Chapter27:

"How are you feeling?" Nicolai asked, his voice soft, as they reached Jasmine's room. Jasmine remained silent, her eyes cast downward. The car ride home had been a blur of tears and painful memories. Nicolai's attempts to comfort her had been met with silence, her emotions too raw to articulate. "Please, Jasmine, don't let tonight's events consume you," Nicolai urged, his tone gentle. "I promise to find the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice. You won't face this alone." Jasmine nodded, her gaze still evading his. The accusation of theft had shattered her fragile confidence, reviving the haunting memories of Stephan's abuse. As soon as Nicolai left, Jasmine retreated to her room, seeking solace in the one place she felt safe – her wardrobe. She had often hidden there during Stephan's rampages, finding an odd sense of security within its confines. Now, surrounded by darkness and familiarity, Jasmine curled up, her body trembling. The party's hateful glares and murmurs replayed in