Chapter Seven

Jasmine’s POV

“Good morning, Jasmine,” Adonis said as he walked into the kitchen.

“Good morning.” I finished my coffee in one gulp.

“I’m heading into the city today. Do you want to come with me?”

“No.” I turned and walked out of the kitchen.

“I thought you’d be excited about getting off the ranch. You’ve been wanting to leave since we got here.”

I stopped and looked back at him. “My dad invited us for dinner this weekend. I forgot to tell you.”

“Then I’ll ask Gabriel to invite your family here. They’ve never visited the ranch before.”

Before I could respond, the back door opened. Sebastian stepped inside. My stomach dropped.

“No, Adonis,” I said quickly, my eyes locked on Sebastian behind him. “My mom can’t come here.”

“Why not?”

“She doesn’t like the countryside. She told you that before we left the city.”

Adonis started to reply when Sebastian spoke up.

“Good morning, sir.”

“Antonio. Good morning.” Adonis turned to him. “Come with me to my office. You already met my wife the other day, right?”

“Yes, sir. I hope you’re feeling better now, ma’am,” Sebastian said, keeping his voice steady.

“Yes. Thank you,” I managed, trying not to let my voice shake.

Adonis headed toward his study with Sebastian following. I waited a moment, then tiptoed closer to the open door so I could listen.

“Here are the notes on the workers’ allowances, supply bills, and material purchases,” Adonis said. “You can take them back to your place or go through them here.”

“If it’s okay, I’d rather stay and work on them here, sir,” Sebastian replied.

“Not a problem. And here’s an advance check for anything you might need while I’m away.”

“Thank you, sir. I really need it.”

“Gabriel gave you strong references, but I expect efficiency and complete honesty. That’s non-negotiable.”

“You can count on me.”

“That’s all. I’ll leave you to it.”

The moment I heard them finishing, I hurried back to the living room and sat on the couch, trying to look casual.

“You still don’t want to come with me?” Adonis asked when he returned.

“No.”

“Fine. Suit yourself.”

He walked toward the front door before suddenly stopping.

“Stay inside the house while I’m gone.”

“And if I don’t?”

His eyes darkened. “Then don’t expect me to be understanding when I get back.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“No.”

His gaze lingered on me.

“I’m reminding you that you’re my wife.”

He was about to leave when Maya appeared on the stairs.

“Where are you going, Adonis?”

“To the city.”

“I need to pick up a few things. I’ll come with you.”

“Alright,” Adonis said.

Maya passed me without a word, but she rolled her eyes as she went by. I stood up, planning to go upstairs, when Sebastian came out of the study.

“Jasmine, we need to talk.”

“Not here,” I whispered.

“Either you come with me now or I follow you upstairs.”

“This is too risky. Adonis probably hasn’t even left the house yet.”

“He just drove off with that woman. Come here, Jasmine. Don’t make me follow you into your bedroom.”

I glanced around nervously, heart racing, then followed him into Adonis’s study.

“Don’t close the door,” I said. “If someone sees us in here together, I won’t be able to explain it.”

“Whatever you want, baby.”

“Sebastian, you have to leave this place,” I pleaded. “It’s too dangerous.”

“No. I’m not leaving without you. If I can’t take you away yet, then at least I can stay close to you.”

“I can’t do this. I don’t love Adonis, but I can’t be with you right under his roof.”

“You’re lying to yourself. You love me too much to push me away like this.”

“Why are you being so stubborn? I already told you it’s impossible right now.”

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “It’s bad enough you were forced to marry him. Now you’re pushing me away too?”

“Adonis slept with me, Sebastian. He took my virginity. There’s nothing either of us can do about that now.” My voice cracked. “Adonis has connections everywhere. Even if we run, he’ll search the whole world for me. And if he finds out you’re here, working for him…”

Sebastian looked away for a moment. His jaw tightened so hard that a muscle ticked in his cheek.

“Did he hurt you?”

I lowered my eyes.

The silence was enough of an answer.

Sebastian closed his eyes briefly and dragged a hand through his hair.

“Every day I imagine what you’ve been forced to endure here.” His voice broke.

“And every day it kills me.” He stepped closer.

“I swear to you, Jasmine. One day I’ll get you out of here. I don’t care how long it takes.”

Sebastian pulled me close, his hands firm on my waist.

“I don’t care, Jasmine.”

His voice was rough with emotion.

“Even if you’re carrying his child, I still want you.”

He tightened his hold on me.

“I’ll love you until my last breath.”

Sebastian cupped my face. “Do you know what the worst part is?”

I shook my head.

“Knowing he gets to see you every day.” His eyes darkened.

“Knowing he wakes up beside you.” His thumb brushed my cheek.

“Knowing you’re living under his roof while I’m forced to stand here pretending to be another man.”

He laughed bitterly.

“I’ve never hated anyone the way I hate Adonis.” He leaned in to kiss me.

I pushed him back. “Seb, you can’t kiss me in here.”

“Don’t pull away from me. It kills me knowing you let someone you don’t love touch you.”

“Are you blaming me for that?” I asked, tears stinging my eyes.

“What’s going on here?” a voice said from the doorway.

I spun around. Dominga stood there, watching us with a look I couldn’t read.

Sebastian let go of me immediately and walked out, brushing past her without a word.

I stepped forward and took Dominga’s hands. “Whatever you just saw, I promise it’s not what it looks like.”

She gave me a small, understanding smile and patted my hand. “I didn’t see anything, ma’am. Just be more careful next time. Today it was me. Tomorrow it could be someone else.”

“Dominga, you’re the only person here I can trust. Thank you.” I pulled her into a quick hug.

“It’s alright. I came to tell you breakfast is ready. Go eat before it gets cold.”

I nodded, still shaken, and watched her walk away. My heart wouldn’t stop racing. Every second Sebastian stayed on this ranch made everything more dangerous. But the worst part was how badly I still wanted him here.