Chapter 7

Jasmine suddenly laughed hysterically. "You're still bringing her up now, huh? Okay, I'm sorry. I'll apologize to Lynette, you guys, and this damn world! "Is that enough?" She turned and staggered her way upstairs. Every step she took felt as though she was stepping on the tip of a knife. … Meanwhile, Timothy and Matthew merely stared at each other, but neither of them went to help her. Jasmine returned to her room and slammed the door shut. The world around her fell silent at once. After locking the door, she slumped to the ground, hugging her knees with both hands as she sobbed silently. Just then, her phone screen lit up. "The preparation for the wedding is almost done. We'll decide on the date when you're back later. As for the wedding invitation, have you confirmed the guest list?" Jasmine wiped off her tears and replied, "There's no need to reserve seats for them." She looked out of the window and stared at the dark sky. The next day, she would leave this place full of pain and sorrow to begin a brand new life. … The following morning, Jasmine woke up and grabbed her phone. There was a message from Charles. He asked her out for lunch as a farewell and to thank her for training him all these years. She tapped on the phone and replied, "Okay." In the past, she definitely wouldn't have agreed to it. Matthew and Timothy had been possessive of her. Since they were in college, they had always wished to keep her by their sides all the time. They would feel jealous even when she talked to male classmates. Jasmine had protested multiple times, but they explained, "Jas, we love you too much. Do you get what I mean? The jealousy drives me mad when I see you interacting with other men." Staring at Charles, who was sitting across from her, she seemed to fall into a daze. It had been so long since she had a meal with a man. All these years, she had tried her best to turn down business gatherings because of the two men at home. Jasmine just couldn't fathom why they would hurt her over and over again when she had always been so nice to them. "I didn't expect you to accept my invitation, Ms. Lane," Charles said. He picked up the glass and had a toast with Jasmine. After hesitating for a brief moment, he asked, "Would you come back to Horinton after you return to Jenvil this time?" Jasmine took a sip of the wine and smiled. "Once in a while. Maybe I'll slowly move the businesses in Horinton to Jenvil. By that time, would you come with me?" Charles' eyes lit up, but he quickly presented himself professionally. "Of course. I've always prioritized the company's development in my career planning." Jasmine smiled faintly and had a toast with him again. That was how most normal people would react, but some people always took what she did for granted. "I'll be waiting for you in Jenvil then," she responded. … After the meal, Jasmine touched up her makeup and was about to leave. "Ms. Lane, congratulations on your marriage," Charles commented. Jasmine grinned and wanted to reply when she heard a sharp yet familiar female voice. "Jas, are you here for a meal, too? What a coincidence!" Lynette poked her head out and leaned closer. Behind her were Timothy and Matthew, whose expressions turned hostile when they spotted Charles, who was opposite Jasmine. They hadn't heard clearly what Charles had said just now, so they questioned with a scowl, "Marriage? Who's getting married?"