Chapter Eleven
1164 Words
Jasmine POV
“Jasmine, why did you say that?” Adonis asked after a long silence in the study.
“Because it’s the truth,” I replied. “If I didn’t say anything before, it was only to keep from making her look bad. But now…”
“Now what?” He raised his voice.
“Now I have no reason to treat her nicely after the way she treats me in this house.” I yelled right back at him, refusing to back down.
Adonis stood up from his chair and walked toward me, his steps heavy. “How exactly does Maya bother you?”
“Everything she does bothers me. She’s always around the ranch, acting like she belongs here more than I do. It makes me angry.”
“Is that why you’re trying to make her look bad? It’s obvious you hate her.”
I stepped forward and poked his chest with my finger. “Listen to me, Adonis. There is nothing Maya could do that would make me like her. But I’m not the kind of person who enjoys watching other people suffer.”
He licked his lips, ran a hand through his hair, and let out a smirk that only fueled my frustration. “Are you sure about that? Don’t you ever tell lies? Because I know better. You and your mother worked together to make me believe you felt the same way about me and that there was no other man in your life. Your mother sold you to me, but you sold yourself too, Jasmine. So tell me why I should believe you now.” His voice grew louder with every word.
“Don’t do that, Adonis.” I felt my hands shake. “You need to stop yelling at me while talking to Maya so gently. And you need to stop throwing this contract in my face during every single conversation.”
He sighed and looked away for a moment. “Did Maya really help you or not?”
“Why would I answer you? It’s clear you already believe her and not me, so spare me the rest of this.” I turned to leave, anger burning in my chest, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back.
“What else do you want, Adonis?” I asked, trying to yank my wrist free.
“I met your mom while I was in the city. I had planned for us to have dinner with them next weekend, but I changed my mind. We’re going tomorrow, so get ready.” His voice softened, but the door slammed hard behind him as he left.
I sank into his chair. No matter how angry I was with Adonis, the thought of seeing my father tomorrow made everything a little easier to bear. That was one good thing to hold onto tonight.
~~~
“Papa!” I ran straight into his arms as soon as Dominic, our butler, opened the door for Adonis and me the next evening.
“Jasmine, honey. It’s so good to see you.” He wrapped me in a tight hug, and for a moment the world felt right again.
“Daddy, I missed you so much.” I touched his cheeks after we pulled apart, searching his face for any sign that he was feeling stronger.
“Me too, honey. I missed you so, so much.”
“Let me hug you, sweetie.” My aunt Allyson stepped forward with a warm, genuine smile.
I gave her a big hug. “I’m so happy to see you, Aunty.”
“Same here, honey.”
“Jasmine, I don’t believe I’m invisible, right?” My mom said, standing beside my dad with her arms open.
“How are you, Mom?” I kept my tone neutral.
She pulled me into a hug that felt forced. As she patted my back, she whispered in my ear, “Jasmine, I didn’t raise you to be a bratty girl. You act like I didn’t give you a better future by marrying you off to Adonis instead of that good-for-nothing ex-boyfriend of yours. Now act like a loving daughter so your father doesn’t suspect anything. Okay, honey?”
I didn’t answer. I just pulled away from her.
“I’m very happy to see you looking so well,” she said louder, putting on a bright smile for everyone else.
“Dad!” Adonis greeted him with a hug.
“Welcome, Adonis, my boy.” My father smiled at him with real affection.
“How are you, Adonis?” Mom asked.
“Fine, ma’am.”
Aunt Allyson took my hand. “Let’s move to the dining table. I prepared some delicious meals for you both.”
We all sat down, and for a few minutes the clink of silverware filled the room. Then Adonis spoke up.
“Thank you so much, Aunt Allyson. Everything was really delicious.”
“Thank you, Adonis. I did my best to please you, and I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“It was amazing, Aunt,” I added.
“Jasmine, you only ate a little. I’m kind of worried,” Aunt Allyson said gently.
“Sorry, Aunt. I don’t eat as much as I used to, but everything was wonderful.”
Adonis, I hope you’re taking good care of my daughter,” my dad said, turning to him. “Because I guess you’ll want to have children soon, won’t you?”
“Yes, sir. That’s my greatest wish, to have a child with Jasmine.”
“Just one child?” Aunt Allyson asked with a playful smile.
“Well, all the children God sends us,” Adonis replied.
“Nothing would make me happier than becoming a grandpa. Don’t take too long, Adonis.”
“Dad, there’s no hurry. We just got married, remember?”
“And who said a newly married couple can’t get pregnant in a week? Honey, I don’t have many years left to enjoy a grandchild.”
“Don’t put too much pressure on them, Jose,” Mom said. Then she looked at me. “Jasmine, can we talk upstairs? I want to show you something.”
I set my fork down. “Yes, Mom.” I stood and followed her upstairs to her room.
The moment I closed the door behind us, she pushed me forward a little. “Jasmine, I think you’re being very unfair to your husband.”
“Will you stop interfering with my life, Mom? You’ve done more than enough already.”
“Listen to me and stop acting stupid. Adonis came here three days ago, and guess what he came to do, honey?”
“What?” I asked, my stomach tightening.
“Your husband came here with a sketch of Sebastian’s face.” He wanted me to confirm if it was him or not.”
My heart stopped. The room seemed to tilt for a second as the words sank in.
- Writer
