Chapter 4

Hunter’s POV

I have never been more anxious in my life. All it took was one week for everything I cared about to hit the rocks. I have been waiting patiently for eight days to hear from Jasmine. I should have known better when Lily personally requested to break the news of our engagement to her. I shouldn’t have let it happen. I owe her that much for being her best friend. I have spent the last days pacing about and aggressively checking my phone for a text from her. Not even once did that typing bubble show up. I should have explained the truth to her. I feel like a dickhead now.

“Mr Carrington, I have a seven o'clock reservation for Dinner at Blackbell for you and your fiancée.” My assistant reminded me, and I nodded. I winced at the word fiancée. I had never imagined being engaged to anyone, let alone Lily Blackwood. Being a Carrington came with a huge load of sacrifice, including your whole future being planned out for you.

I didn’t realize I was getting married until three weeks ago, and when pops asked me to pick one of the Blackwood girls, I just went with Lily. It was easier, and I didn’t want to put Jasmine in a gilded cage with me, especially since I wasn’t sure she even liked me beyond being friends. I thought I was doing her a favor, but look at how quickly the tables have turned.

I spent the rest of the day watching my phone closely, and still no text from Jasmine. Maybe I was a jerk for not telling her, but there was no way I was expecting her to react this way. Completely shut me out. I was willing to go out of my way to make her comfortable. I even pretended like I had no memory of the kiss we had that night. It hurt me badly because I can remember every second of it, and how happy it made me, but I didn’t want to jeopardize our friendship. I guess it wasn’t worth that much to her to begin with.

I changed into a suit for dinner with Lily; maybe we can finally have a conversation without her being thoroughly annoying, unlike the last attempt. I took a look in the mirror, and I just walked out to my car. The drive to Blackbell was faster than I thought. I walked into the restaurant, taking in my surroundings.

I got to my seat, and I ordered a white wine while I waited for Lily to show up. She was running late, again. I was going to give her the benefit of the doubt, at least that’s what I promised Mom. It’s hard to give someone the benefit of the doubt when they act like they don’t care. I fiddled with my phone, and I noticed that I could no longer see Jasmine’s location. We always had it on for each other, except for the times I was wandering off again.

I tried not to read too much meaning into it, but something was definitely off; I could feel it deep down. I desperately hoped that she would at least give me a chance to explain myself before blocking me or something. I found myself flipping through my gallery, staring at pictures of her that I had taken. They were silly at the time, but now they hold so much meaning.

The waiter coming back to ask for my order reminded me that I was supposed to be on a fucking date with my supposed fiancée, who had decided not to show up. I apologized to her lightly and ordered another bottle of wine despite the one on my table barely being touched. She nodded and walked off. I dialled Lily, and it went straight to voicemail three times. I wonder what Mom would have to say now that she has stood me up for the third time.

I cleared my tab before walking out of the restaurant while trying to calm my anger. I was doing this because it was a duty to me, and it is to Lily, too. If she thinks I would be chasing her all over New York, then she’s in for some rude awakening. I got into my car, and instead of driving home, I found myself driving to Jasmine’s apartment.

I parked outside and noticed that all the lights were off. I contemplated knocking, but I couldn’t. I sat in my car in her driveway for a while before I drove off. I should give her the space she needed; I needed to stop thinking like she owed me her company or something. As much as it drove me over the edge, I had to give her space.

I was driving home when my phone started ringing. For a split second, I thought it was Jasmine. I hissed lowly as I saw Lily’s name on the screen. I picked up despite wanting to just end the call; I wanted to hear what silly excuse she had for me this time.

“Hey Hunter, sorry I totally forgot about the dinner. I am on my way to the airport now. I have a campaign shoot in Greece. I will let you know once I’m back.” She said as soon as I picked up, and before I could reply, the line went dead. I was furious. I tried calling back, but it went straight to voicemail again. The nerve of this woman!

I decided to drive to my parents’ house. I don’t trust my emotions driving home this way. I hate my life. Being a Carrington had its good perks, but this part of it makes me want to hurl myself off a bridge. If Lily is going to treat this marriage like a contract, then I should do the same. If she wanted the coldhearted bastard the rest of the world sees, then she would get it. I’m done trying to be cordial with her.

I rechecked Jasmine’s profile, and it has disappeared. I texted my hacker friend, Ace, to try to find her location for me. I understand her giving me the silent treatment, but I just needed to be sure that she’s okay, and she’s alive. I dropped my phone, waiting to hear back from Ace, and I pulled up in my parents’ driveway. I entered the security code, and I threw my key at our Valet before walking inside the house. Everyone was sitting around the table, having dinner, when I walked in.

“Hunter, I thought you had a dinner date with Lily Blackwood tonight. Is it over that soon?” Mom asked as soon as I got to the dining, and I just rolled my eyes.

“She’s on her way to Greece, and didn’t think it was vital to let me know, so I don’t end up looking like a fool while waiting for her in the restaurant,” I replied sarcastically as I hung my suit jacket. I didn’t get a response. I plopped down on the empty seat beside my sister, Gaiah, and I picked the chicken off her plate.

“Mom, Hunter is eating my food.” She shouted, and I grabbed another piece. My mom shot us both a look, and she pulled her plate away from me. No matter how old she gets, I will always be there to pull her legs.

“Did Jasmine text you already?” She asked in a low voice, and I shook my head. She sighed and reached for my hand under the table. I was about to say something else when my screen lit up from Ace’s message. I opened the text, and it was a live location link. He found Jasmine’s location. I stood up immediately and walked out. I needed to see if she was okay.