Masuk151Jasmine's fingers were shaking in fright. She was barely holding herself back from crying as she stared at the certificate under her hand while she held a pen over it. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE The words were printed in big and bold letters. Her and Kyle's names were printed on it in cursive handwriting. He had already put his signature— A fine stroke with elegant loops, clearly showing that he was accustomed to putting his name on papers. Jasmine, on the other hand, was close to breaking down in tears. Although this was the best day of her life, she was shaking and on the verge of collapsing. There was a cough and her head came up. An advocate was standing beside Falcon. His eyes dropped down to the certificate under her hand as if he was nudging her with eyes to sign it. "Jasmine, you okay?" Kyle's hand came around her waist as he leaned into her to whisper those words near her ear. "I am, thanks for asking." Jasmine smiled, yet she was far from being okay. Her gut was throbbi
150Jasmine stepped into the house with her heart banging in her chest. She directly went up to Kyle's room to find it empty."Kyle?" She called out to him but there was no reply."We just chatted and he said he's home. Where is he? Kyle?"When Jasmine couldn't find him, she came to Jojo's room."So? How did it go?" Jasmine asked with her heart continuing to pick up speed.Vince came home to meet Kyle today to sign the business agreement and the divorce papers and her coffee shop ownership papers along with it. Kyle had assured her that she'll get good news when she comes back. But now there was no sign of him, though he asked about her shopping and told her that his house was safe for her to come back, that her husband had left."What, Jasmine?" Jojo's query made her mouth dry."M-my husband came today, didn't he? Did Kyle manage to get him to sign the—""Oh, Jasmine, trust me I am not the right person to answer.""Why are you saying that, Jojo? Did it not go well?""Jasmine," Jojo w
149"I'm honestly tired. The height people can go to pull others down. But I hope you will not judge me, Kyle. I really want this deal to happen. The contract is also signed. I don't think there is anything we can do. And I know you're a clever man. You won't terminate the contract, will you?"Kyle didn't answer. He acted like he was still contemplating what to do.Vince resumed, "I think you can also relate with me, Kyle. Given your dating history, people spread dirty rumors about you all the time. Well, before we had a meeting, I also heard something unacceptable about you that made me want to reconsider.""Like what?" Kyle raised an eyebrow incredulously, knowing too well that Vince was fabricating a lie."Like... Like you like young teenage girls.""That's contemptible! How dare they say something like that about me!" Kyle exclaimed an
148"I hope I am not late." Falcon piped up as he rushed into the kitchen. "Sorry. The traffic was unbelievably bad. I had to leave my car and come here walking.""You're just in time, Falcon. We'll eat first." Kyle said."I suggest you guys sign the deal first before something else jinxes your collaboration." Falcon said animatedly. "Every time you fix a date, something happens. Let's not wait for something like that to occur. Please sign the papers first.""He's actually right, Kyle. We've had more delays than I can count on my fingers." Vince grinned."Okay then." Kyle nodded at Falcon as he fetched the papers from the folder he was holding.On the other hand, he eyed Jojo. The papers were placed on the counter. Falcon handed a pen to Vince."You first, Mr. Garrison. I would really hate it if something comes this time
147Three days later,Kyle was back home and amidst the excitement of his marriage, he forgot about the kidnapping, much to Lila's relief. While he was busy planning with Falcon the upcoming meeting with Vince, Lila spent time with Jasmine and others.She had fooled Jasmine into thinking that she was happy for her. She acted all happy and thrilled around Jasmine. But whenever she wasn't looking, Lila would stare at her like a witch performing voodoo.They both were sitting in the living room, going through the catalogue of new designs of wedding dresses right now. Mari, Jojo, and Fiona were in the kitchen. Since the wedding was taking place next week, Kyle brought Fiona and the nurse, Jennifer, back home so Jasmine would have company."She won't let this marriage happen, I'm telling you." Fiona said without moving her lips in a very small voice in the kitchen.Mari, Jojo and Jennifer were with her. The first two had been busy making lunch when Fiona came into the kitchen with an excu
146Kyle pressed his lips together guiltily. He was about to say something when Lila remarked, "But you were married, weren't you? What happened to your husband? As far as I recall, he was a total àss. When did he agree to free you from his cage?" Jasmine's face turned yellow. She had no reply. "Her real name is Jasmine, Lila." Kyle stepped in. "And her husband is not a problem. She's single to marry me.""Jasmine? Nice name. Jessica wasn't any bad but I can understand. You were in a stranger's house and you gave the wrong name. I hope your story wasn't fabricated as well." Lila joked but Kyle and Falcon caught the jab it was meant to give. "Haha, I hope it's not. Lila, Kyle wanted you to meet the doctor. I'll take you to one." Falcon put an arm around Lila's shoulders. "Doctor? But I'm fine. It's him who got stabbed.""But it's you who spent a night in a dark warehouse with goons all around. Kyle wants you to see a therapist. Come on." Falcon didn't let her argue with him and drag
9She blinked her eyes, tearing out of her trance. Max was sizing her up with a look of excitement while her skin smoldered with goosebumps. His lecherous gaze roamed over her, lingering on the hospital gown and her fragile state. The smirk tugging at his lips made it clear he couldn’t care less abou
78Even if she liked him, she could have tried to tell him. He wasn't a monster that would eat her. Kyle's teeth gritted as he recalled Lila's words from the dining table during breakfast moments before all hell broke loose. His eyes reddened. He wanted to go back out and face Jasmine again. "It's
7 "So how is it?" Lila asked while holding a breath as she watched Kyle take the first bite. Kyle’s brows drew together, his expression one of critical appraisal, like a master chef carefully testing a dish."Mmm, not bad. But I think if you buttered the vegetables more, it would have been—" "Kyle, y
8Kyle was grateful for having a friend like her. He reached out for her hand and held it as his eyes shone in brotherly affection. "Thanks, Lila. What would I ever do without you? I don't think anyone would have understood my situation better than you."Lila's lips curled with a soft smile, "Kyle, I'







