hate yourself because I don’t hate you, you are my Mother after all” I said and she broke the hug and brushed my hair backwards.
“I’m crying” Mika cooed as tears rolls down her eyes.
“So emotional, I’m also sorry for anyone that I’ve offended, including you Roland, you don’t have to keep ignoring me” Delilah said as she wipes her eyes.
“Come here, little one” Roland said and Delilah frowned playfully before caging herself in a warm embrace with Roland.
Noah phone binged and he cleared his throat and everyone looked up at him, they seem to be communicating with their eyes as I stared curiously at them.
“Umm, we have to go outside, you need to rest” Noah said as he squeezed my hands and I blinked repeatedly, they’re acting suspicious
“But I’m fine now, you guys don’t have to go” I said, looking at the door and hoping my shining armor would walk through it but I just keep getting disappointed.
“We’ll be right back” Mika said as she pecks my forehead and pulled Avia along.
“You are going to be fine, okay?” Hudson, Delilah’s boyfriend taps my shoulder carefully before pulling Delilah who blew kisses at me.
“Mother…?” I trail off as she stands up as well.
“He’s outside….” She whispered before leaving with Noah.
I find myself sitting up despite the pains surging through me, my eyes itching as I stared at the door, I can feel his presence, I didn’t before but now I do, I know he’s scared to look at me and I don’t even know if I’m ready to face him at this point, I miss no doubt about that but each time I remember how he shut me out, I just keep getting sad.
The door opened slowly and my breath ceased, silent footsteps coming through as his whole body firm fills the door step, his eyes met mine and I melted instantly, I can see him standing comfortably on one leg, the other one must be hurting, his hands released the door nob as he walked towards me and I just didn’t know why but I’m mad at him.
“What are you doing here?……..get out” I voiced out angrily and he halted immediately.
🖤Jayson”s POV🖤
“Get out!” The last statement made me freeze instantly as my Star stared at me with daggers shooting out of her eyes, she looks pale and weak but not as she was some days ago, her eyes are now brighter, her hair looks slick and her lips aren’t as patchy as it was, she’s slowly gaining herself back.
I know I messed up but walking out the door would be the greatest mistake I would ever make, I need to fix this, I need to fix us, we may have started on the wrong path but it’s not too late to change it and make amends, I can see it in her eyes that she misses me as much as I miss her, she needs me, our child needs me more than ever now since her pregnancy is in a complicated situation and it’s likely that she might give birth through surgery.
“I said get out!” She yelled as her body vibrated.
“I’m not leaving you alone, I’m never going anywhere, you know why?” I asked and she stared at me with tears in her eyes.
“Because you are stuck with me Jasmine, don’t you understand what that means?……. you are mine and I don’t care if you signed any fùcking contact, I don’t care about what the world says, I don’t give two flying ducks about anything as long as we’re together, I can’t see my life without you, you are world and you are also carrying my baby, you are carrying my family Jasmine, I can’t leave, never” I said and right now I’m standing in front of her as she looks up at me.
“Then why did you shut me out?” She asked with broken voice.
“Because I was a fool, but I’m truly sorry for being inconsiderate, I should have listened to your side of the story before judging you” I said and pulled the stool closer as I sat in front of her, her drip are removed so she grabbed my hands in her’s, caressing it gently as tears blinded her eyes.
“I’m sorry for not telling you earlier, I was scared you might kick me out of your life” she said in-between hiccups and I covered our hands completely.
“I would never kick you out because you are stuck with me for life” I said and her eyes lit up even though the tears won’t stop.
“I’m stuck with you for life?” She asked with a tiny voice and I chuckle..
“For life Star…..” I said and she hugs me tightly, squeezing our bodies together as if we’ll never pull away.
“What…. what about our baby’s health, did I lose my child?” She asked and I stroked her hair, she has been going through sezures for the past few days and can’t really recall anything.
“It’s complicated but I promise we’ll pull through, the doctor said it’s okay to abort the baby since it might put your lives at risk, I know you wouldn’t want that” I said and her smile faded.
“I want to keep our baby Jayson, I’m not aborting our child!” She half yelled and I pulled her closer and soothe her back.
“Then you will keep it, I’m not going to force you into taking any drastic decisions, I’m going to make sure nothing happens to you both along the line, I promise” I said and she smiles, clutching onto me.
“I’m so lucky to have you in my life” she said and I continued stroking her hair.
“So, what now?……we are back together” she said and I pulled away whilst looking at her.
“Well, we both started on a wrong foot……” I trail and she clasped her hands together.
“Yeah, we started a on really terrible path” she said with smiles whist sniffing.
“How about a proper wedding?” I asked and her jaw dropped instantly as I got down on one keen even though my legs are hurting deeply.
“J…. Jayson?” She asked, her eyes roaming over me as I reached for my back pocket.
“We made terrible mistakes, we bumped into each other with terrible approaches, we hurt each other badly but I know we’re both ready to own up to our mistakes and start a new beginning, I want you to be part of my new beginning Jasmine, will you?” I asked and she breaks into tears
“Of course I will Jayson, I love you so much” she said and I slipped the blinding ring in her finger as she giggled.
Sounds could be heard outside as Jasmine hugs and trailed kisses all over my face, it’s her favorite thing to do when she’s super excited.
“I know you all have been evesdroping, you can come in now” I said and the door crashed open as Mika, Delilah and Avia rushed towards Jasmine and the clinged in the most beautiful hug I have ever seen.
“Son, I’m proud of you” My Mom said and I pulled her in for a hug, although I gave her the silent treatment for days before Noah talked me out of it, well I’m kinda glad she did the whole contract shit show, how else would I have reconnected with Jasmine again?
Smartest Mother ever!
“You are going to be a husband again, and a father in a few months!….” Roland teased as I glared at him playfully.
“Y’all know that I’m definitely going to be the maid of honor right?….. it’s only fair that I get to rock the position” Mika announced as she pulled away from Jasmine.
“Nobody is dragging the position with you” Delilah rolled her eyes playfully.
“I will be your maid of honor when you finally get married to Roland” Avia teased and Mika opened her mouth to say something but paused mid way.
The chattering continues as the door opened and everywhere fall silent.
Gina walked in with the cops behind her, she looks pale and drained as everyone paved way for her towards my soon to be wife
“I’ve been put on trial and found guilty for accomplice, before I go, I just want to say I’m truly sorry for everything I did, I’m not the best sister in-law but I promise when I get out of jail after a year and six months, I will be the perfect sister in-law you would ever have, I’m sorry” she said and Jasmine pulled her in for the tightest hug.
“It’s okay, I don’t hold grudges against you” Jasmine said and a loud scoff could be heard from Riley, turns out Noah tracked down to where she has been hiding and turned her in for attempted mûrder.
“Thank you for not pressing charges against me” Gina said and I scoffed this time.
“I don’t know why, you deserve more than a year and six months in prison” I said and My Mom hit me as Gina looks away.
“We’ll miss you” Mika said as the girls took turns to hug her.
“Bye Jasmine” she said before the cops dragged her away, I could see the tears in her eyes as she was handcuffed and bundled like a sack of potatoes, I don’t regret shît…… she deserves punishment.
“We have a wedding to plan!!!!” Mika goshed as I pushed the girls away and grabbed my shining Star, her hands are soft and slick, just like her fragile heart, I’m going to be by her side in this difficult time, she needs me to be able to give birth successfully, I know she also needs medical attention but she would be needing emotional attachments too, right?
“I can’t wait to make you mine….. for real this time” I said and a smile creept her lips as she inched closer, our breathes fanning each other as we mute everyone else in the room, just focusing on the two of us and the world as our audience.
“Who’s stopping you?……” She trailed as I closed the remaining distance between us, capturing her lips in the most beautiful kiss I have ever intiated, the world needs to know that this woman is mine.
TWO MONTHS LATER
✨✨Nevada Grand Hall ✨✨
🍒Jasmine’s Pov🍒
I’ve never known true happiness until this very moment as I stand in front of the huge door leading to the most favorite person in my world, although the door might be closed, but I can feel him staring at it, I can feel his impatience to see me, it’s crazy how we have this connection between us even though we aren’t seeing each other……I love him and he sure as hell loves me too, not to brag or anything but I’m damn lucky
Nervousness wrapped it’s fangs around my throat as I stood side by side with Roland, he’s posing as my father figure since I don’t have one, he’s the only one I could think of and besides, I still owe him for keeping him in the dark.
My white wedding dress gluing to my body like a second skin as I clutched onto the rose banquet, I don’t know why but I feel hella nervous, this isn’t a fake wedding, I’m actually getting married to Jayson for real this time and it’s surreal.
“Just breathe, you will be fine” Roland soothing words breaks my chain of thousands thoughts as the large door finally opened and I’m blinded by flashing lights, the isle leading to my favorite human covered in red as I stepped in, my left hand guming to Roland as he held me down the isle.
The hall is large and spacious as a huge picture of Jayson and I stood out elegantly, unlike the first time, this picture is real, everything about today is real.
I looked up to see Jayson pulling away from Noah’s whispers as he stared at me, his gaze burning into my soul as I returned the energy, my wedding dress dragged elegantly from behind as I took calculated steps with Roland, I can also spot Mika standing on the right side of the stage, she’s my maid of honor so yeah, Delilah and Avia are goshing as I walked past them and Roland carefully handed me over to Jayson
“Treat her well or else?…..” Roland glared playfully but I can pinpoint the seriousness behind his words as Jayson takes my hand and I’m standing in front of him.
Claps and cheers could be heard as I looked at the crowd, Hudson gluing himself besides Delilah, Mrs Mantinda sitting in front with a proud smile on her face, Avia stealing glances at Noah who’s standing beside Jayson.
“I think I lost the rings” Noah whispered only for us to hear and Jayson face dropped.
“You kidding me!?, You had one freaking assignment to do, just one and you lost it!?” Jayson half yelled and I chuckled inwardly.
“Oh, looks like they were in my pocket after all” Noah said and Jayson almost kicked him but the clearing up of the preist made us focus
Looking at this man right now all I can see is a brighter future, his Italian tux’s hugging his body like it was made for him years ago, he looks even ravishing as he stared at me with possessiveness looming over his eyes.
In on time we exchanged our vows as we slipped our rings, adding another one to the one he used in proposing even though we told him not to, Jayson wouldn’t listen and that’s why I love him so much.
“You may now ki…..”.
“You don’t have to tell me twice…” Jayson shortened the preist as he pulled me into his warmth, kissing the living day lights out of my life as cheers and claps echoed the entire space.
“That’s my girl!!!……gooo” Avia cheers as I wrapped my hands over his shoulder and throw the banquet to free my other hand, guling Jayson to myself as he literally devours me right in front of everyone…..
“I freaking caught it again!” Mika yelled again as I pulled away from Jayson and stepped down towards her, I know she’s fated to Roland even though she’s been a bîtch about it.
Soon, everyone gathered as Mika hugs the banquet to herself, the laughter, the cheers and the soft clapping made me smile as Mrs Mantinda pulled me closer.
“Welcome to the family…. daughter in-law” Mrs Mantinda said and I hugged her dearly.
I cried as I hugged everyone wishing me, soft glitters splattered everywhere as Jayson pulled me out of the crowd and claim my lips all over again, staking a firm claim to the whole wide world.
I’m Mrs Jasmine Bartle now and he’s my freaking husband.
EPILOGUE
Mrs Mantinda’s Mansion ‼️
Mrs Mantinda fixed her glasses on as she stared at the journal Noah retrieved from Jasper’s old house in New York where he once lived after running away.
She flipped the pages and the first thing she see broke her heart into pieces.
“I wish I was never born” was the first words in the journal, immediately tears pulled down her eyes as she read through.
After Jasper ran away eighteen years ago, he stumbled on one of his uncle’s house and they took him in without bothering to reach out to them, because Jasper told them he doesn’t want to have anything to do with Mrs Mantinda or the family again.
His uncle took care of him and flew him to New York where he started a new life but he still vowed to revenge for the neglect he passed through.
Reading through the journal Mrs Mantinda came across so many senerios in which she totally ingorned Jasper and focused on Jayson instead
This specific line wrote.
“When I was five and Jayson was seven, we went camping and got injured on our way back, when we arrived with bleeding elbows and knees, more brushed past me and grabbed Jayson in her arms, kissing and dusting his body while I stood with bulging eyes, Dad had to pull me aside and wipe my dirt while she hurriedly took Jayson to the meds, completely ingnoring me” .
“I never felt like her son, sometimes I wish she never gave birth to me, sometimes I wished I could end my life, I always feel like a second thought and most times she never kisses me good night but would read Jayson bed time stories” another line explained and Mrs Mantinda broke down completely.
“I hate my life and my Mom, the other day, Dad said to one of his business associate that the only way to really get rid of a certain pain, is by ending the source, should I do that?” Another line wrote and Mrs Mantinda gasped.
Mrs Mantinda cried as she read more and more stories of how Jasper suffered in silence while she was all over Jayson.
Jasper wrote this when he was eighteen year old as it clearly states “dear eighteen years of my fúcked up life”.
“I never knew” she mumbles silently as tears rolls down her eyes and she sobbed loudly while jamming the journal close, she whimpers as she pulled away from her dressing table and scattered her draw, retrieving a bold picture of Jasper when he was eight.
She caress the picture with a sad smile while crying heavily.
“I’m so sorry, Son, I hope you forgive me” she whispered as she hugged the picture to herself and cried her eyes out.
3 YEARS LATER
🌹Jasmine’s Pov 🌹
“I testify that “I Mrs Jasmine Jayson Bartle, is the only survivor of Mr and Mrs Corey and legitimate successor to their chatter and properties, I stand with my husband and Mother in-law as witnesses and profound evidence that I did not die in the accident that occurred eighteen years ago”.
I remember saying those words to the court immediately after my marriage, it’s be two years plus and I’ve been handed over my parents businesses, well even though I faced a lot of challenges because the original ownership documents were burnt in the wearhouse alongside Laurence and Jasper……
“You’ve been working for hours, come on, this is supposed to be our honeymoon not working moon, Star” my lovely husband’s voice made me pause what I’m currently doing and turned around.
“Just say you are tired of carrying baby Ariel instead of complaining” I pointed out and he pushes forward, stepping into our study room we literally created after moving to the island for our honeymoon.
And yes, I actually pulled through and gave birth to baby Ariel even though I had to go under the knife, it was the most terrifying moment and thank God I had Jayson with me.
“Well I’m not tired, I just, can’t you stop working?” He pouted as baby Ariel giggled while fiddling with his shirt, and making noises I don’t even understand but hey, she’s my baby girl.
“Fine!” I muttered, flipping off my eye glasses as I stretched and reached out to our daughter, she’s a complete replica of Jayson, she has his chisel nose, perfect brown curls and sharp cheek bones, the only thing of she has of me are my brown eyes and heck!, Jayson and I have the same eye color so she’s practically her father’s daughter.
“She’s so cute….” Jayson mutters with adoration radiating his features as I carried her in my arms, she looks perfect, she is perfect……. Jayson smiled as she sneezed and made a funny face while reaching out to him for grasp.
“Hey!, I’m your Mother!” I semi yelled as we exited the study room and head for the living room, baby Ariel wouldn’t budge as she struggles to free herself from my clutches, I tried holding her still but a loud yelp made Jayson take her away from me.
“She’s more of a daddy’s girl, okay….. come here my wittle angel ” Jayson made baby voices as I frowned, my phone binged and I hurriedly set up the big TV for our usual video call with the rest.
“It’s almost time” I muttered and Jayson flopped on the couch whilst dragging me along, I sit beside him with baby Ariel oh his lap
It’s not like I’m jealous of my own child but she seems to be taking up most of Jayson’s space and well, I don’t like sharing…… don’t get me wrong though, I love my seeing Ariel glued to her father but there are times when I would want to be with Jayson and Ariel wouldn’t want that
Jayson set up the call and Mika was the first person to join.
“Finally!, What took you guys so long?, I was thinking we weren’t going to see each other today” Mika frowned as Roland flopped besides her on the couch, they moved into their own apartment right after Roland proposed to her a year ago.
“Star wouldn’t stop working, I know I’m the one that said she should focus but she seems to be ignoring the fact that we are supposed to be spending more time as a family” Jayson grumbled as Ariel rested on his chest while clapping her hands.
“That sounds like something she would do” Mika scoffed as I rolled my eyes.
“Is it just me or as Ariel grown into a beautiful young lady…… look at her cute hands” Roland chimed in as he inched closer and I smiled
“She’s exactly like her father, cute and adorable” Jayson pointed out while pinching her cheeks slightly.
“That’s not true!….. she looks a lot more like me” I mumbled as I leaned on Jayson’s shoulder while holding his mid arm .
“Stop being jealous Jasmine, she looks like a princess” Mika giggled as Roland hugged her to his side, the large screen giving us access to see them completely.
Immediately the screen split into three and Delilah poped up while grining.
“My favorite people!, It’s been three days and I wasn’t invited to our video call, that’s rude” Delilah grumbled, she seems to be waking up as she’s putting on her nightie and looking like a sleeping mess.
“Who added Delilah to our group chat?” Roland asked playfully and I laughed while Delilah gasped.
“I know Roland is behind it, you will pay for it!” Delilah bursted out as Jayson chuckled.
“You two are still at each other’s throats?, I thought you guys were cool now?” Jayson asked and Roland frowned instantly.
“We’re cool, but she’s still my little one, so she has to be treated exactly like that” Roland remarked and Mika glared at him.
“She’s not your little one, show him, baby” Mika gestured at Delilah and she pulled out her hand, flickering her finger.
“Oh my God!, Hudson proposed!” I gasped as the huge silver ring glisten brightly on her finger.
“He sure did, he popped the question three days ago, I would have informed y’all but Roland removed me from our group chat!” She yelled while hitting her dressing table.
“Wait, aren’t you like twenty?” Roland asked ignorantly and Mika hit him playfully.
“Point of correction, Mr, I’m twenty three and I’m legal to get married and who says you can’t get married even if you haven’t clocked twenty?” Delilah asked with a scrowl and Roland chuckled.
“Don’t eat me raw, Mrs twenty three, my baby and I are getting married in few months” Roland said as he kissed Mika and we all rolled our eyes while laughing.
“Baby Ariel is so cute!!!” Delilah goshed as she clasped her hands together and I brushed Ariel’s hair while she snuggled into Jayson”s warmth
Little pûnk.
The screen spilted into four boxes and Noah face appeared, he’s resting on his bed as sleeping Avia layed besides him…..they have been together for some months and Avia literally shoot her shot at him last year, turns out they both like each other and decided to start something
“Woah, someone had a rough night” Jayson teased as we all giggled, Avia stretched while she looks up at Noah and gasped immediately she saw what was going on.
“Totally, look at how flushed she is, I never knew Noah had it in him” Roland winked as Avia flipped him off with the middle finger while sitting up beside Noah.
“Fúck you right the fúck off, Roland” Avia mutters and Jayson immediately covered Ariel’s ears.
“Hey!, Mind your language in front of my daughter” Jayson warned and Avia rolled her eyes playfully.
“Isn’t she like a year old or something, there’s no way she understands what I said” Avia said as she straighten the duvet and Mika furrows her eyebrows as she pulled closer.
“What’s that red mark besides your ear Avia?” Mika asked and we all cheered as Noah looked at her and covered her neck with her hair
“A firm claim to tell the world that she’s mine, thank you very much” Noah voiced out finally in his hoarse voice and Delilah wagged her eyebrows.
“I told you guys the quiet nerds are the most badass people to ever exist” Delilah said and Noah simply wrapped his hands over Avia and she snuggles into him.
“Okay, I’m the only one not snuggling with my husband, Ariel’s got to go” I remarked playfully and Roland chuckled, Delilah laughs lightly and Mika gave me a stank eye.
“What’s for breakfast, Devil” Hudson strolled besides Delilah and immediately saw the call going on.
“Hey, fúckers, what’s going on?” He asked as he leaned forward.
“Mind your language guys!” Jayson yelled as he pulled Ariel closer.
Hudson chuckles while we all stared at Jayson.
“Did you just call Delilah, Devil?” Mika asked.
“Yeah, that’s what she told me the first day we spoke and I knew right there that she was mine, my little Devil” Hudson voiced out and Delilah giggled while stealing a kiss from him.
“Can you guys just stop kissing?, Ariel doesn’t need the image” Jayson frowned again.
“Like you don’t kiss your wife in front of her” Roland mumbles silently and Jayson pushed forward.
“Yeah, that’s different, she doesn’t need to see you spawns doing it” Jayson retored and Mika scoffed.
“Jayson, just let them be” I said rubbing his mid arm and he sighed.
“Woah, Noah and Avia seems to be rocking it pretty well, look at her hair!” Hudson remarked and we all laughed.
“Can you all just fúck off?, Babe, leave the group chat!” Avia yelled and Delilah raised an eyebrow.
“So you guys can go back to roughing it up, eeh?” Delilah teased and Avia cheeks heated up as she pulled the duvet cover over her face.
“Let her be guys, you all aren’t different, look at Mika’s collar bone and Delilah’s chin, oh, and don’t miss out the pink print on our dear. Jasmine’s ear lobe” Noah blurted and everyone jaw dropped instantly.
“Noah!” Mika was the first to call out.
“He’s really something else” Delilah said as she tugged at Hudson.
“I’m out and guys you all need to come back to Nevada, it’s boring without y’all” Hudson complained as he walked away from Delilah who frowned.
The screen beeped and Gina appeared on the screen alongside Mrs Mantinda.
“Someone removed me from our group chat” Gina frowned immediately.
“That would be me” Roland said as she glared at him.
“Mother in-law, you look good” I said immediately and Mrs Mantinda beamed.
After her little therapy, she seems to be healing and recovering from self guilt that almost claimed her mental health, it hasn’t been easy on her after she read Jasper’s journal titled “story of my life” .
“When are you guys coming back?” Mrs Mantinda asked and I stroked my chin.
“In a month time, Jayson and I need to clear some business here before coming back” I answered.
“Good, I can’t wait to swish my baby Ariel, the cutest thing ever!” Gina beamed with smiles.
“Hey, she’s not a thing” Jayson scolded and Gina frowned.
She finished her trials and was released a year ago, although things are still rough but we’re getting to know each other better.
“Mom, you son is being mean again” Gina frowned.
“Jayson, cut it out and give Gina a break” Mrs Mantinda scrowled.
“Ummm, Mika, I want to ask you something” I said and everyone focused instantly.
“What is it?” She asked.
“You remember that time during my birthday before Mandy interupted, I saw you arguing with Roland and you were crying, what happened back there?” I asked and Mika eyes softened.
“I told Roland what happened between Delilah and I, he didn’t like it one bit and blasted me for keeping such thing away from him” she said and Roland frowned.
“I’m still mad at Delilah for doing something like that but Mika pleaded on her behalf so I forgive her” Roland said and Delilah bites her lips sadly.
“I was stupid back then, I’m truly sorry” Delilah said.
“It’s all good” Roland and Mika said at the same time.
“Hudson, what are you doing!?” Delilah yelled as rustles came from their side and Hudson ran towards her.
“I think I’m going to burn the kitchen down” Hudson said with a funny face and Delilah gasped.
“Bye guys, i don’t know what Hudson is up to” Delilah said as she ended her side of the call while Hudson laughed at the back.
“Jayson, we need you here at Nevada, some real business shît is going on and Jasmine needs to resume fully as well since you guys are partners now” Noah said with a slur.
“yeah guys, get your asses over here, we have two weddings to plan and I miss Ariel” Avia beamed as she touched her side of the screen
“We need to go, Mom and I have girls day since we hardly spend time together, be back soon” Gina giggled as she ended their side of the call while Mrs Mantinda make baby faces at Ariel.
“We need to go too, Jasmine and I have couples fest and you guys don’t need the image” Jayson winked.
“Bye, fúckers…..if you guys don’t come back soon, I’m flying over to that island and dragging you home” Avia teased as Noah made a peace sign while ending their side of the call.
“Remind me to remove them from the group chat” Roland said and we all laughed.
“Bridal shower soon!” I chimed and Mika giggled, I honestly can’t wait to rock her wedding in a grand style, she deserves it and more.
“Come on Mika, let’s leave the couples to go make babies again……” Roland teased and Jayson glared at him.
“Fúck off, twat!” Jayson scolded playfully.
“Mind your language, Mr Jayson, baby Ariel is listening!” Roland teased and Jayson ended the call.
“Remind me to kick his àss off the group chat” Jayson said and I pecked his cheek.
We looked at Ariel and she’s sleeping, she must have dozed off while we were chattering.
Jayson carefully carried her as he placed her in her baby cradle gently and she pouted her lips in her sleep while adjusting.
Tears gathered my eyes as I watched Jayson kissed her forehead softly with so much adoration and looked at me.
“I’m so happy, Star…..my little baby is growing up” Jayson said and I pulled him towards the window as we looked out the calm area.
The island is saturated at the end of the city, very far from Nevada though and it’s the most beautiful place I have ever seen, it belongs to our parents when they were still friends, I never knew our parents had a conjoined island, they must have been really close, they were really close
“I’m so happy with the way things turned out for us, everyone is happy, this is more than a dream come true” I said and Jayson trails kisses down my neck as my eyes flutter close, soaking in every single touch of his lips.
“How about the couple fest to prove just how lucky we are?” Jayson whispered and I spin around, wrapping my hands over his shoulder.
“And there you were teasing Noah!” I giggled as he claims my lips in the most breathtaking kiss, no matter how much or how long I spend with Jayson, every kiss feels surreal with him…..he pulled me closer as he deepened the kiss, leaving me breathless and longing for more a…….
“Annnnnnnnnnn!!” A loud cry echoed as Jayson pulled away from me with a groan.
“And there goes my couples fest!” Jayson mutters as we hurried towards crying Ariel and I scooped her in my arms.
With Jayson besides me, and my little baby staring back at me with her big brown orbs, I can’t wish for anything better.
“Thank you for being part of my story, Jayson” I said and he pecked Ariel and squeezed my chin whilst kissing me.
“And thank you for being part of my new beginning, Star” he replied and I leaned on his chest as Ariel played with my hair.
Mika and Roland are engaged and getting married soon.
Delilah and Hudson are also tying the knot soon.
Avia and Noah are dating and planning a future together.
Gina and Mrs Mantinda are bonding and they are all healing gradually.
And I have the best people surrounding me and I’m more than happy.
Having this people in my story line as been the most thrilling experience ever!
This is what our forever should be like!
THE END
Last Words
Wow, what a journey, huh? From the neon lights of Las Vegas to the tumultuous world of billionaire politics, Jasmine and Jayson’s story has been nothing short of explosive. They started as strangers bound by a contract, but through trials, betrayal, and unexpected moments of tenderness, they found something real. Jasmine learned to face her fears and stand up for herself, while Jayson discovered that maybe, just maybe, love isn’t such a nightmare after all.
Their journey wasn’t easy—filled with moments of intense passion, deep sorrow, and ultimate redemption. But in the end, they emerged stronger, proving that even in the darkest moments, love can find a way. Here’s to Jasmine and Jayson, two souls who braved their demons and found their way to each other. Cheers to new beginnings and the unpredictable ride that is life!