chapter 7

"No, Babe—don't say that! I'm not breaking up with you! I want to marry you!"

Ethan clung tightly to Jasmine's waist, shamelessly nuzzling into her arms.

He was sure she didn't really mean it. She wouldn't have waited in the car for him if she truly wanted to break up.

Jasmine loved him—she loved him so much she couldn't let go. Even if she was devastated over Winona, it was impossible that she'd be heartless enough to really walk away.

Clinging to that hope, Ethan coaxed her again and again. Her coldness didn't matter—he wouldn't let go.

The car soon pulled into the courtyard of the Gardners' villa. Jasmine wiped her tears and looked out the window.

"Why are we here? Let your parents know I'm leaving first."

She opened the door, about to get out, but Ethan quickly jumped down and wrapped his arms around her again.

His voice was soft, doting, patient—like she was the most fragile thing in the world."Babe, please, just give me one more chance. I swear there won't be a next time.

"They're waiting for us to eat—just come in for a bit, alright? Don't make them worry."

Jasmine slowly looked up, her expression torn. She gave him a cold side-eye. "I just don't want to make them anxious," she snapped.

She slipped out of his arms with that pointed cover and headed into the house.

Inside the lavishly decorated living room, a middle-aged couple sat silently on the couch.

Only when Jasmine stepped inside did the woman rise, forcing a smile as she greeted her.

"Jasmine, you're back. Did you have fun at Cloudshade Estate these past few days?"

Jasmine slipped into Heidi's arms with a sweet smile. "It was nice, Mrs. Heidi."

But when she looked up again, Heidi Gardner saw her swollen, tear-streaked eyes. Her smile vanished in alarm. "What happened? Why have you been crying?"

The wounded look came instantly. Jasmine turned away, wiping at the tears like she didn't want anyone to see.

"I'm fine."

Heidi turned her sharp gaze toward Ethan, who had followed her in and didn't bother softening her tone. "Ethan! Did you bully Jasmine again?"

The moment those words landed, Jasmine broke into sobs again. Isaac Gardner stood and yanked Ethan by the ear without a word.

"Mr. Isaac, don't hit him! I really am fine!" Jasmine tried to step in, but Heidi gently pulled her to sit down on the couch.

Cornered by their scolding, Ethan finally explained what had happened.

Of course, he framed it as Winona deliberately seducing him while he was drunk.

But before he could finish defending himself, Isaac grabbed a heavy wooden paperweight from the desk and swung it at him.

It wasn't big enough to get much momentum, but every strike landed with a terrifying thud.

Ethan flailed and yelped, trying to dodge the blows—until Jasmine stepped in, shielding him with her own body.

"Mr. Isaac, please stop hitting him!" she cried, face full of pain and concern.

Heidi delivered another slap across Ethan's face. "She's still protecting you after all this? Look at what you've done!"

The sound of crying, scolding, and apologies tangled together, just four people in the Gardners's living room, yet it was as dramatic as a full-blown soap opera.

Finally, spent and panting, Isaac slumped onto the couch, glaring daggers at his son. "Jasmine can deal with you however she wants—you'll take it without complaint. As far as we're concerned, she's the only woman we recognize. If she no longer wants you, you can pack your things and leave the Gardners!"

Ethan's eyes were red and pitiful as he looked up at Jasmine. "Babe, I only have you. Please don't leave me. I know I really messed up."

Jasmine frowned, visibly struggling with the decision, then finally reluctantly said, "Just don't let it happen again."

Ethan breathed a huge sigh of relief, just about to stand, when Heidi shot him a glare that pinned him in place.

She took Jasmine's hand, her gaze full of affection.

"Jasmine, thank you for not giving up on Ethan or our family."

Jasmine shook her head gently. "Mrs. Heidi, don't say that. Back when I had nothing, you took me in and gave me a home. I would never turn my back on the Gardners."

Heidi beamed at that. "Jasmine, we've watched you and Ethan grow together these past years. We know what you've been through. You don't need to worry—we've only ever recognized you as Ethan's wife.

"But the women out there nowadays, they're just so shameless. Some don't know their worth and still throw themselves at men like it's nothing.

"Let's not let this happen again. And it's something I've wanted for so long—how about we finally get you two engaged?"

A flash of emotion flickered in Jasmine's eyes, but she didn't give a definite answer.

Heidi pressed on gently, "You've been wronged this time, but don't worry—I will make it up to you.

"Those fragrance production lines we've been managing for you—we'll hand them all back to you after the engagement.

"And your lab? Isaac has been keeping it safe. You can use it anytime.

"As for the wedding ring, house, and car—you don't need to worry. I'll make sure you get the very best in all of Lunaville."

Jasmine finally smiled and nodded shyly. "Mrs. Heidi, don't say such formal things. I'll do whatever you say."