Business
1660 Words
Chapter 3.
She hurried down the stairs, ignoring the homeless man who sat huddled in the street, hands held out for free change. It was drizzling lightly, not quiet enough to need an umbrella but people were hurrying around to find shelter. Jasmine didn't care, she just strode ahead, unsure of her destination, tears gathered around her eyes, threatening to spill out and ruin her makeup as she walked briskly, her heels clicking the wet, cobbled road.
How DARE he?
She had given him her all, she had sacrificed so much for this relationship, she had fought EVERYBODY, for his honor, and this was how he repaid her? By f*****g another w***e?
The images replayed in her mind again, like a broken record that refused to go away, their naked, sweaty bodies intertwined on the sheets, sheets SHE bought for him. Her heart ached as she remembered the sweet words he whispered to her when they engaged in their own lovemaking, how he felt, his touch, his warm breath on her neck. She had loved it so much then, when he called her "mine". When he claimed his exclusive rights to her body.
They were all lies, he had looked into her eyes and ly-
"Jasmine!"
His coarse voice snapped her out of her reverie. She stopped for a split second, a part of her wanting to run back into his arms and weep out her sorrows, another part wanting to turn around and hit him and scream at him and throw stuff at him and HURT him, the last part, the final part, the logical part just wanted to keep walking and never look back.
"Jasmine WAIT!" He called again, desperation in his voice. She heard his heavy footfalls hit the stones as he chased her down and yet, she didn't slow down.
"Jas, please." He panted as he got to her, reaching out to grab her arm. Revolted, she snatched away from him, finally turning around to confront him. "Don't you dare." She growled through gritted teeth.
He looked as pathetic as ever, in a white, tank top soaked in swear and rain, his hair plastered on his forehead, barefooted and clad in checkered boxer shorts, be was panting like the shameless, hopeless dog he was.
"Jasmine, please, I can explain..."
"Explain what?" She snapped.
"It's not what it looks like."
She threw back her head and laughed bitterly. It was so cliche, it was almost funny, her life was officially a movie. "Do you know how ridiculous you sound?" She asked.
"Please-"
"SHUT THE f**k UP YOU SPINELESS FOOL!" She screamed, finally losing her temper. She wasn't going to allow this man gaslight her here, under the rain, in the full glare of the public.
"I was there for you." She continued, her voice so quiet it surprised her.
"I know-"
"I fought my parents, my friends for you."
"I am sorr-"
"I said SHUT UP!"
He fell silent again, his eyes pleading with her, his breathing ragged, but she didn't care. Her eyes travelled up and down his body, already soaked through under the light shower, once the sight of him set her ablaze, physically and emotionally. Now, the only thing she felt was disgust.
"Go back to your w***e, Leo." She said finally, "She must be getting cold."
"Please-"
"And don't you even think about calling, or texting, or reaching me in any way. Goodbye." She turned on her heels and walked away, too angry to feel anything else.
* * *
She could have taken a cab, or ordered for an Uber. But she wasn't in the mood, she needed to walk a little bit, clear her head, she felt like if she sat around too long, she would run mad. Before she could even finish the thought, a car purred into her peripheral vision, sliding in to a smooth stop next to her. Jasmine stopped in her tracks as she saw the machine, a long, sleek black Rolls Royce with silver rims for it's tires. She wasn't much of a car person, but even she had to appreciate the vehicle, it looked majestic.
The tinted windows of the backseat slid down and a middle aged woman poked her head out. She had the look of an aristocrat, her grey hair peppered with black highlights, in a short bob that ended just under her chin.
"Got some time Luv?" She asked, her eyes appraising Jasmine.
"Me?" She asked, as though it wasn't obvious.
"Yes my dear," the woman replied chuckling, "I'd like to talk to you."
Jasmine surprised, had no idea what to think, "I am sorry ma'am, this isn't a good time."
The woman smiled, "Oh, I promise, I won't take up too much of yours dear. Besides, you look like you might need a ride, else you might get soaked."
Jasmine frowned, she was right, the drizzle had turned into a light shower. But something about getting into a stranger's car didn't seem right to her.
"I am really so-"
"You aren't listening dear, I need to talk to you, now. I promise I won't waste as much of your time as you are wasting mine right now." The woman interrupted, a tinge of impatience in her voice even as the smile remained on her face. Something told Jasmine the woman wasn't someone who took no for an answer. She nodded and the woman clasped her hands together, "Splendid."
The door slid open on its own and Jasmine stepped inside, immediately surprised at how roomy the car was at the inside, shaped like a limo. The car took off smoothly as she sat down, facing the woman. She looked like she was in her mid fifties and everything about her screamed sophistication, from her carefully navy blue tailored suit, her hairdo and her shoes. She looked like she was incredibly wealthy, and didn't mind showing it off.
"You must be wondering who I am and why you are here." The woman asked casually, selecting a champagne of whiskey from the nearby fridge and handing Jasmine a glass.
"Uhm, yes?" She took the glass as the woman poured her a drink.
"I would expect so. Right down to business then, my name is Kayla Cooper and I am here to talk about my son."
Jasmine nearly dropped the glass, so this is what it was about.
"Drop me here ma'am." She said coldly as she realized what this was.
"Not until you hear me out."
"I demand you drop me here right now, or I will report you to the police for kidnapping."
Kayla chuckled, as though amused by the threat."Don't be ridiculous child." She said, waving aside the threat. "It's only a short chart, besides we are already taking you home."
Jasmine frowned, "How do you know where I live?"
Kayla scoffed, taking a sip. "Oh please, I know everything there is to know about you child. Where you live, your education, your, ahem Hollywood dreams?" She said the last part, eyeing Jasmine coyly.
Her heart ramped up beating for a minute. "What do you mean by that?"
"Let's just say I have a few connections in the right places," Kayla said, leaning forward, "If you marry my step son, your stardom isn't only assured, it will know NO bounds."
Jasmine couldn't think of anything to say, she sat there speechless, her brain almost unable to process how fast things were going. In just an hour, she had lost her boyfriend and now she was being offered the opportunity of a lifetime, if only she surrendered and did something she didn't want to do.
"I'll think about it." She stammered.
Kayla smiled, knowing she had the young woman exactly where she wanted her.
"Of course dear. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, don't miss it."
The car purred to a stop, almost on cue, the door sliding open to reveal they were in front of Jasmine's apartment. Kayla took out a card and slipped it into Jasmine's hand. "Call me."
The car zoomed off the moment Jasmine shut the door, leaving her standing alone in the street, with the keys to a call that had the power to change her life forever.
* * *
"I won't do it!" Knoxville yelled, running his hands through his hair, staring at his father, "I won't be another pawn in your game!"
"Don't be ridiculous boy." Jason replied, his voice as cool as ice. "Of course you will."
"I won't!"
The old man sighed, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. "I am not doing this nonsense with you son, you will marry Jasmine, final word, end of story."
Knoxville slammed his fists down on the desk, leaning down to stare into his father's eyes, "You want me to marry a woman I neither know nor love?"
His father threw his head back, bellowing in laughter, "Love? What do you think this is? Romeo and Juliet? Come off it boy, marriages are alliances, made to strengthen bonds, not ridiculous things like love."
"You can't force me Dad. I am an adult."
All the humor instantly disappeared from Jason Cooper's face, replaced by a dangerous calm. "You might be an adult, boy, but I am your father, and the CEO of this company. Run along and chase another w***e if you want, but not with my business, and not with my name. Fail to obey me and kiss your inheritance goodbye, is that clear?"
Knoxville fell quiet, shocked. A part of him didn't believe his father was going to do that, disown him over a marriage, take the inheritance he had been waiting all his life to collect, the CEO of the Cooper Empire.
But he knew his old man, he knew he was more than capable of doing it.
Knoxville sighed, hating himself for being so powerless in front of this man. He had no choice.
"Crystal clear." He muttered, through gritted teeth.
- Writer
