love and Revenge

A second chance

As Jasmine's eyes fluttered open, she was met with a sense of familiarity. She was back in her own bed, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of her bedroom. But something was off. The memories of her death, the feeling of her life slipping away, it all came flooding back. She sat up with a jolt, her heart racing as she struggled to process the impossible: she was alive.

Panic gave way to confusion, and then to a sense of wonder. She looked down at her hands, flexing her fingers as if to prove to herself that she was really alive. Tears of joy pricked at the corners of her eyes as she threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

The TV in her room was on, and a sport analyst was talking about a footballer named Toma. Jasmine's mind sparked – Liam loved that footballer.

She remembers seeing that news before and how Liam was very upset about the injury to his favorite player just a day before an important match for his club.

Just then, her phone rang. A glance at the phone showed the name of the caller: her step-sister Jacinta. Jasmine immediately began to remember all that her sister had done to her. The phone rang without response for the first time, and Jasmine picked up the call only after she called again.

"Hey, sis! Are you all set for tonight?" Jacinta asked, her voice bubbly.

"Yeah, I'm getting ready now," Jasmine replied, trying to sound casual as she tried to remember what was happening that day.

"Great! Liam's excited to see you. He has a special surprise planned," Jacinta said, her tone dripping with excitement.

Jasmine's heart skipped a beat as memories of a party came flooding back. She remembers that day was Liam's birthday, and he had proposed to her at the party, which signaled the beginning of her journey with him. She thought about how Jacinta seemed to know already that he would propose to her. For the first time, she read meaning into the call and realized they may have been together for longer than she thought. She concluded that fate had given her a second chance at life, and she was going to make sure she didn't make the same mistake.

Jasmine prepared reluctantly for that night, wondering how long Jascinta and Liam had been having an affair behind her back.

She considered running away from the party to avoid the proposal but didn't think it was the best idea.

As she arrived at the party, Jasmine's mind kept replaying the events of her past life. She couldn't believe Jacinta and Liam's betrayal and how they had ultimately led to her death. Jascinta and Liam were nowhere to be found for the first twenty minutes of the party. It was the same as her previous experience that night. Once again, she began to read meaning into their combined absence. Perhaps they were both somewhere having a good time.

Her gaze wandered around the party, and that's when she saw him – Marcus, Liam's older brother, sitting alone at a table. He was a mysterious figure, rarely interacting with anyone.

Jasmine had an idea and decided to approach him.

Her legs trembled as she took careful steps toward Marcus, not sure how his reception towards her would be. As she drew near she couldn't help but noticed he was wearing a stunning silver necklace with a beautifully crafted pendant.

Marcus, can I have a word with you?" Jasmine asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus raised an eyebrow but nodded, indicating where she could take a seat.

"What is it, Jasmine?" Marcus asked, his eyes narrowing and his voice cold.

Jasmine was surprised that he called her name. She had never exchanged words with him. She thought Liam probably told him her name.

"I know this sounds crazy, but I need your help," Jasmine said, taking a deep breath.

"I want you to marry me. Liam is having an affair with my sister, and I know he wants to propose to me today," she pleaded, hoping his heart would be touched.

Marcus' face showed mixed reactions. He wasn't expecting her to speak to him, talk more about proposing marriage.

"I am happy that you have discovered my brother is cheating on you. But I cannot marry you. I will be going against my family and my principles," he politely refused.

Jasmine was shocked that he already knew about the secret relationship, but she wasn't surprised that he turned her down. She had prepared for it. She remembered a shooting incident that happened that same day after the party when Marcus returned home and how he had to be rushed to the hospital.

" Then let us make a deal. What if I give something valuable for your cooperation with me?" She asked, as a businesswoman, she was good at presenting deals.

Marcus chuckled as he wondered what she could give him that would make him change his mind. He reluctantly agreed, wondering what game she would come up with.

"I have reason to believe that your life is in danger. Men are waiting in ambush at your residence at the moment".

Marcus burst into a short laugh.

"A seer, now? You're telling me you have some kind of psychic ability?" He raised an eyebrow.

Jasmine maintained a cold, unyielding stare. Her expression didn't waver, and her voice remained steady. "I'm not joking, Marcus."

Marcus's smile faltered, and he studied Jasmine's face. Her seriousness was unnerving.

"How do you know this?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

"I just do," Jasmine replied, her eyes locked on his. "But I'll tell you more if you agree to marry me."

Marcus's eyes widened in surprise, but Jasmine could see the wheels turning in his mind.

"What makes you think I'd agree to such a proposal?" Marcus asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

"Because I think we can help each other," Jasmine replied, her voice firm. "And I'm willing to take that risk."

Marcus's gaze lingered on hers, and for a moment, Jasmine thought she saw a glimmer of interest.

I'll consider it," Marcus said, his voice low and husky. "But first, let's look at those CCTV cameras."

Jasmine's heart skipped a beat as Marcus pulled out his phone and accessed the cameras. His eyes scanned the footage, and his expression darkened.

"It seems you're telling the truth," Marcus said, his voice grim. "There are men stationed around my residence."

He quickly made some calls and spoke in some code language that Jasmine could not understand.

After making the calls, he informed her, " My men will take care of the situation."

Jasmine was surprised at his calm handling of everything and wondered who he had called.

Just when she wanted to ask him about all that had just happened, Liam walked into the party and headed straight to where Jasmine was sitting. He got down on one knee, pulled out a small box, and revealed a glittering diamond ring.

"Jasmine, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one for me. Will you marry me?" Liam asked, his eyes shining with excitement.

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, but before Jasmine could respond, Marcus stepped forward, a surprising move that left everyone stunned. He knelt down beside Liam.

"Jasmine, will you marry me?" Marcus asked, his voice calm and confident, as he held out the silver necklace he was wearing.

The crowd gasped in shock, murmurs and whispers spreading immediately. Everyone was stunned, wondering what was happening. Two brothers proposing to the same girl? It was unheard of.

Liam's face turned red with anger and embarrassment, his eyes flashing with disbelief. "What are you doing, Marcus? he exclaimed.

But before Liam could react further, Jasmine made her choice. She looked at Marcus, a small smile on her face, and nodded.

"Yes, Marcus. I'll marry you," she said, her voice clear and firm.

The crowd erupted into chaos, shocked gasps and whispers filling the air. Liam's face turned white with rage and shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Marcus, however, just smiled. He stood up, pulling Jasmine to her feet, and wrapped the silver necklace around her neck.

"Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.

Jasmine took it, and together they walked out of the party, leaving behind a stunned crowd and a furious Liam.