Chapter Eighty Henry stepped out of the bedroom, his gaze softening as he took in the sight of Jasmine. She looked radiant, her white silk dress cascading down like a waterfall, and the delicate crystal headband added an almost ethereal glow. A proud smile spread across his face as he walked over, offering her a single red rose."You look breathtaking," he murmured, leaning in to kiss her forehead gently.Jasmine’s cheeks flushed slightly as she took the rose, smiling up at him.“Thank you. You’ve really gone all out tonight… but you still haven’t told me what this surprise is.” She raised an eyebrow playfully, her curiosity evident.Henry chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Patience, my love. Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.”Soon, they were on their way in her Benz, the city lights flashing by as they drove. Jasmine kept stealing glances at Henry, trying to read his expression, but he remained cool and calm, his face giving nothing away. After a while, she couldn’t help
Chapter Eighty One The CEO, noticing Jasmine’s amused reaction to Kim’s obvious attempt at flaunting her relationship, turned to her with a polite but serious expression. Clearing his throat, he addressed her directly. “Just to clarify, Ms. Jasmine,” he began, “Kim Al isn’t my… ‘sugar baby,’ as you might think. In fact, we recently married in a private ceremony after my wife passed away. We wanted to avoid the public eye.” Jasmine blinked, her eyebrows lifting slightly, caught off guard by the unexpected news. Kim, catching this reaction, tilted her chin up, her face lighting up with smug satisfaction. She leaned into the CEO’s arm and laughed, a sharp, mocking sound that rang out. “Don’t mind them, my love,” Kim purred, glancing disdainfully at Jasmine and Henry. “Poor, dirty people are always going to have their little issues.” Her voice was filled with scorn. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t even allowed to sit inside. Maybe they’ll end up standing in the back with t
Chapter Eighty TwoThe CEO’s face twisted in fury, his normally calm demeanor shattered as he stared at Kim K. His voice was low, filled with barely restrained anger. “Kim,” he said through gritted teeth, “I cannot believe you would humiliate me like this in front of everyone. This… this is beyond anything I could have imagined.” Kim, realizing her grip on her new life was slipping fast, knelt down right there on the polished floor, tears streaming down her face. She reached out, clutching at the hem of his suit in desperation. “Please,” she choked out, her voice trembling. “I’m begging you. Don’t leave me. I… I’ve changed. I’m a new person now. Please, just forgive me.”The guests looked on, whispering in hushed tones as she sobbed. Kim’s mascara began to run, her carefully composed appearance unraveling as she pleaded with her husband. All the confidence and arrogance she had exuded just moments ago had dissolved, leaving her looking broken and desperate.The CEO’s face hardened,
Chapter Eighty ThreeHenry leaned close to Jasmine, his lips near her ear as he whispered, “Wait till you see the next surprise.”A spark of excitement lit up Jasmine’s eyes, but before she could ask more, he took her hand, guiding her through a hidden private exit, carefully maneuvering to keep them out of view from the curious eyes below. Jasmine stifled a laugh as they moved stealthily, her hand tightening around his as they slipped away from the watchful crowd without a single soul noticing.When they finally reached the car, Jasmine couldn’t help but laugh softly. “This mask… it’s fun. Gives me this mysterious vibe.” She touched the delicate lace and crystals, feeling a sense of excitement at their secrecy.Henry smiled, brushing a stray hair from her face. “Keep it on as long as you want. Tonight, mystery suits you.” He winked, settling into the passenger seat as Jasmine took the wheel of the car he’d given her—a luxurious vehicle she still couldn’t believe was hers.As they dr
Chapter Eighty Four Jasmine looked up at Henry, her eyes glistening with wonder. She smiled softly, squeezing his hand as they moved to the soft melody filling the rooftop. “Henry,” she asked, her voice a gentle whisper, “what’s the occasion tonight?”Henry’s eyes sparkled, and without saying a word, he released her hand, stepping back. Jasmine’s brow furrowed in confusion as he smiled, nodding toward the open space behind her. “Turn around,” he whispered.Heart pounding, Jasmine turned. Her breath caught as she saw Henry drop to one knee, a small velvet box open in his hand, revealing a glittering diamond ring that sparkled under the lights.“Jasmine,” Henry began, his voice filled with warmth and love. “I know I couldn’t give you the perfect wedding when we first started out. Life was different then, and I didn’t have much to offer. But today, on our anniversary, I wanted to do something special for you, something to show you how much you mean to me. Every day with you is a gift, a
Chapter Eighty Five Henry held Jasmine close as they danced, her question echoing in his mind. How was he supposed to explain all of this? He hesitated, his thoughts swirling. The truth was complicated—so tangled, even he struggled to make sense of it. He had always felt like a stranger in his own life, navigating a path that felt both surreal and uncertain. There were whispers about his family, rumors about a fortune and a legacy he hadn’t fully understood. His own past was a puzzle, missing pieces he had yet to find. He had no idea if his grandfather, the man rumored to be the linchpin of this vast, elusive fortune, was still alive. And with each passing day, Mr. Anderson, his trusted advisor, kept urging him to be patient, to wait. It was frustrating, but Henry knew he couldn’t risk pushing too hard. He had a good life, everything he needed, and more wealth than he could spend in a lifetime. Still, it felt fragile, like it could all vanish in an instant. That was why
Chapter Eighty Six After a long, magical night, Henry and Jasmine slipped quietly out of The Garden of Eden through a hidden exit, avoiding the paparazzi who still lingered outside. Laughing softly, they made their way to the car, and as they pulled onto the open road, Henry reached over, turning up the radio. A lively song filled the car, and without thinking, he pressed a button to open the roof, letting the cool night air rush in.They sang along, voices blending with the music as they sped down empty streets. Jasmine’s laughter echoed into the night, her hair blowing wildly in the breeze as she leaned back, savoring the freedom. By the time they reached home, their spirits were so high, they didn’t realize the noise had echoed through the quiet neighborhood, waking Jasmine’s mother.The moment they parked, Jasmine’s mother, Mrs. Woods, was already marching out of the house, her expression thunderous, her voice loud enough to wake the entire household.“Where are you two coming f
Chapter Eighty Seven As Jasmine stood in shock, her mother’s harsh voice cut through the night air, ignoring Jasmine’s question entirely."That’s by the way,” Mrs. Woods said, her tone dismissive. “You two are young and active, so I’ll be taking this car from you. Jasper needs it more than you do.”Jasmine’s mouth dropped open. “What? You’re going to take our car and just give it to Jasper? That’s not fair, and you know it! I won’t let Jasper have my car!”Mrs. Woods glared, folding her arms as she set her chin defiantly. “You will give him the car,” she said, her voice ironclad. “Jasper will be using it to take your sick father to the hospital. He has partial stroke, for heaven's sake.”Jasmine scoffed, frustration boiling over. They all knew that wasn’t true. Jasper wouldn’t use the car for anything that responsible. “Mother, we both know that’s a lie. Jasper will do no such thing. He’ll just—”Before she could finish, Jasper ambled into the scene, looking smug. He had clearly over
The penthouse was dimly lit, the warm glow of candles casting flickering shadows across the room. Jasmine walked in cautiously, her breath catching at the sight before her. The space had been completely transformed. A trail of red rose petals led from the entrance, winding through the living room and up the stairs, each step illuminated by soft tea lights. The faint scent of jasmine and vanilla filled the air, mingling with the sound of a slow, sultry jazz melody playing in the background.Her heart raced as she followed the trail, her bare feet brushing against the soft petals. At the top of the stairs, the double doors to their bedroom were ajar, and golden light spilled through the crack. She pushed them open slowly, her eyes widening as she stepped inside.The room was bathed in a soft, golden glow. More candles lined every surface, their light dancing against the silk-draped canopy of the bed. A bottle of champagne sat chilling on a nearby table, two crystal flutes waiting beside
Jasmine stood in front of the large window of their penthouse, gazing out at the glittering city lights. The night was quiet, but her heart wasn’t. It raced with an unexplainable tension that had built over the evening. Her fingers traced the edge of the silk robe she wore, the fabric light against her skin, yet somehow carrying the weight of her anticipation.Behind her, she felt the faintest shift in the air—a presence. She didn’t need to turn to know it was Henry. She could feel him, his energy wrapping around her like an invisible tether. “I couldn’t find you in bed,” he said, his voice low and husky, sending a ripple down her spine. “Were you thinking about me?”Jasmine smiled, her reflection meeting his in the glass. “Always.”The sound of his bare feet on the hardwood floors was soft, yet every step he took made her pulse quicken. In moments, his arms wrapped around her waist, his chest pressing against her back. She let out a small gasp as his lips brushed against her shoulde
Jasmine sat by the window, her legs curled beneath her as the late afternoon sun bathed her in its golden light. She gazed out at the city below, her heart still racing from the memories of the morning. Her fingers absently traced the edge of the glass, the coolness grounding her as her mind swirled with thoughts of Henry.She hadn’t known it could feel like this—so overwhelming, so consuming. Every touch, every kiss, had unraveled her, leaving her bare and vulnerable, but never more alive. Her chest rose and fell with a deep, steadying breath, but the longing that lingered in her heart was undeniable.The soft creak of the bedroom door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned, her eyes meeting Henry’s as he leaned against the frame, his shirt unbuttoned and hanging loosely, revealing the taut muscles of his chest. His dark eyes held a familiar intensity, one that sent a shiver racing through her body.“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, his voice low and smooth, the kind of voice th
Henry leaned against the kitchen counter, a glass of water in his hand as the cool liquid soothed his parched throat. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting golden rays across the marble surfaces. The house was silent, save for the faint hum of the city below, but his mind was far from calm. Thoughts of Jasmine—her soft laughter, the way her skin had glowed in the morning light—lingered like a heady fog.Jasmine appeared in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the soft light. She wore nothing but one of his oversized shirts, the fabric brushing just above her knees. Her hair was tousled, her cheeks still flushed from their earlier intimacy. The sight of her sent a wave of desire rushing through Henry’s veins, his breath catching as their eyes met.“You left me alone,” she said softly, her voice teasing but with an edge of vulnerability.Henry set the glass down, his gaze darkening as he took a step toward her. “I thought you were resting.”Her lips curved into a s
Henry stirred awake as the faint golden light of dawn streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The air was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the city waking below. His body was warm, wrapped in the comfort of the plush sheets and the softness of Jasmine nestled beside him.He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on her serene face. Her dark lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she slept peacefully. Her hair cascaded over the pillow like silk, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest made his heart clench with a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.Henry couldn’t resist reaching out. His fingers brushed against her cheek, featherlight, and she stirred at the touch, her eyelids fluttering open. Her sleepy gaze met his, and a soft smile spread across her lips.“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.“Good morning,” Henry replied, his voice low, filled with affection. His hand moved to tuck a stray strand of hair
The soft glow of the candles followed them as Henry scooped Jasmine into his arms. Her skin was still damp from the bath, warm and soft against his chest. She let out a quiet gasp, wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips brushing lightly against his jaw."Henry," she whispered, her voice a mix of nervousness and anticipation.He paused, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Are you sure, Jasmine?" His voice was low, filled with both tenderness and restraint. "I don’t want to rush this if you’re not ready."Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I’ve never been more ready for anything."The sincerity in her eyes made his chest tighten. With a soft nod, he carried her into the bedroom, the faint scent of lavender still lingering in the air. The golden light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over the room, the shadows of the night dancing along the walls.Henry set her down gently on the edge of the bed, his movements careful, reverent. He knelt before her, his
Henry staggered through the door of his penthouse, his body weighed down by exhaustion. The soft glow of the evening lights spilled through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. He loosened his tie, his every muscle aching from the relentless grind of the last few weeks. His mind was fogged with exhaustion, but he couldn’t help the flicker of pride at what he’d accomplished.“Henry?” Jasmine’s soft voice floated from the bedroom. The sound was like a balm to his frayed nerves.“I’m here,” he called back, his voice rough. He dropped his briefcase by the door and ran a hand through his disheveled hair.Jasmine appeared in the doorway, her figure bathed in the warm light of the room. She wore a silk robe that clung to her curves, her eyes filled with concern as she crossed the room toward him.“You look like you’ve been through a war,” she said, brushing her fingers over his jaw. Her touch was featherlight, but it sent a spark of warmth through him.“It feels like
Henry stormed out of the estate, his steps heavy and purposeful as the night air hit him like a slap to the face. The faint hum of the helicopters above was drowned out by the pounding of his heart. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His grandfather’s words echoed in his head, their sharp edges cutting deep.“You’re not family,” Henry muttered to himself, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. “I’m just another asset to him. Another chess piece.”The guards standing outside the gates straightened as Henry approached, their gazes wary. He shot them a glare so fierce that one of them visibly flinched.“Open the damn gate,” Henry snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.The guard hesitated for a fraction of a second before obeying. The gates creaked open, and Henry strode out without sparing them another glance. The crunch of gravel beneath his feet was a harsh reminder of the cold reality he was leaving behind.Anderson caught up to him, his pa
The room seemed to shrink as Henry’s grandfather stood. His every movement was deliberate, exuding a power so commanding it felt like the very air was holding its breath. The sharp lines of his tailored black suit amplified his imposing frame, and the insignia of the Grand Commander gleamed on his chest like a badge of omnipotence. His presence filled the room, an aura so intense it was almost tangible, crackling like an electrical storm.The two guards by the door immediately bowed, their heads lowered so deeply that they nearly touched the floor. Outside the study, Henry could hear the shuffle of footsteps and murmurs as more people fell to their knees, as if in reverence to a god descending from the heavens.Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched, refusing to bow. His fists tightened at his sides as he watched the scene unfold. The man before him wasn’t just his grandfather—he was a living legend, a shadow that loomed over every story whispered in corridors of power.“Grand Commander