Natalie, who was still in the room, looked at Ethan in disbelief. Amidst her disbelief was also a small triumph smile dancing in her eyes.

Without saying anything, she also left the room, but she didn’t chase after Jasmine, instead, she made a detour toward the rooftop, her lips curling faintly as she dialed a number. Both women left without Ethan and his friends knowing, just like when they entered earlier.

Jasmine dashed out of the clubhouse in tears. No matter how she tries to wipe it off, it continues falling. As if the revelation of her lover wasn’t enough, a drop of rain fell on her skin, and before she knew it, the rain became heavy, drenching her. She was barely aware of where she was going.

‘I have to leave. I have to escape from Ethan.’ Her brain screamed as she walked down the street inside the heavy rain, her perfectly styled hair hung in dripping stands across her tear-streaked face.

Her black gown clung to her skin, soaked and heavy, her heels clinking unevenly on the wet road as she walked down the road like a lonely ghost, her clutch held tightly between her fingers.

Each step she took felt like walking through broken glass — sharp, painful, cutting deep into her heart. The words Ethan spat out a moment ago kept on replaying in her head. “Why would I fall in love with her? It’s just a game, bro.”

Jasmine let out a broken sob, her tears mixing with the rain water that kept pouring on her face. Her sobs were swallowed by the sound of thunder that kept on roaring into the night. The world seemed to be weeping with her.

Every smile, all late night calls, every promise, was all a lie. She had trusted him when everyone had said Ethan Morgan was dangerous, a man who played with women’s hearts like it worth nothing. 

She believed she was different. He had treated her lovingly, unlike the rumors. How foolish she was to think she meant the world to him, just like he meant to her.

“Why, Ethan?” Jasmine screamed as she kept on walking into the pouring rain. “Why would you do this to me? How dare you play with my feelings?”

What answered her was the roaring thunder that kept on rumbling across the night sky, echoing her pain like a cruel reminder that the heavens themselves were bearing witness to her heartbreak.

“No, I can’t just leave like that!” Jasmine stopped suddenly. “Leaving like this wasn’t enough. I needed answers. I have to confront Ethan and look into his eyes and ask him why? What was my crime for him to play with my feelings?” 

Her palm moved towards her face, trying to clean the tears and rain water out of her face, her body trembling. Summoning the little strength she had left, Jasmine turned around, her soaked heels slipping slightly on the wet road. 

She started making her way back to the clubhouse inside the heavy rain, her vision blurred by the heavy downpour. She didn’t notice the car speeding towards her, the car headlights blazing through the storm. The light hit her face, blinding her for a split second, and then everything went blank.

The sound of metal colliding with flesh and bone ripped through the storm. Her body was thrown violently against a lamppost, the impact echoing across the empty street.

For a moment, time stood still. Jasmine’s small frame crumpled to the ground, her once-glowing skin now pale beneath the rain. Her blood mixed with the puddle around her, painting the ground crimson.

The car didn’t stop. Its tires screeched as it sped away into the night, disappearing around the corner without a trace, hesitation, no remorse.

Jasmine’s lips parted slightly, a soft, painful gasp escaping them as her trembling fingers reached out weakly, grasping for something, or someone who was no longer there.

“E-Ethan,” she whispered faintly, her lips barely moving. Her body shuddered once, twice, before going still, the rain continuing to fall relentlessly, washing her blood across the pavement.

Around Jasmine, the world remained indifferent, the streetlights flickering weakly, and the storm raged on, drowning out the last breath of the woman whose only sin was loving too deeply.

****

Back inside the clubhouse, Donald made his way back into the room, his body slightly wet. Ethan and his friends looked up and saw him. Josh and Williams continue their game, while Ethan’s face is stoic, the words he said earlier still haunting him.

“Didn’t you go to the restroom? How did you get wet?” Josh questioned Donald as he walked towards them, his eyes filled with mischief as he hit one of the snooker balls.

“It’s none of your business, Josh.” Donald shrugged, not wanting to answer Josh, who he knew was teasing him. Donald looks all over the room but he doesn't see Jasmine and Natalie.

“Huh, where is Jasmine and Natalie? I saw them making their way inside here earlier.”

Ethan’s champagne glass fell as he heard Donald’s words. His hand was shaking. Josh and Williams stilled, all eyes focused on Donald.

“What? Jasmine was here earlier?” Ethan rushed towards Donald, his hand grabbing his shoulder.

“Yes, I told them you guys were waiting for them here. Why can’t I see them?” Donald, oblivious of what has happened in his absence, was puzzled by the look on his friends’ faces.

“Did they eavesdrop on everything we said a few minutes ago?” Josh spat as he ran a hand into his hair, exhaling sharply.

Ethan’s feet felt heavy as he stood in place. He couldn’t help imagining the pain Jasmine is in after hearing all that he had said earlier. Fuck his ego. Without thinking, Ethan rushed towards Josh and punched him hard on his face.

“It’s all your fault!”  He roared. “You did that purposely. You said all that earlier to provoke me, knowing Jasmine would be here right?”

Ethan was about to punch Josh again when Donald and Williams, who was shocked at Ethan’s reaction, rushed forward and grabbed him, separating them from each other.

Josh was punched speechless by Ethan. He regained his senses after a few seconds. “Are you out of you fucking mind, Ethan? I asked a question and you gave me an answer. What does that have to do with me knowing that Jasmine will be here? 

And by the way, all I said earlier was the truth. We all know you are with her due to a bet you made with me four years ago. Why are you going berserk after knowing that Jasmine knew you were just playing with her?”

Donald finally put one and two together and understood all that happened in his absence. “Fuck Ethan, you are a fucking bast…”

Ethan didn’t allow Donald to finish his words before he freed himself from his friends’ grip. He threw a dirty glance at Josh way before he took his blazer and car key, making his way towards the door.

Before he opened the door, he glanced at Josh and said, “better pray that Jasmine forgives me and not break up with me because of your nonsense. If not, be ready to face the consequences of your actions.”

And with that, Ethan jammed the door behind him and left the clubhouse, his heart filled with how much pain Jasmine must be in right now.

Natalie walked into the cold night with an umbrella shielding her from the pouring rain. Her gaze was fixed on Jasmine, who was lying in the pool of her blood, her gaze sharp and dark. 

She took slow, steady steps towards Jasmine, her heels tapping gently into the puddle. She stopped two feet away from Jasmine and gazed at her for a few seconds before bending over, her umbrella still held in her hand.

Natalie’s lips curved into a cold, satisfied smile as she crouched beside Jasmine’s pale body. The rain dripped off her umbrella, droplets splashing onto Jasmine’s pale face. 

“Such a pity, my dear Jasmine.” Natalie whispered as she patted Jasmine's cheek, trying to get a reaction from her, but Jasmine had already passed out, however, she could hear some faint voices around her.

“You wouldn’t have been in this condition had you not love the wrong person. You should have stayed away from Ethan. Why did he love you and not me?” Natalie’s hand tightened around the umbrella handle, her eyes blazing.

“No matter how many times I confessed my love to him, he never looked at me, all because of you. I should have been the one by his side and not you. It’s all your fault.”

Natalie spat, her voice dripping with something cold, her lips curling as if the words themselves taste bitter. She had also loved Ethan for the past few years she had known him. Being friends with Jasmine was part of her scheme in getting Ethan. Who knew that Ethan’s heart is already filled with only Jasmine, and for that, she hated Jasmine more.

She was the one behind Jasmine’s accident. She had hired a hit-man a few days ago. Her plan was to take Jasmine out of the way in order to be with Ethan. After hearing all that Ethan’s said earlier, she was quite happy. 

She had rushed to the rooftop, trying to contact the hit-man not to do the job anymore. However, it was too late. He wasn’t picking up. It was after he had run Jasmine over she received a call from him. 

Instead of feeling pity for Jasmine, she felt that Jasmine deserved all that was happening to her. All the pain Ethan’s rejection had caused her, Jasmine must also taste it.

After Natalie says her fill, she stands up and turns around, not minding if Jasmine survived or not. A faint sound of phone ringing stops her. She turned around and saw Jasmine’s clutch not far away. 

She walks towards it and picks it up. She fished out Jasmine’s phone and saw that it was Ethan calling. Her eyes lit up as if Ethan had called her directly. She immediately picked up the call, but she didn’t say anything. She waited patiently for Ethan to speak.

“Mimi, where are you? Can we talk? All that you heard earlier was all a lie. I love you so much. I was just trying to…” Natalie angrily hung up the call, her anger brewing more.

How dare Ethan? Didn’t he say he doesn’t love Jasmine a few minutes ago? Why is he changing his words again? With hatred, Natalie maliciously kicked Jasmine leg and spat, “you deserve being run-down by a car, you vixen. I hope you will never survive this.”

After saying that, Natalie took Jasmine’s phone and left the crime scene, not minding if Jasmine survives the accident.

****

Ethan made way to his car inside the heavy rain in a rush, his hand shaking as he opened his Rolls-Royce door. He kept on trying Jasmine’s number, but no one was picking up. He had called earlier to explain himself, and also try to know how she was feeling, but he was hung up on.

After getting behind the wheel, Ethan drove out of the clubhouse and sped off into the rain. His mind was occupied with how fast he could reach Jasmine.

He drove straight to Jasmine’s apartment. Halfway there, he received a message from Jasmine. He happily picks up his phone, but what he saw next shattered his heart. 

He didn’t know when he parked his car, his hand clutching tightly on the steering wheel as he stared at the pictures, his hands shaking, his eyes widened. 

In a room, Jasmine was lying under the sheet with another man, cuddling happily. The pictures look real. And the fact that the pictures were taken in Jasmine’s room shattered Ethan’s heart more. 

The woman under the sheet was none other than Jasmine. Her head was lying peacefully on the man’s chest, her eyes closed. He zoomed in on the picture, trying to find a clue that it was all fake, but all he saw makes the pictures painfully convincing. 

The curtains, the bedspread, even the painting hanging on the wall was a gift he gave her on her last birthday. Ethan’s chest heaved rapidly, his breath ragged as he slammed his fist against the steering wheel.

Under the pictures was a message. “You aren’t the only one who can play, Ethan? Two can play the game. I was also fooling around with you. This is my real boyfriend.” 

“Damn it, Jasmine.” Ethan shouted, his car feeling the weight of his anger. “After all the years we spent together, you finally showed me that you are just like the other girls who played with my feelings.”

Ethan laughed bitterly, his voice cracked. Deep down, he doesn’t want to believe the pictures, but all the details and evidence was real. There was no sign of the pictures being photoshopped, or any trick of AI.

He immediately dialed Jasmine number again, but it was switched off. ‘I better not get my hands on you, Jasmine.’ Ethan thought as he stared outside the car window, watching the rain as it kept pouring.

His phone buzzed after a few seconds. His eyes lit up as hope flickered in his chest, thinking it was Jasmine calling, but the name he saw made his face cold, the light in his eyes dim instantly. It was his father. 

Without thinking twice, he switched off his phone angrily. With an anger-filled chest, he started his car and drove off to his apartment. The rain kept falling, the darkness outside matching the one slowly swallowing his heart. 

****

It had been more than twenty minutes since Jasmine’s accident. She was left lying on the road under the rain without any help. No car was passing by due to the heavy rain. A few miles away, a car sped towards the road Jasmine was laying in the pool of her blood.

The headlights cut through the darkness, water splashing everywhere due to the speed of the black SUV. It suddenly slowed down a few meters before reaching where Jasmine was lying.

“What happened, John? Why did you slow down?” A middle aged man's voice echoed from the back seat.

“Sir, there seems to be an accident. Someone is lying down there. I don’t know if he or she is alive.”

“Stop the car.” Dr. Andrew immediately opened the backseat door and stepped out, not minding if the accident was a trap. 

“Sir, please be careful.” John unbuckled his seat belt and stepped out of the car. Before John could say anything, his boss was already crouching over, checking if Jasmine was still breathing.

“She is still breathing. Come help me carry her into the car.” John rushed forward. With his help, Jasmine was carried into the car.

“Drive to the nearest hospital immediately.” Dr. Andrew instructed John, who immediately got into the car. 

“Sir, did you know her? She kinda looks familiar.” John whispered as he started the car.

“Don’t question me. Do what you are asked to do.” Dr. Andrew said, his voice devoid of any emotion as he started giving Jasmine some first aid treatment.

“Yes sir.” With that, John drove as fast as he could to the nearest hospital, his head filled with many unanswered questions.

That night marked the end of a painful heartbreak, and the beginning of a new life for Jasmine. When Jasmine regains consciousness, the world she once knew was gone, and so was the fragile girl she used to be. 

But amidst that pain and loss, a man’s kindness pulled her back from the edge. Dr. Andrew didn’t just save her life, he gave her a new purpose to live. From that night, the girl who loves too deeply died, and Dr. Jasmine Woods was born.

Eight years later.

“Dr. Woods, you look tired. You need some rest after being on your feet for six hours. Thank God the surgery was successful.” Daniel followed behind Jasmine, rolling his sore shoulder.

“Daniel, as medical practitioners, our job is to save lives. We don’t need to complain.” Jasmine didn’t slow her steps, her tone calm, but firm.

As Daniel was about to reply while they walked towards the elevator leading towards Jasmine’s office, the elevator opened, revealing Dr. Andrew and his assistant, John.

“Andrew, it’s been a while.” A small smile tugged Jasmine’s lips, the kind that came only when someone’s heart felt at home.

“Jas, you look exhausted. You’ve been working overtime again.” Dr. Andrew frowned as he walked towards Jasmine and pulled her into a hug.

“I reek of sweat, Andrew. Don’t hug me.” Jasmine mouthed, though her hands were already wrapped around him. It’s been a week since she last saw him, and she missed him.

Daniel and John exchange knowing glances, their eyes shimmering. For the past eight years, Jasmine and Andrew had been inseparable.

“I know, but that wouldn’t stop me from hugging my little girl.” He rested his jaw on Jasmine’s head,  inhaling her scent.

Jasmine chuckled softly, her hands wrapped tightly around him. The familiar scent of his cologne eased her tension, her tired body seemed to find strength again.

A few seconds passed before they finally broke the hug, eyes locked onto each other.

“I warned you to stop taking double shifts, Jas. Look at the dark circles under your eyes.” Dr. Andrew sighed, his hand brushing slightly under her eyes, his heart aching.

“Dr. Andrew, it’s my fault. Don’t blame Jasmine. I’m the one who didn’t take good care of her.” Daniel butted in before Jasmine could reply.

“It’s none of his business, Andrew. Don’t blame him.” Jasmine mouthed before Andrew could say anything.

Dr. Andrew sighed helplessly. “I’m not blaming anyone here.” He looked between them. He knew that if he said more, they’d just keep defending each other. 

“Daniel,”

“Yes sir,”

“Escort her to her office, and make sure she gets some rest. If she tries to take any shift in the next seven hours, you must inform me immediately.”

“Noted, Dr. Andrew.”

Jasmine didn’t argue. After exchanging an understanding look with Andrew, Jasmine walked into the elevator, Daniel trailing behind her.

Dr. Andrew and John watched until the elevator door closed before continuing towards his office.

“Who would have thought that Jasmine would survive that fatal accident eight years ago?” John said quietly. Not only did she survive, years later, she became a certified doctor, saving other people’s lives. What a twist of fate.”

John’s words lingered in the air after they entered Dr. Andrew’s office. Andrew walked towards the window, his gaze distant as he watched the busy street of Paris.

“She is stronger than anyone else.” Dr.Andrew murmured. “But anytime I see her push herself like this, I’m reminded of how fragile life can be.”

Memories of that rainy night eight years ago rushed in. He painfully shut his eyes, but no matter what he did, those memories kept on coming.

“Sir…,” John finally said. “Do you think she remembers anything from the accident years ago?”

Andrew slowly turned around, his expression unreadable. “No, she doesn’t. And I hope she never does.”

Eight years ago, after giving Jasmine some first aid treatment, he had rushed her to the nearest hospital for treatment. She was in a coma for a month, with no one coming for her. It was a miracle that she survived that fatal accident.

Dr. Andrew doesn’t know why he felt this father's connection with her. He had canceled all his schedule for that period, in order to take good care of Jasmine.

With the help of the identity card he saw in her clutch, he had contacted her family, but no one seemed to care. Another week passed before an old man, who claimed to be her grandfather, came for her.

After knowing how critical Jasmine’s condition was, her grandfather made a deal with him. After finalizing the deal, he became Jasmine’s official guardian. He flew Jasmine back to Paris, where she regained consciousness after a few weeks of intensive medical care.

With the information he has gotten from investigating Jasmine's life in New York, he got to know that she was the unloved child of the Woods. Except for her grandfather, no one else cares about her.

“I hope she will always be happy. I don’t know what to do without her. The years I’ve spent with her have been the happiest of my life. She had become the child I never had.” Dr. Andrew whispered, his eyes filled with longing.

John stared at his boss in understanding. Jasmine was the first person he had seen his boss cared about the most, for the past few years he had been working with him. 

‘I pray nothing would disrupt their happiness.’ John prayed in his heart as he walked towards his desk, preparing to start working on the paperwork that has been on his desk for the past one week he was out of office.

******

Later that evening, inside Jasmine’s office.

“Jas, you are finally awake.” Daniel muttered as he walked towards Jasmine's desk, a food flask in his hand.

“Daniel, why didn’t you wake me up? It’s almost 9:00pm. Jasmine yawned as she walked towards the sofa. She sat down with her hands draped across the sofa.

“You are tired, and you need some rest. I won’t dare to disturb your rest after Dr. Andrew’s earlier instructions.” He placed the food flask on the table in front of Jasmine, arranging the food calmly.

Jasmine didn’t argue. She was famished. Without another word, she picked up a spoon and started eating her meal.

Daniel sat beside her, scrolling through his phone. The silence around them wasn’t awkward. However, it was peaceful.

Two minutes after Jasmine started eating, a sharp ring of her phone tore into the air. With a creased brow, Jasmine stood up to get her phone, but Daniel beat her to it. He passed her the phone and went back to his seat, as he continued playing his game.

Jasmine smiled as she saw the caller ID, her creased brow lifting in surprise. She wasn’t expecting to hear from him this early, since they spoke three days ago.

“Grandpa, how are you doing?” Jasmine dropped her spoon as she spoke into the phone, her words coming out in a whisper.

“Mie Mie, I’m doing great. Are you busy?” 

“No, I’m not. What’s up, grandpa?” Jasmine sat up realizing the seriousness from the other end.

“You know I will never do anything to hurt you right?” There was a long pause from the other end. 

“Yes, grandpa. I know that.”   She felt that whatever her grandfather was about to say was nothing good. 

She could hear the soft rustle of his breath, the kind that came when he was gathering courage to say something difficult.

“There’s… something I need to tell you.” Grandpa began, his tone heavy.  “I’ve arranged something important for you back home. It’s… it’s a marriage, Jasmine.”

Jasmine froze. Her hand tightened around her phone, her face slowly drained of color.

A… marriage?” She stammered, still in disbelief, her body shaking.

“Yes, sweetheart.” The words fell from his mouth with an inevitable weight. “He’s a good man, from a respectable and reputable family in New York. Everything has been set in motion. The ceremony is in two weeks.”

“What? You want me to get married to a stranger in two weeks?” Jasmine jumped out of her seat. She could hear her pulse thundering in her ears. Daniel was also surprised as he heard what she just said. He dropped his phone and focused on Jasmine’s conversation.

“Grandpa, you can’t be serious,” she whispered, her throat tightening. “You didn’t even ask me…”

“I know, Mie Mie,” he cut in softly. “But I did what I thought was best for you. I’m not asking for your permission. I’m asking for your understanding. I’ve lived my life, Mie Mie. 

It’s your turn now. Don’t make this hard for me, okay? I won’t be around forever, my dear. And I want to see you settled in safe hands before I leave this world in peace.”

Tears stung Jasmine’s eyes before she could stop them. Why now? Why would her grandfather arrange a marriage for her, when she just started enjoying her career and life in Paris?”

“But why, Grandpa? Why now?”

A long silence hung in the air for a few seconds. “I just knew that it’s the best thing for you. Be ready to get married in two weeks, my girl. It’s time to come back home, Mie Mie.”

Jasmine’s lips parted, but no words came out. The call ended with a soft click, and the silence that followed was deafening. She thought she had started a new beginning in Paris. Who knew that her happiness wouldn’t last long.

****

~~New York~~

“Your wedding is in two weeks, Ethan.” Kenneth Morgan's words came out sharp, leaving no room for protest. He didn’t even raise his head up from the document he was signing.

Ethan’s jaw tightened as he leaned back in his seat, the leather creaking beneath him. His arms were folded beneath each other.

“You’ve decided on my marriage without asking for my opinion. Who gave you such right over me, Father?”

“You bastard. How dare you speak to me in that manner?” Kenneth angrily slammed his hand on his desk, his nose flaring. Ethan didn’t flinch. He calmly gazed at him, as if telling his father to do his worst.

Kenneth’s face flush red, veins visible at his temple. “You are my son, and you will do whatever I ask you to do. And for this marriage, whether you like it or not, you will fulfill it, or be ready to step down as the future head of the Morgan family.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Ethan angrily stood up, his body shaking with fury with his fists clenched beside him. A small smile played around his father’s lips seeing that Ethan finally had a reaction.

“Try to disobey me, and see if I dare or not.” Seeing that he finally got Ethan to listen to him, Kenneth continued with the documents in front of him.

A few minutes passed before Ethan spoke again.

“Fine. I will marry whoever you want me to marry, but don’t expect anything else out of this marriage.” Ethan didn’t wait for his father’s reply before storming out of his study.

What he didn’t know was that somewhere across the ocean, the woman whose name still haunted his nights, had also received the same news, and in two weeks, fate would bring them face-to-face once again.