Lexi’s eyes are locked on Gabriel. I look at Gabriel and see the most beautiful smile on his face as he smiles back at Lexi. My mom walks in at that moment and is clearly in awe of the radiant smile in Gabriel’s eyes.“You’re awake, princess,” Gabriel says, his voice choking with emotion. The sight tugs at my heart, and the corners of my eyes well up with tears, which I manage to hold back.Lexi smiles back, and it seems like she wants to say something, but she can’t speak as she hasn’t talked in hours. I think she needs water, so I stand up, which seems to bring her attention back to me.“Mum,” she calls out, her voice hoarse.“Hold on just a second while I get you some water to drink,” I say.She nods in response and turns to my mom, pointing to Gabriel and trying to indicate something to her.I bring the water to Lexi’s mouth, and she slowly gulps it down. Once she seems okay and refrains from taking more, I understand that she has had enough.Her eyes return to Gabriel. “Oh, the pr
A doctor and a couple of nurses rush past me into Lexi's room. I follow them, my heart in my throat, but as I step inside, they stop me."Ma'am, you have to step aside so we can do our work.""No, that's my daughter in there," I protest, trying to push my way inside. But I see my mom coming out of the room, probably told the same thing."Jasmine, let the doctors do their job," she says, pulling me into a hug. Tears stream down my face as I sob, "I can't lose my girl.""You won't, Jas," she reassures me, her voice steady. "She means the world to you as much as she means to me. We won't lose her."The tears continue to flow as I think about the years I struggled to have a child to save my marriage with Maxwell, and now, when I finally have Lexi, she's at the mercy of the doctors.I pull away from my mom's embrace and start pacing back and forth in the hallway. It feels like an eternity waiting for the doctor to come out and give me the results about my daughter.Every second drags on as
Jasmine’s POV As the plane reaches cruising altitude, I focus on Ryder's kind gesture to distract myself from the gnawing anxiety. Despite our brief encounter and Gabriel's coldness, Ryder's concern feels genuine.Why was Gabriel at my house? What does he want? He made it clear that he doesn't want anything to do with me, so he should stay out of my life.I lean back in my seat, taking a deep breath. The hum of the plane is oddly comforting, and I allow myself to relax just a little. My thoughts drift back to Lexi. I grip the armrest tightly, feeling tears welling up. I say a silent prayer, determined that she's coming back with me to Chicago.Flight attendants come around with snacks and drinks. Absently, I take a cup of water and sip it, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I can't afford to break down now; I need to stay strong for Lexi.The plane lands smoothly. As soon as the seatbelt sign turns off, I grab my bag and head for the exit. The airport buzzes with people, but I barely
A puppy no more than a few weeks old, sits at my kitchen door, looking up at me with big round eyes. Its soft gray fur and tiny pink nose melt my heart. I bend down to pet the little creature, feeling its soft fur and tiny heartbeat. Where did it come from? And how did it get here? I wonder. Then, I feel a presence like a shadow hovering around me; someone is here, I guess. As I cautiously look up with the puppy in hand, the scorching sun pierces into my eyes. I look at a gorgeous man, shirtless and standing, looking at me with a smirk. I take my time to look at him; his body is dripping with sweat like he's been working in the soil. His hands are covered with mud.He's ruggedly handsome, with a strong jawline and piercing gray eyes. His smirk grows wider, His muscles are fully on display, and his abs are what every woman dreams of. He gives a small cough, and that seems to bring me back to the present. He might think I'm drooling over him, but in reality, I'm shocked to see someone
I knock on the door, and I hear a shuffling from inside. A voice says, "Come in." I take a deep breath, calming my nerves, and turn the door knob. I open the door and walk inside. He stands at the window with his hands in his pockets, gazing out at the city view."Good day, sir," I say, trying hard to steady my voice so it won't betray my nervousness."Good day, Ms. Ross. Good to have you grace me with your presence." He gestures to a seat. "Have a seat.""Thank you, sir," I mutter, making my way to the seat. He gives me a once-over look, and I feel small under his gaze.He removes his hand from his pocket and approaches me. Despite his age, he looks fit and accomplished in his late forties. I admire his achievements and the person he has become."How long have you worked at LPI?" he asks, looking at me intently.I lower my gaze and reply, "Two years.""And what was your job position when you first got employed?" he asks, his eyes still fixed on me.I look at him, unsure how to answer
Jasmine's POVWhat business do I have with her that she gives me the middle finger? I watch as she sways her hips and goes into the hotel I'm coming out of. I guess she wants to see Gabriel. I couldn't care less, my mind is focused on getting back to my office. I can't afford to be absent from the meeting, especially since the CEO will be there. This impression of me not being at the office isn't a good one. I hail a cab, give him my location, and luckily, he speeds off. My mind is racing, thinking about what just happened. I've always had my doubts about Ryan, and he's succeeded in driving a wedge between me and Gabriel.I know I have no explanation to give Gabriel; I've been caught in a compromising situation. I blame myself for getting carried away with the quest for clients. This was a setup, and it was a smooth one. I was gullible to fall prey to Ryan's scheme. But the question remains - who could be responsible for the setup? This is still a mystery to me.A lone tear slips down