JASMINE’S POV
I can’t believe that Cameron just promised my parents that we would try hard to make a baby. Why would she even give hope to my parents?!
“Brother in law listening about Jacob’s business idea. Is brother in law planning to invest in Jacob’s business, sister? Are you going to let brother in law lost his money because of Jacob?” I didn’t even notice Lucia sitting next to me. When did she come into the lounge?
“It’s okay. Your brother in law is rich. He doesn’t mind losing a couple of millions.” Lucia seems speechless.
“Sister, just how much did you spend on an average?” Lucia gave me that look while asking me a question.
“That’s not important. Besides, your brother in law doesn’t mind. Do you know how filthy rich he is? A few million is like pocket change for him. And since Jacob begged our father to give him another chance, I’m sure your brother in law will make sure that Jacob succeed. Although he doesn’t mind throwing his money, he also likes to make money.” And Cameron likes to take risks.
Knowing my brother, he’s probably being lied to by his friends about this project. But I’m sure Cameron see through everything by now. Seeing how that ‘husband’ of mine didn’t say anything while Jacob presents his ideas, he’s trying to find a perfect explanation for the project’s flaw.
“Sister, are you going to keep an eye on brother in law from here?” Lucia turned and faced the direction I am looking at.
“Yes, because I’m worried if Jacob offends him, it’s the end for Jacob.” I was surprised when Cameron suddenly turned with a smile when she faces me. What’s going on?
“Brother in law is handsome. I’m curious as to why you guys didn’t announce your marriage to the public. Was it your choice or his, sister?” I smiled at Cameron before she faces Jacob.
“Well, it’s both of our choices to keep this a secret. It won’t do us any good if the public knows. What do you think the media will think? As you can see, little sister- this sister of yours doesn’t have a good reputation for the public. And your brother in law is a well-known businessman. What do you think if the public knows that we’re married? They will look down on your brother in law.” And I don’t want that.
Cameron had seen and helped me in my worse. It’s the least I can do for her. Although she’s decided to introduce me to her friends- that doesn’t mean they like me for being on her side.
“Sister, are you going to stay for the night?” I shake my head no before smiling at my sister.
“But if you missed me, I have nothing to do tomorrow. Why don’t we go somewhere and do something fun- just the two of us?” Lucia seems to like that idea.
“Lucia, don’t bother your elder sister too much. She has a mission to do for the family.” Huh? Mission?
“Mother, please- stop pressuring us to have kids. It’s not that easy, mother.” I sighed as my mother took a seat on the couch.
“Your father did his best to get me pregnant. Tell me, Jasmine. Is Cameron impotent?” I can’t believe this woman even asked such a question in front of a child!
“No! Geez, mother. Please don’t ask such a question in front of Lucia.” My mother sigh.
“Jasmine, I’m just a mother who wants to be a grandmother. Please don’t tell me that I have to wait for Jacob to have one. Do you think your brother will fulfil any of our wishes? His girlfriend doesn’t even want to have kids since she wishes to work as a model. And we all know a model need to keep her figure.” I understand why my mother is hoping for me to give her the joy of being a grandmother but-
“Jasmine, don’t tell me you choose not to have kids. Why would you do that? Are you planning to keep us waiting forever?” Why are they so obsessed with having grandchildren?!
“It pains me to see my friends showing their grandchildren off. You and I wish to show our grandchildren to our friends. Because I’m sure, the children from both you and Cameron would be superior!” That's it?! Do you guys want to show off my child to your friends?!
Does she think I’m a factory or a machine to give them grandchildren?! Oh my God.
“A child from a Viceroy and Bridget- it just screams power!” Mother- you’re too much right now.
Luckily Cameron’s parents aren’t as obsessed as my parents are. Probably because they know that Cameron is a woman, but still, I wish my parents would understand that we need time- time to think of a way to give them grandchildren!
“Jasmine- I have to go back to the office now. Do you want to stay or-,” I stood up from my seat?
“I’m going shopping. Lucia, do you want to follow me? Don’t worry; it won’t be tiring. I promise.” Lucia nodded.
“It’s been a while since we go shopping together. Since I’m feeling fine today, we should!” Lucia seems excited, and that’s good enough for me.
“If that’s the case, you can drive me to the office, and then you two can use the car. I can call for the driver to pick me up when I’m done. How’s that?” I nodded. Cameron smiled before threw me the car keys.
“Thank you for lunch, mother. I’m sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you and father. It turns out I have a meeting that I couldn’t skip today. But I enjoyed my time here.” My mother waved it off.
“Don’t worry about it, Cameron. You’re a man who provides for the family. I will send you a gift soon enough.” A gift? Huh?
Mother- what are you planning to do?
***
“Sister- is it okay for you to spend so much?” Lucia asked when I bought another set of jewellery.
“That’s a good question. But since your brother in law didn’t text or call me, it’s okay.” I smiled when my sister is shaking her head no.
“Jasmine, what if your husband finds someone better than you? Aren’t you going to keep him close to you?” You’re too young to be talking about this, Lucia.
“He won’t do such things. Anyway, I’m in the mood for ice cream. What do you think?” Lucia nodded. Well, I’m pretty sure Lucia didn’t get to have any ice cream while she was in the hospital. This is perfect.
As we’re on our way to the ice cream shop in the mall, I couldn’t help but notice a man who seems to follow us since we walked out from the last store e visited. Every time we stop to look at something, this man pretends to look at something at the booth while keeping an eye on us.
What is his problem?
“Jasmine? Is something wrong?” I smiled at my little sister and assured her that nothing is wrong.
When we arrived at the ice cream shop, the same man entered the shop, and this time he didn’t even bother to hide! As I was about to order something, the man suddenly push himself on me.
“Excuse me, sir. What is your problem? Can’t you see I’m about to order something right now?” I was shocked when I saw he’s holding a knife and placed it on my back.
“Give me everything you have. You look rich enough. A couple of hundred won’t be a problem. If you move or even ask for help, I’ll kill you.” Is this man even himself? Who would rob someone inside an ice cream shop?!
“Sir, are you perhaps on drugs? I wouldn’t do this if I were you. You’re only digging your own grave at this point.” I felt a slight pain from the knife as this man pressed it against my flesh.
“Shut up! Give me your money, or I’ll kill your sister!” This time he decided to take my sister as his hostage.
“Sir! Please let my sister go. She is not well and-,” the man started to flailing his knife around.
“Shut up! Give me your money, or I’ll kill this b***h!” I decided to take my wallet and give him all my money and even offer my phone.
“Here! Just release my sister!” The man pushed Lucia towards me before grabbing the money and my phone on the floor. As he tried to escape, a couple of suited men grabbed him by the arm before dragging him away.
“Lady Jasmine- here is your phone. Please forgive me for not wary of my surrounding. Because of my negligence, the lady has to go through such an experience.” I took my phone and asked my sister if she’s alright.
“I don’t think I can drive after what just happened. My hands are shaking. Also, please do not alert the young master. He has. Lot of work to do.” I tried to control my hands while making sure Lucia is not affected by this. The secret guards wanted to say something about not telling Cameron, but he didn’t.
“I understand. I’ll prepare the car for the lady and her sister.” I nodded. While the secret guard made some calls, I smiled at my sister.
“Jasmine- are you okay? You’re bleeding!” Ah, it’s just a tiny prick, though.
“I’m okay. I’m more worried about you. Are you okay?” Lucia nodded her head before giving me a handkerchief.
“We need to stop the bleeding.” I grabbed both of my sister's hands with a smile.
“I’m okay. Don’t worry. I will get it treated once we’re home. I’m sorry, Lucia. But, is it okay if you stay for a night at my house instead? I don’t want to alone.” Lucia nodded her head.
“Lady Jasmine, the car is on its way. I shall escort you and your sister to the entrance.” I tried to keep a straight face, but my hands are going out of control. I was surprised when Lucia suddenly grabbed hold of my hands.
“Let’s go, sister. I’ve wanted to see your home.” I smiled at my sister. This girl-
“Alright.”
***
“Jasmine?!”
I was watching television when Cameron suddenly barged into our bedroom with worried looks.
“What’s wrong with you?! Ugh!” I said while placing my hand on my chest. Is it that hard to knock before going into the room?
“Lucia told me everything. Are you okay?” Damn that sister of mine. No wonder she was on her phone while I gave her a tour of the house.
“I am. It’s just a small scratch.” Cameron sigh in relief.
“I’m glad that it’s just a small cut. Why didn’t you call for the guards sooner?” I shrugged my shoulder. I simply forgot that it was even a thing.
“I’m sorry. I forgot. Please calm down. You just came home from work. Have you had dinner? I can ask the maid to make something if you haven’t had any.” Cameron shakes her head no.
“That’s okay. I had dinner in the office.” Cameron removed her jacket and watched before placing it on the dresser.
“Just to let you know, that man who hurt you- he was taken care of by the guards. Don’t worry about seeing him ever again.” Huh?
“Cameron, what did you do to him?” Cameron smiled as she undressed in front of me.
“I’m going to clean myself now.” Cameron walked to the bathroom without telling me what she did to that robber.
“Cameron! What did you do?” Cameron waved her hands as she entered the bathroom. I sighed while taking her dirty clothes from the chair. What is this red stain?
Wait- is this blood?!
I walked into the bathroom and demanded her to say something about this stain on her shirt.
“Do you want to join me?” Cameron asked when she saw me walked into the bathroom.
“No! Geez. Explain this-,” I pointed at the red stain on her shirt.
“Isn’t that obvious? Its blood.” How can this woman be so at ease!
“What did you do to that man?” Cameron smiled.
“Don’t worry about it. Everything is under control now. No one will ever harm you ever again.” That is not the answer that I seek from her.
“How did the blood got on your shirt?” Cameron turned off the shower and walked out to face me.
“Because I kill him.” Cameron patted my cheek before grabbing the clean towel to rinse herself.
“You what?!” I was shocked at how calm she is while telling me that she killed someone- she took the life of another human being!
“I killed the man because he hurt you. I made sure not to leave any traces while at it, so don’t worry about it.” How can I not worry about it?! This woman just killed someone!
“Cameron- is this how you do things? Is this the method you use to be the person you are today?” Cameron suddenly stops whatever she was doing before facing me again.
“If I have to be honest- yes. This is how I mostly do my job. The business world is quite a frightening scene. It’s hard to know who’s your friend and who is your foe. But in the end, I always find a way to survive.” Cameron turned her back on me before walking towards a door that leads to the closet.
I look at myself in the mirror while holding the bloody shirt in my hands. Am I even allow to ask such questions? Cameron may treat me kindly, but what if I’m becoming a burden for her?
“Are you going to stay in the bathroom while holding my shirt? Just throw the shirt away if it disgusts you.” Throw it away?! This is evidence that you just killed a man!
I didn’t even flinch when I saw her buck naked just moments ago because of what Cameron had said.
“It’s not a big deal. Don’t overthink it, Jasmine.” I placed her shirt on the laundry basket and went out of the bathroom together.
“Do you think less of others who below you?” Cameron shakes her head no.
“I only punish those who are unscrupulous. Anyone who offended me and the Viceroys shall revive the same treatment. That includes those who choose to breach our trust. Sometimes human tend to get greedy with a little money. Now that they know their method works, they wish to have more than what they bargain for. That’s when I will step up as the CEO.” Cameron combs her hair before kneeling in front of me after I sat on an armchair.
“Are you afraid of me?” Ugh, look at how innocent-looking this woman is without wearing her usual get up.
“Will you do the same to me if I ever cross the line?” Cameron shakes her head no.
“I won’t because you won’t do such things. Our union is more than a political marriage between two families. Our marriage represents power, and I’m sure you’re not stupid enough to do anything that will tarnish our family name. Jasmine, I know it’s hard for you to accept a freak like me, but please- I need your help.” My help? I don’t even know what my worth in this marriage is!
All I did for the last six months is spending her money like there is no tomorrow!
“In a few weeks, I will introduce you as my wife officially at the company‘s dinner. My grandfather wishes to see his grandchildren worth before executing his will. So please, Jasmine. Let me pamper you like a queen you are. You’re the lady of the Viceroy family, after all. Just do what you think is best for my reputation and stop worrying about trivial things. You’re the wife of Cameron Viceroy!” Cameron took both of my hands with hopeful looks.
“You- you want me to be more than a trophy wife?” Cameron nodded.
“I know that you’re knowledgeable enough to run a company. The only reason why you act as you did was because of your brother, Jacob. Jasmine- work for me.” Huh?! Wait! How did she know I didn’t fail my university?
“Did you stalked me?!” Cameron smiled.
“My father is a close friend of the dean. It’s easy to obtain information from him since he owes my father a debt that he could never repay.” This woman has a lot of fangs!
“But if you’re planning to introduce me as your wife, how am I suppose to work with you? I don’t want to have large signage that says I am the boss’s wife. They will look at me as such without caring about my worth!” Cameron smiled.
“Don’t worry about that. I will handle everything. You graduated top of your class, Jasmine. Make yourself shine!” Cameron is right.
I’ve had done so much for my parents, and they don’t even appreciate any of it.
“Get me an interview at the finance department.” Cameron tilted her head.
“Why would you need an interview in your ‘husband’s company?” I sighed.
“Because that would be a privilege from my husband. I want to work from the ground up.” Cameron sighed.
“Alright. I’ll get you an interview.” Cameron smiled before kissing my hands. I- ugh. My heart is fluttering for no reason.