The Weight of the Past
Jasmine didn't expect to feel this way.
The moment Luke walked out of the club, she thought she'd feel relief—maybe even satisfaction.
Instead, there was just emptiness.
Not because she wanted him back. That ship had long sailed.
But because it reminded her of how much time she had wasted.
How much she had given.
And for what? A man who had replaced her without hesitation.
She exhaled slowly, pushing the thoughts away.
"What now?" Asher's voice cut through the noise of the club, drawing her back to the present.
She turned to him. To the man who had effortlessly shaken her world tonight.
His gaze was steady. Calm. As if nothing had rattled him—not Luke's presence, not her confrontation, not even the way she had used him as a shield.
And maybe that was what unsettled her most.
"I need air," Jasmine muttered, getting up.
Asher watched her for a moment before nodding. "I'll be here."
There was no question in his tone. No pushing.
And somehow, that made her feel safe.
---
The Cold Truth
Jasmine stepped outside, inhaling the crisp night air.
The city buzzed around her—cars honking, laughter spilling from the club's entrance, the faint sound of music trailing behind her.
But inside, she felt quiet.
Too quiet.
Until a voice shattered it.
"You really moved on that fast?"
Jasmine didn't need to turn around.
She knew that voice. Knew that edge of bitterness.
Luke.
She exhaled, keeping her back to him. "Go home, Luke."
"You didn't even hesitate, did you?"
That made her turn. Slowly.
Hesitate?
He had the nerve to talk about hesitation when he had tossed her aside the second Belle showed up?
She let out a short, humorless laugh. "You don't get to stand there and act like a victim."
Luke's jaw tensed. "I never said I was a victim."
"Then what are you doing here?"
Silence.
Luke ran a hand through his hair, looking… frustrated. Conflicted.
"I just—" he exhaled. "I don't get it."
"What's there to get?" Jasmine crossed her arms. "You made your choice. Live with it."
Luke's hands curled into fists. "I thought—" He stopped, clenching his jaw.
Jasmine arched a brow. "You thought what?"
"That you'd always wait for me."
The words hit her. Not because they surprised her—but because they didn't.
Because deep down, she had always known that Luke believed she'd never leave.
That no matter what he did, she would still be there.
And for a long time, he had been right.
But not anymore.
"Wow," she said, shaking her head. "You really did think that, didn't you?"
Luke's silence was answer enough.
Jasmine let out a breath. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but I'm done waiting."
Luke took a step closer. "Jasmine—"
"No." She held up a hand. "You don't get to say my name like that. Like you still have some kind of hold on me."
His throat bobbed. "I didn't mean—"
"I gave you everything, Luke." Her voice was sharp now. "I loved you. I gave you my kidney. I stood by you even when you betrayed me. And you still left me in the cold."
Luke's face tightened. "I didn't leave you in the cold—"
"Yes, you did." Jasmine let out a short laugh. "I lived in our house while you treated Belle like your wife. While she paraded around, making my life hell. While you let her."
Regret flickered in his gaze. "I wasn't thinking straight."
"No, you were thinking perfectly fine," she snapped. "You just didn't care."
Luke looked away, jaw locking. "You have no idea how much I regret it."
Jasmine inhaled sharply, steadying herself.
"Regret doesn't change anything."
Luke's head lifted. "I know."
A heavy pause settled between them.
And for the first time, Jasmine saw him for what he really was.
A man who had lost.
A man who had made a choice—and now had to live with the consequences.
She didn't feel pity.
She didn't feel anger.
She just felt… free.
"Goodbye, Luke."
She turned and walked away.
This time, he didn't stop her.
---
An Unexpected Offer
Jasmine reentered the club, feeling lighter.
Not because everything was suddenly perfect—but because she had finally closed a door that had been half-open for too long.
She spotted Asher at the bar, sipping his drink with the same composed expression he always wore.
He glanced up when he saw her. "All good?"
Jasmine slid onto the stool beside him. "Surprisingly, yes."
Asher hummed. "You look… relieved."
Jasmine let out a soft laugh. "I think I am."
Asher nodded slowly, watching her.
Then, after a beat, he said, "Let's get out of here."
Jasmine blinked. "What?"
He smirked. "Not like that."
She arched a brow.
Asher chuckled. "Come on. You need fresh air. Real fresh air. Not just stepping outside a club and arguing with your ex."
Jasmine hesitated. "Where exactly do you plan on taking me?"
He shrugged. "You'll see."
Jasmine tilted her head. "You always this mysterious?"
Asher smirked. "Only when it's fun."
She narrowed her eyes at him, but…
She didn't say no.
And as she followed him out of the club, she wondered if maybe, just maybe—
She wasn't the only one closing a door tonight.
---