Chapter Two

Jasmine’s POV

I woke up with a heavy groan, my eyes opening slowly. The pain between my legs was still there, a deep, constant ache that brought everything from last night rushing back. I lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling. Adonis’s side of the bed was perfectly made, like none of it had ever happened. He was already gone.

I sat up carefully, wincing as I swung my legs over the side. When I stood, I limped slightly. It had been my first time. I had always told Sebastian I wanted to wait until marriage. Now the man my mother sold me to had taken that from me.

I walked over to the small fridge in the bedroom, grabbed a bottle of water, and swallowed the morning-after pill I had hidden away. I knew how obsessive Adonis could be. After a long shower in the bathroom, I felt a little more awake and headed downstairs.

Dominga’s voice carried from the living area as she gave instructions to the maids. She ran the household on the ranch and had been kind to me since I arrived.

“Good morning, ma’am,” she said warmly when she saw me at the bottom of the stairs.

“Good morning, Dominga.”

I started to walk past her, then stopped. “Where’s my husband?”

“He left early for the pastures. He should be back around lunchtime. Would you like breakfast now or wait for him?”

“No, I’m not waiting.” I tried to sound casual. “It’s been a full week since we got married and moved to the ranch. I’d like to look around the property today. Could I get the keys to one of the cars in the garage?”

Dominga nodded. “Of course. Maria, go tell Louis to bring a set of keys. Adonis left him in charge of them.” She turned back to me. “Would you like coffee or milk while you wait?”

“No, thank you.”

“You barely ate yesterday either,” she said gently.

“It doesn’t matter.” I forced a small smile. “I’ll be in my room. Please have Louis bring the keys up to me.”

“Alright, ma’am.”

I went back upstairs, my heart beating faster with every step. This was the chance I had been waiting for. Adonis was gone, and I needed to leave before he returned. In the walk-in closet, I packed a small suitcase with only the essentials. Nothing too obvious. I added my jewelry last, hands shaking slightly.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” I called without looking up.

The door opened. “Ma’am, here are the car keys. Do you need anything else?”

“Yes. Take this suitcase downstairs for me.”

I heard footsteps approach. When I turned around, Louis was standing closer than necessary, staring at the suitcase.

“Excuse me, ma’am, where are you going with luggage?” he asked.

I took a small step back. “That’s not your concern. Just take the bag down.”

“If you’re only sightseeing on the ranch, why pack a suitcase?”

I felt my patience snap. “Did Adonis tell everyone to question my every move? I am the lady of this house. I don’t owe you an explanation. Do what I asked.”

“I’m only trying to understand…”

“You know what? I’ll take it myself.” I grabbed my handbag, slung it over my shoulder, and lifted the suitcase. I ignored Louis’s offer to help and headed for the door.

He grabbed my arm before I could open it. “Listen, ma’am. If you really want to leave the ranch, I’m the only one who can help you get out without your husband knowing.”

I froze. “What?”

“I can see you’re unhappy here. You want to leave quietly. You’re new to this place. You won’t make it far on your own. Trust me.”

His voice had changed, and the way he looked at me made my skin crawl.

Before I could respond, the bedroom door slammed open. Adonis walked in laughing with Maya, his childhood friend and staff member. His smile vanished the second he saw Louis standing too close to me and the suitcase on the floor.

I stepped back quickly, heart racing. Louis turned around, looking nervous.

“Adonis, it’s not what it looks like,” Louis said quickly. “Your wife was trying to leave. She wanted the car keys. I tried to stop her. She even tried to take them from me.”

I stared at Louis in disbelief. The betrayal hit hard. He had just thrown me under the bus to save himself.

Adonis’s expression darkened. “Louis, get out of my room. Now. You too, Maya.”

They both left without another word. Adonis closed the door behind them with a quiet click that felt louder than a slam. Then he turned to face me.

“Where were you planning to go?” he asked. His voice was low and controlled, but the anger in his eyes was worse than anything I had seen before. He took a slow step forward.

I backed up instinctively, the suitcase still between us. My mind raced for an excuse, but nothing came. The pain from last night mixed with fresh fear, making my legs feel weak.

Adonis kept coming closer until he was right in front of me. He looked down at the suitcase, then back at my face. “Answer me, Jasmine.”

I swallowed hard. The tension in the room was thick enough to choke on. I had no idea what he would do next, but I knew one thing for sure. My chance to escape had just disappeared.