SHADOWS OF BETRAYAL

Chapter5

Emily

The sun had set for the moon and the stars to take over when I drove into my Dad's villa. As expected, Mom was sitting in front of the television, watching her favorite TV show and eating from a bowl of popcorn.

"Hi, Mom.

"What takes you so long before coming down here?"

"I'm sorry, Mom. I had a sleepless night, woke up late, and fell sick. I had to call my doctor for a shot before I'm strong enough to drive down here."

"You look awful," she patted the seat beside her, gestured to me to sit, and then offered me some of her popcorn.

"Thanks, Mom, I haven't had an appetite since yesterday. What are we going to do about Jasmine? Her sudden freedom means nothing but doom to us."

"I know. I have informed a detective about her presence. I'm sure she will soon be tossed back to where she escaped from."

"She didn't escape. She was freed by the president."

My Mom whistled softly and then asked, "So what did you suggest we do?"

"I don't know, Mom. I'm at a loss on the way out of this dilemma."

"What about silencing her? I know a couple of guys who will do it for some thousands of dollars."

"That's murder, isn't that extreme?"

"If getting her out of the way is the only way out, then I am all for it."

I looked into my Mom's eyes, expecting a glint of a joke, but her serious gaze made me realize she meant it.

"I'm scared, Mom."

"Don't fret over this. Let me handle it," she c****d a smile and muttered, "I can do anything for my darling daughter."

"I know you can. You have already proved this beyond reasonable doubt. Just let me inform Jackson about this."

"Did you think he would object?"

"I can't say. I learned he had been visiting her in the prison till she was released. I think he still loves her."

"He is a fool if he thinks she will give him another chance after what you both did to her. He had better think with his head and not his dick."

I smiled back. "What if he objects?"

"He won't. And if he does, we will go ahead without him."

"Are you sure this will not backfire, Mom?"

"Sure. I got you covered on this."

I hugged my Mom and promised to inform her of Jackson's decision. And I was able to breathe with relief as I drove back to my place.

Apart from the risk Jasmine's presence posed to Jackson, her freedom also means that I may lose my position as the CEO of our family company. This is not a risk I am willing to take.

Demetrius.

I watched from the inside of my car as she walked out of the orphanage home, her steps tentative but determined. Moments later, our eyes met, making her pause her stride and gawk at me, and then headed straight towards my car.

Ten years ago, life took us on divergent paths, yet still, my heart remained tethered to her. Three years later, I heard she had gotten married, and then heard of her conviction two years later. Though I was shattered, I had to channel my anger into my studies, but vowed to clear her name one day.

"Jasmine," I began, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Demetrius." She breathed, and then increased her stride, dragging her son along.

I hopped out of my car and met her halfway.

"It's been a while."

I nodded my head and then pointed at a weathered bench in front of the orphanage home.

"Let's sit over there and chat."

"I came in a chartered taxi."

"Dismissed him. I will drive you down to anywhere you want."

She smiled, excused herself, and hurried towards a yellow-painted taxi, and her son raced after her, afraid of being separated from her again.

"It's good to see you after all this year. Where have you been?"

"I traveled overseas to complete my detective course, and I only returned last year. I also heard about your trial and imprisonment from your Mom."

"Oh! You have seen her."

"Yes. I went to ask about you. I guess she didn't recognize me anymore as she kept telling me lots of bad things about you. Can't believe my golden heart Jasmine could end so terribly."

She giggled, sat beside me, and looked into my face. And at that moment, the memory of our shared laughter and whispered secret flowed back to me.

We talked for hours. Jonny, curious and bright-eyed, listened as we recounted tales of our childhood adventures. As the conversation flowed, I realized that the flame I held for her had never flickered out but still burned as fiercely as ever, fueled by the years of separation and the injustices she had endured.

I had expected to see a broken and traumatized woman, but her resilience astounded me. And despite her betrayal and the year lost, her spirit remained unbroken as she spoke of her plan to rebuild her life, and her determination to give Jonny the future he deserved. At that moment, I knew my future was intertwined with hers.

"What about your wife and kids?" She asked as we walked towards my Jeep.

"I'm not married."

"Why will a handsome man like you remain single at this age?"

"Because no one could ever compare you."

"You are teasing me, right?"

I smiled to ease the tension between us. How can I make her understand that I can never love any other woman except her?

"You don't need to waste more time, Demetrius. You aren't getting younger."

She reached out to me, her hand finding mine, a gesture so familiar, yet so charged with new meaning.

And at that moment, I made a silent vow. I must dedicate myself to proving her innocence and restoring the life she was owed. For her and her son, and for the love that had endured against all odds.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of orange and blue, I knew that this was just the beginning of our story. A story of love, justice, and the unbreakable bonds that define us.