Chapter 1

"Jas, you've been in Horinton for seven years, and you still have an engagement in Jenvil. The Campbells are rushing us. Could you come back and get married first? "If you've found your true love in Horinton, I'll have your dad talk to the Campbells. We don't mind compensating them, but we can at least call off the wedding." Jasmine, who looked worn and haggard, lay still on the bed as she stared blankly at the ceiling. A profound stillness filled the room. The person on the other end sighed and was about to end the call when Jasmine, who had remained silent all the time, gradually sat up. She rubbed her messy hair, her voice hoarse. "You don't need to do that. I'll go back to Jenvil and get married." Jasmine's mother, Natalie Moore, held her breath and asked in disbelief, "Haven't you fallen for someone? Why… Why would you agree to—" Jasmine replied nonchalantly, "It's hard to explain everything now. I'll elaborate in detail when I head back. Our family and the Campbells should start preparing for the wedding in Jenvil. I'll head back as soon as I'm done with my matters." With that, Jasmine ended the call. Just then, a single tear slipped down her eye onto the bedsheet. She wiped off her tears and took a deep breath as she pushed open the door. The noises from outside instantly filled the quiet lounge. It was a banquet for Lynette Gardner's 20th birthday that Timothy Smith and Matthew Jackman had been fighting to host. They had booked a cruise and invited all the elites in Horinton to help Lynette build her connections. The loud voices of the crowd and the strong beat of music pierced through Jasmine's ears. She swept her gaze across the graceful figures, and it eventually fell upon an elegant man holding a glass of champagne. He was holding a woman's waist, and they were kissing as if they were the only ones around. They were Timothy and Lynette. Jasmine scanned around her environment once again. Fortunately, Matthew wasn't around. If he were to see this scene, it would be another brutal and chaotic episode. As the two kissed passionately, Lynette looked up and met Jasmine's eyes. Feigning embarrassment, she pushed Timothy away. Then, she adjusted her loosened collar and took a glass of juice. Lifting her dress, she ran up the steps. "Jas, have you rested well? Have some juice. I know you're in poor health and can't take alcohol, so I've specially made this juice for you," said Lynette. Lynette couldn't care less as she shoved the glass of juice next to Jasmine's lips. Jasmine's eyes hurt from seeing Lynette's moving lips that were slightly swollen from the kiss. Expressionless, she turned away and avoided her. "Take it away. I'm not drinking." Lynette grabbed the hem of her dress timidly, and she looked panicked as if she had done something wrong. "Jas, you wouldn't be so cold to me in the past. Did I do anything wrong and make you mad?" Jasmine couldn't be bothered to play along with Lynette's acts. Growing impatient, she turned and wanted to leave, but Lynette gripped her wrist. "You're overthinking." Jasmine tried to free herself from Lynette's grip, but she couldn't. "Go to Timothy and Matthew if you want sympathy. I don't buy this, and I even feel disgusted." Jasmine shot Lynette an apathetic look and pushed her hand away, ready to leave. Just then, the sound of glass shattering startled Jasmine, and the cold juice splattered on her heels. She turned anxiously and saw Lynette tilted before she fell on her back. Jasmine reached out to hold Lynette instinctively, but Lynette pushed her away and stumbled to the ground. The glass shards pierced through Lynette's body as she rolled down the steps. Her miserable shriek echoed in the entire banquet hall. The cruise instantly fell into a dead silence because of the unforeseen incident. Timothy's expression changed drastically. Losing his usual composure, he rushed over and held Lynette, who was covered in blood. Matthew, who had just walked the red carpet, witnessed that scene as soon as he entered the hall, his eyes burning with fury. When he saw the injuries all over Lynette's body and that his rival, Timothy, was hugging her, he flew into a rage. He swept his gaze around and eventually fixed his eyes on Jasmine's face, an unfathomable smile forming on his face. Frowning, Jasmine wanted to say something, but Matthew slapped her on the face. "Jasmine Lane, are you so jealous of Lyn that you have to stir up trouble at such an important moment for her?" Jasmine's cheek burned, swelling almost immediately. She was still in a slight daze when the raging Matthew gave her a push. "I'm talking to you. Are you mute? This is intentional assault. Jasmine, if you want to be sent to jail, I'll fulfill your wish!" Matthew snapped. Feeling sorry for Lynette, Timothy blew on her wound and looked up at Jasmine furiously. "Jas, I thought you'd always been thoughtful and considerate. "But you've gone too far this time. I'm so disappointed in you." He looked at the attendant at the side with a frown, demanding, "Have the cruise dock right now. Has the ambulance arrived?" Lynette tugged at Timothy's sleeves nervously. "It's no big deal. Tim, just have the medical staff treat my wound. You and Matt went through so much to prepare this banquet on the cruise for me. I don't want to ruin it." Timothy was stunned for a moment. When Matthew heard that, the furious look on his face vanished instantly. He crouched down and caressed Lynette's chin. "It's your call, Lyn. My private doctor boarded the cruise with me. I'll call him over now, okay?" Lynette nodded obediently. Matthew's assistant, Danny Fuller, led the private doctor through the crowd while holding the Best Actor award Matthew had just won. "Ms. Gardner, this is the first Best Actor award Mr. Jackman has won. He mentioned that this trophy must be given to you," Danny revealed. Covering her face, Lynette feigned a surprised look as she shook Matthew's arm. Then, she said sweetly, "I love it. Matt, you're so nice to me." Timothy carried her and glanced at the doctor. "Come to my lounge." After getting Matthew's permission, the private doctor quickly followed behind Timothy. Before Matthew left, he stared at Jasmine for a brief moment with a grim look, his gaze burning with threats and warning. … After that, the guests gradually left. Jasmine stood frozen to the spot as Danny's words echoed in her ears. She suddenly recalled the time when Matthew had just joined the entertainment industry many years ago. He had been full of spirits and hopeful. "Jasmine, wait for me. I'll win the Best Actor award and give it to you as a gift." At that time, the person Timothy and Matthew had treasured had been no one else but Jasmine. Seven years ago, she had been reluctant to marry into the Campbell family. So, she had chosen a different major and kept it from her family before going to Horinton for her studies. Jasmine was the Lane family's only daughter and had been well pampered since she was a child. Her parents, William and Natalie, let her have it her way after they found out about her decision. Since their daughter was explorative, the Jenvil's Lane family could afford to let her do anything as she wished. They had even bought a villa in Horinton for her and supported her financially for the past seven years. The captivating Jasmine had caught the attention of Timothy and Matthew since her first day of school. The penniless Timothy had worked hard for a decade to leave his village, while Matthew had been the Jackmans' illegitimate son that they hadn't taken seriously. Both of them had been at the lowest points of their lives. They could hardly resist the deadly charm of an aloof and prideful woman like Jasmine. During the four years in college, Timothy and Matthew would be Jasmine's shadow everywhere she went. They had pampered her like she meant the world to them. With Jasmine's help, Timothy had started his own business. He built his own business empire in Horinton in just two years and was extremely powerful in the field. Meanwhile, with Jasmine making plans and building connections for him, Matthew had successfully taken over the Jackman family and become the head. Besides, he even made his name in the entertainment industry, which allowed the Jackmans to benefit as well. Yet, Lynette had appeared and broken the harmonious relationship between the trio. Lynette was a student receiving financial aid from Jasmine. At first, Jasmine had trained Lynette to be her successor. She even made Lynette Matthew's manager so that she could gain more experience. After all, Jasmine had to return to Jenvil one day, and there should be someone to take over her businesses in Horinton. Jasmine had great judgment and knew Lynette had great potential. In just one year, Lynette, who was barely 20 years old, had been promoted to a higher position. Yet, behind Jasmine's back, Lynette took advantage of her position and started developing feelings for Matthew. Jasmine had introduced Timothy to Lynette to expand her web of connections. In the end, Lynette and Timothy had fallen for each other. At some point, Timothy and Matthew would show their favoritism toward Lynette in front of Jasmine and didn't bother to hide it. Now, they favored Lynette as much as they used to treasure Jasmine in the past. Timothy had always been frugal, but he was willing to hold a grand banquet on the cruise just for Lynette. Matthew had always been arrogant and full of himself, but a few words from Lynette would make his ears flush and make him compromise unconditionally. In the past, Jasmine had been moved by how they had doted on her unconditionally, and she had fallen deeply for it. She had refused to accept the arranged marriage, so she thought of marrying someone she liked. Timothy and Matthew had gotten into an intense fight because of Jasmine. She knew they would immediately fall under her spell with just a curl of her finger. Just as Jasmine thought of marrying either one of them, Lynette appeared and changed everything. Maybe it was best to let things be. Jasmine took out her phone and glanced at the date. Then, she booked a flight to Jenvil that would depart three days later. Three days was enough for her to wrap up everything in Horinton. Everything had come to an end. From now on, she would have nothing to do with the three of them.