Chapter 4

"Apologize."

Draven completely ignored my blood-streaked face, his eyes filled with cold fury.

"Jasmine, I said apologize to Bianca. Now!"

My nails dug deep into my palms, and blood dripped to the floor.

"I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?"

"You're the ones who should be apologizing!"

Disappointment flooded Draven's eyes.

"Jasmine, when did you become so unreasonable? What a disappointment."

Before I could argue, Don Langley stepped forward and pulled Draven to his feet.

"Take Bianca to get her wound treated. I'll handle things here."

Draven left, carrying Bianca in his arms.

My mother followed behind Don, humbly apologizing.

Before they left, Draven glanced back at me. His eyes held a complex emotion I couldn't decipher.

The moment the door closed, the last flicker of warmth in my heart died out.

I understood then. The last of my love for him died in that moment.

Draven, I wonder, if you knew your heir was growing inside me, would you still treat me this way?

Don also left the room, leaving me with a warning.

"You will apologize tomorrow, or you will move out of this house."

Good. That's what he wants, and that's what he'll get. I'm leaving tomorrow.

I waited until late at night, making sure everyone was asleep.

I opened the closet and took out the suitcase I had packed long ago.

Passport, cash, identification.

And a plane ticket I had already booked.

Before leaving, I removed the camera from the music box, packed it into a small box, and mailed it to Draven.

By my calculations, it would arrive just as the engagement ceremony was starting.

I had hoped my departure would be the end of this farce.

But that night, Draven sent me a message, explaining.

"Jasmine, making you apologize was just for my father's benefit. You know how important the family alliance is. I have to be considerate of Bianca's feelings. Surely you can understand that much?"

"Get some rest. I've already prepared a special gown for you. You have to wear it on the day of the engagement."

"Remember, I'll always be your brother. That will never change."

But I knew the truth. The show wasn't for Don. It was for me.

Only by leaving could I end all of this.

For the next two days, I didn't go home.

Neither did Draven. He must have been busy with the final preparations for the ceremony, and busy placating his beautiful fiancée.

I never received the gown he promised me. I only heard news that he had spent millions to buy Bianca a yacht.

It was to take her to the private island named after their two families' alliance.

On the morning of the engagement ceremony, I called his phone.

He was busy barking orders at his men and didn't answer right away.

"Is all the evidence ready? Remember, execute the plan as soon as they arrive. Make sure everyone in attendance can see it clearly."

"Are you sure about this? Once you start, there's no turning back."

"Follow my plan. I've been planning this for six years."

"Have someone watch Elena. Don't let her ruin things at the critical moment."

Only after his men had left did he remember I was still on the line.

"Jasmine? The ceremony is about to start. I'm coming to get you now. Wait for me at home, okay?"

"I'll let you in on a secret. There will be a special surprise for you during the ceremony. You'll be invited on stage, just like a bride."

"See? Isn't it almost like I'm marrying you, too?"

"Don't be upset. You'll get everything that's meant for you."

I looked at the plane ticket in my hand and managed a weak smile.

"Happy engagement, brother."

He paused for a second, then chuckled.

"Why are you suddenly calling me brother today? I still prefer it when you call me by my name."

"Be good and wait for me. I'll be there soon."

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, all my pretenses stripped away, and placed the Langley family signet ring on the table.

After hanging up, I turned and walked toward the fiery crash I had arranged.

As the ceremony began, Draven's mind kept replaying our phone call. A sense of unease washed over him.

Something about his conversation with her felt wrong.

Her reaction today had been too quiet, nothing like the clingy girl who used to follow him around.

Was it that she truly didn't care about his engagement to Bianca, or... did she know something?

Neither option was good for him.

Draven bolted from the ceremony.

But just as he reached his sports car, Nico rushed over, out of breath.

In one hand, he held the camera I had smashed in two. In the other, a crumpled receipt.

"This is bad! Jasmine found out about the surveillance!"

The color drained from Draven's face, and the car key fell from his hand.

"And..." Nico hesitated, his face grim as he held out the crumpled paper. "My men traced her movements over the last two days. They found this. It's a receipt… from a private clinic."

Draven snatched the paper. His blood ran cold as he read the words: 'Surgical Procedure.' The date was two days ago. The patient's name was Jasmine Blakemore.

The world tilted on its axis. Pregnant.

Draven's face went deathly pale.

He thought of how tired she had seemed lately, and the reason hit him like a physical blow.

"So where is she? Where is Jasmine now?"

Nico looked at him, hesitating several times before speaking.

Draven struggled to control his emotions."Spit it out."

"We just got word. The Rossi family set up an ambush on our turf. One of the cars burst into flames on the spot and was completely destroyed."

"The car was carrying a driver... and Jasmine."