Chapter 131

Despite Joshua's comforting words, guilt still gnawed at Jasmine's heart. She clenched her jaw, trying to hold herself together, but still couldn't hold back her tears. They streamed down her cheeks and soaked into his shirt. He pulled her into a tight hug, and his heart ached for her. Just then, his phone rang and he saw Susana's name on the screen. He gently patted Jasmine's shoulder and stepped aside to take the call. Susana sounded cheerful on the other end. "Josh, Christmas is coming. Aren't you coming home?" she asked. Joshua lowered his voice. "Mom, I'm staying in Jesceria this year. My friend's mother had an accident. I want to stay here and accompany her." She immediately guessed that the "friend" her son had mentioned was likely someone he liked. So, she quickly responded, "If she's your friend, then of course you should help her. But make sure you take care of yourself, too. I'll ask Hayden to help out as well since he's not going back to Baelbury this year anyway." Af