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.

Two weeks later.

A night before the wedding.

“Ethan, you are really getting married tomorrow.” Josh took a sip of his whiskey, still in disbelief.

“Yes, I am. It’s just an arrangement made by my old man.” Ethan’s fingers tightened around the champagne glass in his hand, almost breaking it.

“Why are you asking such a stupid question, Josh? You already knew that with our status, we have to marry someone who adds benefits to the family business, whether we agree or not.” Donald chimed in, shutting Josh up.

Josh scoffed, leaning back on the leather couch. “Yeah, I understand that very much. No need for you to spell it out. However, Ethan has never been the type to play along. I thought you’d fight it, buddy.”

“He threatened to remove my position as the future head of the family. I can’t risk that.” Ethan’s jaw ticked as he said that.

“What if he made his bastard the next head of the family? Won’t all my hard work for the past few years be in vain?” A muscle ticked in his jaw as he forced out a reply.

Donald smirked. “You won’t lose out, Ethan. I’m sure your bride must be a beauty. Who knows, maybe you would fall in love with her during your marriage. We all know that after Jasmine left, no woman had ever moved your heart.”

Ethan’s shoulders went rigid at the mention of Jasmine’s name. The past came back rushing in like an open book. He didn’t move, only the faint tightening of his grip on the glass betrayed the calm mask on his face.

Josh jabbed Donald with his shoulder, a silent warning flashing in his eyes for him to shut up. Donald immediately shut up, knowing that he had said what he shouldn’t.

Without saying a word, Ethan stood up, preparing to leave. However, a view in front of him made him stop, his gaze fixed on the dimly lit club’s stage. Music and cheers filled the air. Something inside him twisted, a restlessness he couldn’t explain.

The light dimmed further. An alluring woman stepped onto the stage, dressed in a shimmering silver outfit that clung to her curves and caught the light with every slow, deliberate step. Her long legs glistened under the spotlight, her face hidden behind a delicate silver mask, 

The crowd went silent as she moved — graceful, confident, yet heartbreakingly vulnerable. Ethan’s breath caught. He hadn’t met or seen her before, but something about the way she moved felt familiar.

He was a regular in this club, and he could swear he had never seen this stripper before. An elegant air surrounded her, making her look classy.

“Hey, you look like you’ve seen a ghost. Don’t tell me she really enticed you.” Josh nudged Ethan with his shoulder, his face full of surprise.

He had never seen Ethan lose his cool for a woman except Jasmine. The way Ethan had been staring at the stage since that chick made her presence known was unusual.

“Wow, look at those long legs. How would it feel to have them wrapped around my...” A sharp gaze shot towards Donald before he could finish his words. He couldn’t help swallowing his saliva, and quickly avoided Ethan’s eyes.

A few minutes later, a loud cheer filled the clubhouse after the woman ended her seductive performance. She walked down the stage half-smile, blowing kisses around her, making the audience go wild. All eyes were on her as she walked backstage.

The way she moved, elegant yet raw, powerful, yet fragile, stirred something buried deep inside Ethan. Before he knew it, he was already walking towards the direction she disappeared.

“Ethan,” Josh called, but Ethan didn’t seem to hear him. His gaze was fixed on the woman disappearing through the side door. The noise of the crowd faded behind him as he followed the hallway’s dim glow, the air thick with the scent of perfume and smoke.

When Ethan caught up, she was out of sight, already in the dressing room. She was standing by the mirror in the dressing room, her back to him. Her hands were poised at the straps of her mask.

For a moment, he hesitated, watching the reflection of her bare shoulders in the mirror.

“Interesting,” he murmured, his voice deep, almost rough. “I don’t remember seeing you here before.”

The woman froze. Slowly, she turned her head, her mask still in place. “That’s because I don’t dance here,” she replied softly, her accent faintly familiar, her tone guarded.

Ethan’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “Then tonight must be my lucky night.” He strode forward, his steps deliberate. His arm wrapped around her tiny waist naturally before he could control himself.

He could feel her body going stiff. Just when he thought she might get angry for his rude behavior, she wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him closer. 

“Who knows if tonight might be your worst.” She gave a short, ironic laugh, her breath mixed with his, her eyes glowing under the mask, captivating Ethan’s heart.

He couldn’t help but swallow. Before he knew it, his head dipped, and he captured her succulent lips.

She froze for a heartbeat before giving in, her lips soft, yet demanding against his. The taste of her lips was intoxicating — sweet, fiery, and laced with something dangerous.

For a fleeting moment, Ethan forgot who he was, where he was. All that existed was the feel of her — her warmth, her scent, her heartbeat drumming against his chest. 

Just when he planned to draw her in for more, she pulled away, her breathing uneven, the silver mask hiding everything but the tremor in her lips. She unwrapped her hands from his neck.

“That shouldn’t have happened,” she murmured, her voice low and steady, though her eyes betrayed something deeper, fear, or perhaps familiarity.

Ethan’s gaze lingered on her face hidden beneath the mask, searching for something more. “You didn’t seem to mind. I felt you enjoyed the kiss just the way I did.”

She gave a soft, ironic smile. “Maybe I didn’t, but men like you always regret what feels good to be real.

Before he could say a word, she slipped away from his grasp, her fingers brushing against his chest teasingly as she moved past him with light, deliberate and steady steps.

“I don’t even know your name.” He said, just before she could disappear down the hallway.

She paused. For a heartbeat, she didn’t move. Then, slowly, her head tilted back, her silver mask glinting under the light. “Ella,” she said simply, her voice smooth but distant, as if the name itself was borrowed, not truly hers.

Ethan’s gaze lingered on her, trying to memorize the shape of her lips as she said it. ‘Ella.’ The name rolled through his mind like a secret he wanted to keep.

She gave a faint, knowing smile. “Don’t bother remembering it. You won’t see me again.” Before he could reply, she turned around and walked away, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor.

Each step seemed to echo in his chest, steady and haunting until the door closed behind him. “You don’t decide whether I will see you again. That’s mine to take care of.” A dangerous smirk danced across his lips.

He didn’t stay any longer in the dressing room after she left. His fingers brushed his neck, remembering the warmth of her arms a moment ago.

He was certain he had never seen her before, but she felt familiar. Ethan walked back to his booth, a dull ache settling in his chest, as though he’d left something unfinished behind.

The lingering warmth of her lips, and the faint scent of Ella refused to leave him, even after hours. 

He pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant number. After a ring, the phone connected. 

“I need all the information you can gather on a woman named Ella ASAP. She works at Burgundy’s club.” He didn’t give any more details before ending the call.

*****

The wedding.

“You look so beautiful, Jasmine.” Daniel exclaimed from the doorway as he rushed into the hotel room where Jasmine was being dolled up for her wedding.

Jasmine gave a small smile for Daniel's sake. She hadn’t been herself from the moment she heard she was getting married. She flew back to New York two days ago. 

She would never forget the disapproving expression on Dr. Andrew’s face when he heard that she was getting married to a stranger. 

After what felt like ages, Jasmine was finally ready to walk down the aisle. “I can’t believe you are getting married, Jas.” Daniel muttered as he helped Jasmine with her kitten heels. 

Daniel wasn’t only her assistant, he is also her best friend. He was one of the people who had made her stay in Paris memorable.

“I know I owe you an explanation, Dan. I promise to explain everything to you after the wedding.” Jasmine picked up her clutch as she stood up just in time for the door opening.

“Wow, princess, you look stunning.” Grandpa Wood walked in with the help of his butler, who was slightly younger than him.

“Grandfather.” Jasmine called, tears simmering in her eyes. This is the first time she would be seeing him physically in eight years. He looked older than the last time she saw him.

“Don’t cry, Mie Mie. It’s your wedding day.” Grandpa Wood strode forward and pulled Jasmine into a hug, patting her head. She sniffed in his familiar scent, her heart relieved.

No matter how unwilling she was with the wedding, she had to go along with it for her grandfather’s sake.

A few minutes later, Jasmine stopped crying. Thanks to her waterproof makeup, it didn't smudge. Grandpa Wood offered his arm, his voice trembling with pride. “Let’s go princess. It’s time.”

“Yes grandpa.” She nodded and held his stretched out arm before they walked out of the room, Daniel trailing behind them.

The doors opened, and the soft melody of the wedding march filled the air. The guests turned, admiring the glowing bride walking gracefully beside her grandfather in her white wedding dress.

Flashes from cameras of different sizes exploded the moment she stepped into the hall, blinding and relentlessly capturing every graceful step she took towards the altar.

At the altar, Ethan stood tall, but his thoughts were somewhere else. He couldn’t forget his last night encounter with Ella, the mysterious woman whose lips still haunted him. 

The hushed whisper around and the flashes of cameras brought him out of his reverie. His gaze lifted casually, just to see the woman he was about to marry. 

The moment his eyes landed on his bride, the air in his lungs stilled when her veil lifted slightly under the light, revealing a face that had haunted his dreams for eight years.

Ethan’s heart slammed violently against his chest. 

No.

It couldn't be her. 

“Jasmine…?” The name slipped from his lips before he could stop it — raw, shaken, nothing like the polite formality expected at the altar.

A gasp rippled through the men behind Ethan as they recognized who the bride was.

Jasmine froze at such a strong reaction from her groom and his men. She searched his face, unsettled by the way he had called her name with such familiarity.

“I’m sorry,” she said slowly as she stopped a few feet away from him. “Have we… met before?”

Ethan’s eyes widened, his fingers digging into his flesh at her question. His green eyes locked on Jasmine, taking in the small furrow of her brow, the pause in her step, every tiny movement screaming pretense. 

“What a pretentious bitch.” He muttered under his breath, fists still clenched. “Not only did she leave years ago… she is still pretending not to know me.”

The broad grin on grandpa Wood’s face faltered, the sparkle in his eyes dimming as he watched their reactions.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the words caught in his throat, replaced by a sudden, uneasy silence.

Before anyone else could break the tension on the altar, Josh’s voice cracked behind Ethan.

“J-Ja—Jasmine?” He mouthed, eyes widened.

“It’s really you, Jasmine?” Donald took a step forward to take in the appearance of the bride, his lips parted, trying to believe what was going on. What kind of joke was fate playing between these two?

Jasmine’s gaze flickered from Donald’s face to Josh’s own, confusion clouding her expression.

I really don’t know these people. Why are they looking at me as if they’ve seen a ghost? She wondered.

“You left me eight years ago, and now you are here, pretending not to know me, standing in front of me as my bride?” Ethan said through gritted teeth before Jasmine could process what was going on.

“I would never marry you,” he said coldly. “Never.” A loud gasp filled the altar.

Jasmine’s eyes widened at Ethan’s words. Is this man a psycho? Her mind drifted far away, still not understanding why so much hatred was radiating from Ethan, which made her stomach twist.

Did he really think I’m happy getting married to a stranger? How dare he reject me? Jasmine’s fingers tightened around the bouquet in her hands, knuckles whitening around the delicate flowers.

Kenneth, who was seated in the front row, noticed the tension on the altar just like everyone else in the hall. 

As soon as Ethan turned around to leave the altar, he excused himself and rushed towards the altar before the paparazzi began taking pictures and videos about the Morgan’s scandal for tomorrow’s news.

“Jasmine, what’s Ethan saying? Did you guys really know each other? Grandpa Wood whispered, also confused by Ethan’s words and actions.

“Grandpa, I…” before Jasmine could clear her grandfather’s doubts, Kenneth stood between her and Ethan, his back facing her.

“And where did you think you were going?” Kenneth spat angrily, making Ethan freeze in place.

Ethan slowly turned around to meet his father’s blazing eyes. “Finish up with the wedding, Ethan. Don’t ruin my reputation. Remember our deal.” He whispered, warning him.

“And what if I don’t? Ethan snapped, barely controlling his emotions. His temple throbbed hard, enough to blur his vision.

Kenneth put on a sly smile, maintaining his composure in front of the prominent guests, trying as much as possible not to make them notice Ethan’s displeasure towards the marriage. 

“You know what’s at stake, son.” A smirk formed on his  lips as he threatened. “Try walking out of this place today, and by tomorrow, everyone in New York will know that you are no longer part of the Morgan’s legacy.”

“You dare!” Ethan hissed, eyes sparkling with fury. “I would never allow anyone to take what belongs to my mother and I for your mistress and her bastard.” Kenneth's smirk faltered, anger brewing in his chest at Ethan’s words. 

Had they been in other settings, he would have slapped Ethan without hesitation, but he barely contained his anger.

“Not only will Blake be my successor, he will take your place and get married to her.” He turned towards Jasmine who was listening to their conversation with her grandfather beside her.

The words hit Ethan like a punch in his face. His breath became shallow and sharp. He couldn’t describe what he was feeling — anger, shock, panic or anxiety. They all collided inside him.

Blake marrying Jasmine? Taking away everything he’d worked for over the years? Taking away the woman who once held his heart? That’s impossible.

The thought alone sent a burning rage through him — hot, possessive, uncontrollable. He didn’t want to marry Jasmine. He never wanted to see her for the rest of his fucking existence. But imagining anyone near her, especially Blake, almost made him explode.

Kenneth enjoyed the frustrated and helpless look on Ethan’s face. Seeing that he had come to terms with him, he leaned closer, his voice cold as he whispered. “So choose, Ethan. Walk away and lose everything. Or finish what you started…”

“Damn you, father!” Ethan hissed. Thanks to the soft wedding march playing in the background, their conversation wasn’t heard by the guests.

Kenneth stepped back after achieving his goal. A few minutes later, Jasmine was handed over to Ethan by her grandfather. 

“Go ahead, princess. Everything will be fine.” Grandpa Wood reassured Jasmine before he also stepped back.

The soft wedding music faded, and the priest cleared his throat.

Jasmine lifted her head, meeting Ethan’s green eyes calmly, a perfect image of a radiant bride. And Ethan, who had sworn never to look at her again, felt his heart slammed hard against his chest, her familiar grey eyes drawing him closer.

“Get a grip of yourself, Ethan.” He scolded himself silently. He was furious and shaken by the effect looking into her eyes still has on him, even after many years.

The priest began his recitation, and they turned towards him. Jasmine could feel many eyes on her, a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and jealousy. 

She tried as much as possible to distance herself from Ethan as the wedding progressed.

“It’s better you know where you stand.” He whispered, his voice low and dangerous.

Jasmine never expected Ethan to have such a fierce hatred towards her. All she had imagined was two strangers forced into marriage by their families, not this.

Without her grandfather’s pressure, she would still be in Paris, enjoying her life. She had sacrificed so much for this sham marriage only to be faced with loathing.

After the priest finished his recitation, Josh placed a small velvet box with wedding rings on the table. Ethan took the small wedding band and slid it into Jasmine’s finger, avoiding eye contact with her.

When she lifted the larger ring, he took it from her and placed it on his own finger.

“What a show.” Jasmine mouthed as Ethan slid the ring in his finger.

“I pronounce you husband and wife.” The priest shouted into the microphone, his voice echoed through the hall. He motioned toward the big open book lying on the table. 

“Uhhhh,” Ethan let out a low groan at the priest’s words. Jasmine’s face was blank, also processing that she was married just like that.

The guests erupted into claps and soft cheers. Cameras took pictures and videos of the happy moments created by the couple to deceive everyone.

There was no “you may now kiss the bride” part, and Jasmine sighed softly. It’s better that way. She didn’t want to force the tension between them into a public display. 

Ethan walked forward and picked the pen on the table. He signed his name on the marriage book and returned the pen back to its position. His gaze was everywhere except Jasmine. Jasmine stepped forward. 

She picked the pen and signed her name. She quickly glanced over her husband’s name. ‘Ethan Morgan.’ A slight headache hit her as she whispered the name, but it left immediately just like it came.

Ethan tried all his best not to look her way. Having her close with her scent clouding his senses made emotions he thought he had buried, rose again.

Minutes later, the reception began. Jasmine moved to a corner, observing quietly. She wasn’t familiar with many people in the room. 

Most of the guests were strangers. It has been years since she was in such a gathering. After moving to Paris, all her time was dedicated to her studies and research. 

She sat in a corner like a guest. She wished she could fasten the hand of the clock. Her eyes kept on drifting towards Ethan, still thinking about his earlier rejection. He never for once looked over.

Almost all the young women in the hall had eyes on him. It didn’t bother her. He was quite handsome and wealthy. A man like him would surely have plenty of women chasing after him.

Daniel walked over. “I still can’t believe you are married. It all felt like a cosplay.” He sighed as he settled himself into the chair beside Jasmine.

Jasmine managed a small, amused smile. “I’m also finding it difficult to believe I’m married.” 

Daniel leaned closer. “I hope he treats you better. With all the information I’ve gathered about him, he doesn’t seem reliable.” He whispered.

Jasmine raised an eyebrow. Daniel has done it again. Sometimes, she wondered why Daniel had gone into medicine. He could have passed for an FBI.

“Really, what did you find about him?” She replied dryly as she grabbed a cake not far away.

“Your husband isn’t an ordinary person, Jasmine. He is the heir of the Morgan empire. From all I found on him, he had been with many women over the years. Let’s hope he will be faithful with you because you aren’t close to the type of women he likes.”

“Interesting,” Jasmine muttered, earning her a disgusted look from Daniel. 

“Is that all you would say after all my efforts?” He whined.

Jasmine couldn’t help smiling. That should be her first genuine smile today.

But before she could enjoy it, two women and a man, putting on blue dresses and suit, walked towards them.

“Jasmine, it’s been a while.”

Jasmine's smile froze as she heard those familiar voices buzzing in her ears. Her grip on her wedding dress tightened. Unpleasant memories surged like wildfires. 

No, I can’t let them see me crumble. They mustn’t get to me. She braced herself. She drew in a deep breath , forcing a cold, polite smile.

“Mom, Dad, Yvonne. You guys finally remember me.” Her voice was calm, devoid of any emotions anyone seeing her family after eight years should have.

In that instant, the weight of the day crashed down on her; a wedding she had never wanted, a groom who loathed her, and her parents standing there, ready to claim their share of her sorrow.

Jasmine realized with a sinking chill in her chest. She shouldn’t have returned to New York.