love and Revenge

New path

Marcus's firm grip on Jasmine's hand pulled her away from the party, leaving Liam's proposal hanging in the air. Jasmine didn't resist, her heart still reeling from the move Marcus made. She had pleaded with him to make a move but never anticipated it would be this way.

As they walked out of the party, Marcus's silence was intense . Jasmine wondered what he was thinking, but she didn't dare ask. She wondered how he looked so calm and dangerous at the same time. She stole a glance at the faces of Liam and Jascinta, who were rooted to the spot, and surprise was plastered on their faces. She couldn't help but smile inwardly at their look.

They reached the parking lot, and Marcus led her to a sleek black car. He opened the door for her, and Jasmine slid in, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Marcus got in behind the wheel and started the engine. As they drove away from the party, Jasmine finally found her voice.

"Where are we going?" she asked, looking at Marcus suspiciously.

"My place," he replied, his eyes fixed on the road.

Jasmine nodded, feeling a sense of uncertainty. What did Marcus have planned for her? And what would happen next? This was someone she had never spoken to before, and now she was going to his house

Jasmine's phone buzzed nonstop as she rode with Marcus, receiving calls from Jacinta, Liam, and her father. She silenced the phone, feeling overwhelmed.

She felt terrible for not informing her father beforehand but knew she could do so later. But to calm him down, she quickly sent him a text message. Telling him that she was fine and she would return to him by tomorrow.

As they arrived at Marcus's residence, Jasmine couldn't help but notice the men in black suits stationed around the property. She exchanged a curious glance with Marcus. She wondered what kind of job he was into to require such tight security.

"Make yourself comfortable," Marcus said, leading her to a luxurious room. "I'll be right back. I need to speak with my men."

But Jasmine wasn't ready to let him go. "Marcus, wait," she said, her eyes locked on his. "What's going on? Why do you have so much security?"

Marcus's expression turned guarded. "It's just a precaution," he replied casually.

Jasmine pressed on. "What kind of job do you do that requires this level of security?"

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "I'm not at liberty to discuss that," he said, his voice calm and firm

Jasmine felt a shiver run down her spine. What was Marcus hiding?

"Why did you save me back there?" Jasmine asked, changing her question.

" I am a man of my word. We made a deal, and I only kept to my side of the deal," he replied.

He suddenly remembered something. Marcus's gaze intensified. "How did you know my life was in danger?" he countered.

Jasmine hesitated, unsure how to respond. She didn't know if he would believe her if she told him the truth. She couldn't even decide if he was someone she could trust with the truth. After all, he was a brother of Liam, the same man who killed her in her previous life. She wasn't sure if she could trust anyone again after all she had been through.

"I cannot reveal my source to you right now, but I promise I will soon," she finally replied, unsure if he would buy her answer.

But Marcus didn't say anything, only staring at her with a look that made Jasmine uncomfortable.

After an uncomfortable silence, Marcus asked another question.

"Why did you propose marriage to me? Why not just run away?"

Jasmine's thoughts scrambled. "I...I did it because I love you," she stammered. Wondering where those words came from.

Marcus's expression turned skeptical. "Love? That's convenient. Where was this love when you were with Liam all this time?"

Jasmine's face fell, and she looked away, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I didn't do it for love. I did it to hurt them – Liam and my sister. They've been having an affair behind my back, and I wanted to take revenge."

Marcus's face lit up with a wicked smile. "Revenge, huh? I like that." He stood up, his eyes filled with amusement , and walked out of the room, leaving Jasmine feeling uncertain and confused.

******

Meanwhile, Liam and Jacinta were left confused about what happened. Liam was more frustrated because he was left stranded and embarrassed on his knees without a reasonable explanation. To add salt to his injury, his own elder brother betrayed him.

Everyone left the party one by one, whispering till he was left alone with Jascinta by his side.

"Marcus must have brainwashed her," Liam said, his face twisted with concern and anger

"Jasmine doesn't have the willpower or mental strength to pull what just happened ."

"When did they have an opportunity to speak to each other before now? Your brother doesn't speak to anyone when he appears in public." Jacinta pointed out, wondering how he could have brainwashed Jasmine

Jacinta's eyes narrowed. "I think she might have suspected our secret affair," she whispered.

Liam's face paled.

"That is not possible. Your sister is not smart enough to suspect anything between us. In fact, we hardly speak to each other in front of her, so how is that even possible?" Liam asked, his frustration still on his face.

"I know, but how else can we explain what happened today?" Jascinta queried

"We need to do something; that is the most important thing now," he urged.

Jacinta's smile was calculating. "Leave that to me."

Liam's eyes lit up. "I have an idea," he said. "We'll expose Marcus's true identity to Jasmine. That'll scare her off."

Jacinta's eyes sparkled with approval. "Brilliant."

" But where can we find them? Jasmine is not even picking up my calls. "Jacinta's face sank again.

Liam's eyes lit up. "We'll expose Marcus's true identity to Jasmine. That'll scare her off. I'll go to his place tomorrow and—"

"No, Liam, we can't wait until tomorrow. We have to go tonight."

Liam's face turned cautious. "I don't think that's a good idea, Jacinta. Marcus has rules, and one of them is to never visit him at night. He's made it clear that he can't guarantee our safety after dark."

Jacinta's eyes narrowed. "What's going on, Liam? You're afraid of your own brother."

Liam's expression turned guarded. "I'm just being cautious. Marcus can be unpredictable."

Jacinta's gaze lingered on Liam's face, and for a moment, she saw a flicker of fear in his eyes. She had heard stories about Marcus, whispers of his ruthless business dealings and his mysterious past. Suddenly, she felt a chill run down her spine.

"Okay, fine," Jacinta said, her voice measured. "We'll go in the morning. But we need to be careful, Liam. We're dealing with a man who seems to inspire fear in everyone around him."

Liam nodded, his expression solemn. "I know. Let's just hope we can get to Jasmine before Marcus does something... irreversible."