Accidental "I Do"

Episode 008

Three Years Ago

Jasmine leaned back in her chair, staring blankly at her computer screen. The cursor blinked in rhythm with her thoughts, each flash pulling her deeper into the memories of her time with Tristan. She picked up the framed photo on her desk, her fingertips brushing over the glass.

It was a candid shot, taken at a holiday party the year they started dating. Tristan had his arm slung around her shoulders, his grin wide and carefree. She was laughing, her eyes crinkled at the edges.

The memory played vividly in her mind.

That night, he had pulled her onto the dance floor despite her protests.

"Come on, Jazzy," he had teased, spinning her around to the upbeat music. "You can't sit in the corner all night."

She had laughed, trying to keep up with his rhythm. "I’m terrible at this!"

"Not to me," he had said softly, leaning in just enough for her to hear.

Jasmine blinked, the memory fading. She set the photo down and exhaled slowly. Lately, Tristan’s smile felt more like a distant memory than a constant presence.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, breaking her reverie. She glanced at the screen — another reminder of the company-wide event happening in a few days' time. She knew she wouldn't go because it was the same day she was proposing to Tristan.

The notification stayed there for a few seconds before fading, leaving her staring at her reflection in the darkened screen.

Many floors away, Alexander stood near the large window of his office, overlooking the city below. The lights of downtown twinkled like stars against the evening sky.

Jonathan entered quietly, carrying a folder tucked under his arm.

"Here are the final RSVPs for the company-wide event," he said, placing the folder on Alexander’s desk. "The catering team also confirmed the menu, and the conference hall is set up according to your specifications."

Alexander nodded, walking over to his desk. He picked up the folder, flipping it open. His eyes skimmed over the names and departments listed.

"Networking hour starts after the keynote speeches?" he asked without looking up.

"Yes, followed by breakout sessions," Jonathan replied. He adjusted his tie, watching as Alexander’s brow furrowed slightly. "You’ll have the opportunity to mingle with employees at all levels."

Alexander closed the folder and tapped it lightly against the desk.

"Good," he said, though his tone carried a trace of hesitation.

Jonathan, ever perceptive, tilted his head. "Sir, are you looking forward to the event?"

Alexander glanced up, his lips curving into a faint, almost amused smile.

"Looking forward to it might be a stretch," he admitted. "But it’s necessary."

Jonathan chuckled lightly. "I think they’ll appreciate seeing you there. It’s not often the CEO makes an appearance."

Alexander’s gaze shifted back to the folder in his hand. One name stood out among the list of employees: Jasmine Reese.

He lingered on it for a moment before setting the folder down.

"Make sure everything runs smoothly," he said, walking over to the coat rack and grabbing his jacket.

"Of course, sir," Jonathan replied, stepping aside as Alexander moved toward the door.

Back at her desk, Jasmine packed her belongings into her bag with slow, deliberate movements. Her mind felt heavy, weighed down by unanswered questions and the growing distance she felt with Tristan.

She paused, her hand resting on the edge of her desk. The photo frame caught her eye again. She picked it up, holding it at an angle to avoid the glare of the overhead lights.

The memory of the holiday party surfaced once more, but this time, it was joined by others.

She remembered the night he had cooked her dinner for the first time. The kitchen had been filled with the aroma of roasted vegetables and garlic butter.

He had worn an apron that read, "Kiss the Cook," and grinned when she teased him about it.

"You think you’re funny, don’t you?" she had said, leaning against the counter with a smirk.

"I think I’m irresistible," he had replied, pulling her into a playful kiss that ended with both of them laughing.

Jasmine smiled faintly at the memory but felt the ache of its contrast to their present. She placed the photo back on her desk and rubbed her temples.

Her phone buzzed again, and she picked it up. This time, it was a message from Maya reminding her of tomorrow’s deadlines. Jasmine typed a quick reply, grateful for the distraction, but the momentary relief faded as soon as she set the phone down.

At his desk, Alexander reviewed the list one last time, his thoughts wandering. The event was more than just a formality — it was an opportunity to connect with the people who made his company thrive.

Still, there was an undercurrent of nerves, a feeling he rarely experienced. He closed the folder and leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting to the city lights beyond the window.

Jonathan returned to the office, his clipboard in hand.

"Sir, the driver will be ready to take you home in five minutes," he said.

Alexander stood, smoothing the front of his jacket. "Good. Let’s wrap this up."

Jonathan nodded, following him out of the office. As they walked down the corridor, Alexander’s thoughts remained focused on the days ahead.

Back in her office, Jasmine slung her bag over her shoulder and grabbed the photo frame. She hesitated for a moment, looking at the familiar image one last time before tucking it carefully into her bag.

She turned off her desk lamp and walked to the elevator. The quiet hum of the building around her only amplified the thoughts swirling in her mind.

As the elevator doors closed, she leaned against the wall, her hand tightening around the strap of her bag. Her phone buzzed once more, but she didn’t look at it this time.

Jasmine arrived home minutes later, setting her bag down by the door. She pulled the photo frame out and placed it on the coffee table. For a long moment, she simply stared at it, the silence of the room pressing in around her.

Jasmine sat on the couch, the photo still in her hand. Her thoughts lingered on the memories it held, even as the reality of her present weighed heavily on her.

She knows that all this will seem useless when she finally proposes and Tristan accepts it. With this thought, she drifted off to a peaceful sleep where she was happy with Tristan.