Chapter 3

Jasmine felt her nose sting when she heard that sentence. Back when she used to run away after fighting with Roderick, Caesar would always drive around the whole city looking for her, then carry her home on his back. He also always asked, "What are you fussing about this time?" She would lie on his back as she breathed in the crisp scent of cedar on him, foolishly thinking that maybe he liked her, even just a little. Now that she thought about it, no one was more of a bastard than Caesar! He clearly didn't like her, and yet he still slept with her. Then, after sleeping with her, he'd even go back to his study and gaze affectionately at Sabrina's photos. Jasmine didn't understand what she lacked compared to Sabrina. Whether it was family background, looks, or body, how did she lose to her? Out of all the women in the world, why did he have to like Sabrina? It just had to be her. "Let go!" Jasmine's eyes were reddened as she bit down hard on Caesar's hand. He frowned but said nothing and simply started the car. … Caesar drove them back to the villa and carried her luggage inside after they reached. "Same as before," he said as he rolled up his sleeves, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Stay until you want to go home." Jasmine stood at the entrance. Her fingers dug into her palm as she said, "I'm only staying for half a month. After that, I'll leave. I'll pay you rent, and I won't bother you again." "Won't bother me again?" Caesar slowly looked up at her, his gaze behind the gold-rimmed glasses looking like an abyss. "You think you can do that?" he questioned, Those words plunged into Jasmine's heart like a knife, causing it to twist with sharp pain. So, he'd noticed it all along. He saw her go from being confrontational to helplessly obsessed with him. He knew she had fallen hard for him. And Caesar? He just coldly watched her spiral deeper and deeper, all while having feelings for his first love. "Sabrina…" Jasmine suddenly spoke. "She's my stepmother's daughter. Did you know?" Caesar's hand paused as he loosened his tie. "I only found out today," he replied. After a moment of silence, Jasmine couldn't help asking, "You and her—what's your relationship?" "She's a junior of mine." Caesar poured a glass of water and took a sip unhurriedly. "We worked together in the student council. She saved me from a car accident once and has been abroad for treatment ever since." He looked at Jasmine with a warning gaze and said, "I know you have issues with your stepmother, but this has nothing to do with Sabrina. Don't take it out on her." Everything Jasmine wanted to say got caught in her throat when she heard that. She originally wanted to ask if he liked Sabrina, but now, she only found it ridiculous. With how protective Caesar was being, what was the point of asking? She turned and went to the guest room, slamming the door shut. That night, for the first time ever, Caesar didn't come looking for her. Jasmine lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Of course, his first love had returned, so why would he still think about her? … The next day, Jasmine deliberately slept until noon just to avoid seeing Caesar. But when she opened the door, she was surprised to see he was still home. He sat on the couch, flipping through a finance magazine, with his gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose bridge. He didn't even look up as he asked, "You're up?" "You're not going to the office?" Jasmine asked back. "It's the weekend." Jasmine let out a hum in acknowledgment and grabbed a few pastries from the fridge, planning to head back to her room. But Caesar suddenly said, "Get changed. You're coming with me to a gathering later." Jasmine was about to refuse, but then she thought about it. She figured going out to get some fresh air was better than being stuck in the same room with Caesar. So, she changed her clothes and went with him. But once they arrived, Jasmine realized that it was a welcome banquet for Sabrina. She immediately turned to leave, but Sabrina warmly took her arm and said, "Jasmine, I'm so glad you came. Don't fight with Uncle Roderick anymore. After you ran away, he was so worried that he didn't eat for a whole day." Jasmine laughed coldly. "So you do know he's just an uncle to you. Then what does my leaving home or arguing with him have to do with you? You live far away or something? Why are you all up in my business?" She flung Sabrina's hand off and walked into a private room. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Sabrina's eyes redden with tears as she looked pitifully at Caesar. Caesar gave Jasmine a dark look, his gaze filled with warning. Then, he gently ruffled Sabrina's hair and said something that made her giggle through her tears. Jasmine felt her heart throb with pain, so she lowered her head and downed a glass of champagne.