A Step Toward Freedom
Jasmine spent the rest of the day restless, Rita's words weighing heavily on her mind.
She hated feeling powerless. Watching her sister suffer, knowing she was trapped in a toxic marriage, brought back memories she had buried—memories of feeling stuck, of loving someone who only took and took until there was nothing left of her.
She wouldn't let Rita go through that alone.
So, later that evening, she found herself knocking on her sister's door.
Rita answered, looking surprised. "Jas? What are you doing here?"
Jasmine stepped inside, glancing around the lavish apartment Adrian had bought. It was beautiful, but it felt cold. Like a prison disguised in luxury.
"I came to help," Jasmine said. "Pack a bag."
Rita blinked. "What?"
"You're not staying here tonight."
---
A Sister's Resolve
Rita hesitated. "Jas, I can't just leave like this. Adrian will—"
"He'll what?" Jasmine cut in, crossing her arms. "Get angry? Hurt you again?"
Rita flinched but didn't deny it.
Jasmine softened her tone. "You deserve better than this, Rita. I know it's hard, but the longer you stay, the harder it will be to leave."
Rita swallowed hard, looking around like she was seeing the place for the first time. "And if I leave… then what? Where do I go?"
"You stay with me," Jasmine said immediately. "For as long as you need."
Rita hesitated for a long moment. Then, finally, she nodded.
"Okay," she whispered. "Okay."
---
The Unwelcome Interruption
Jasmine helped her pack a small bag, grabbing the essentials.
But just as they were about to leave, the door burst open.
Adrian.
His gaze landed on the suitcase in Rita's hands, then flicked to Jasmine.
His lips curled into a smirk. "So, you finally convinced her to leave, huh?"
Jasmine squared her shoulders. "She made the decision herself."
Adrian chuckled darkly. "And where exactly do you think you're going, Rita?"
Rita's hands trembled, but Jasmine squeezed her arm.
"She's coming with me," Jasmine said firmly.
Adrian's smirk disappeared. His gaze darkened. "And if I say no?"
Jasmine lifted her chin. "You don't own her."
For a moment, tension thickened the air. Adrian's jaw clenched, his eyes cold and calculating.
Then, he exhaled sharply and stepped aside.
"Go ahead," he said. "But don't come crawling back when you realize what a mistake this is."
Rita hesitated, her breath shaky.
Jasmine nudged her forward. "Come on."
And just like that, they walked out.
For the first time in a long time, Rita was free.
---
A New Beginning
Back at Jasmine's apartment, Rita sat on the couch, staring at the bag she had packed.
"Do you think I did the right thing?" she asked quietly.
Jasmine sat beside her. "Yes. And if you ever start to doubt it, just look at your face in the mirror. No more bruises. No more fear. That's the right choice."
Rita swallowed, nodding. "Thank you."
Jasmine smiled. "Always."
As she sat there with her sister, Jasmine realized something.
If Rita could walk away from a toxic marriage, then she could walk away from the past, too.
Luke no longer had any hold over her.
She was finally moving on.
And for the first time in a long time… she felt free.
---
Ghosts of the Past
The first morning with Rita in her apartment felt… different. Not bad, just different.
Jasmine woke up to the smell of coffee, a rare change from the usual silence of her mornings. She padded to the kitchen, finding Rita sitting at the counter, a steaming cup in front of her.
"Morning," Jasmine greeted, grabbing her own mug.
"Morning," Rita mumbled, stirring her coffee absentmindedly.
Jasmine leaned against the counter. "How are you feeling?"
Rita exhaled. "Strange. I keep expecting Adrian to walk in any second and demand to know where I've been."
Jasmine frowned. "You don't have to worry about him anymore."
"That's easier said than done," Rita muttered, tracing the rim of her mug. "I spent so long trying to convince myself I loved him. And now that I've left, I feel… lost."
Jasmine softened. "That feeling will pass. You just need time."
Rita managed a weak smile. "I hope so."
Jasmine squeezed her hand. "You will. And I'll be here to remind you every day if I have to."
---
An Unexpected Call
Later that afternoon, Jasmine's phone rang.
She frowned at the unknown number before answering. "Hello?"
A familiar voice greeted her. "Jasmine, it's Luke."
Her stomach twisted. "What do you want?"
"I need to talk to you," he said. "In person."
Jasmine scoffed. "We have nothing to talk about."
"Please," he insisted. "Just one conversation. After that, I won't bother you again."
She hesitated. A part of her wanted to hang up, but curiosity nagged at her.
"Fine," she said. "One conversation. That's it."
---
Reopening Old Wounds
They met at a quiet café, far from familiar eyes. Luke was already there, looking tense.
Jasmine sat across from him, arms crossed. "Talk."
Luke sighed. "I know I've been a bastard. I hurt you, and there's no excuse for that."
She didn't respond.
He ran a hand through his hair. "Belle left me."
Jasmine raised an eyebrow. "And?"
"The baby… wasn't mine," he admitted. "Her uncle manipulated me, made me believe I had to stay with her."
Jasmine let out a dry laugh. "And now that the truth is out, you suddenly regret everything?"
Luke looked pained. "I never stopped thinking about you, Jasmine. I miss you."
Jasmine clenched her jaw. "You don't get to miss me, Luke. You threw me away."
"I made a mistake," he said, voice tight. "But I swear, I never stopped caring."
Jasmine leaned forward. "You want to know the difference between us? I gave you everything, even a part of my body. And you still chose someone else over me."
Luke flinched.
She stood. "This conversation is over."
Luke reached for her wrist. "Jasmine—"
She pulled away. "I wasted enough time on you, Luke. I'm done."
And for the first time, she truly meant it.
---