Chapter 22 – The Past Comes Knocking!
ngently as I stimed awake, a soft smile already on my lips.
The sunlight streamed in gently
see a tray of breakfast on the
The scent of warm croissants, eggs, and fresh berries danced into my nostrils, and I blinked, startled to s
bed. Silas stood beside it, grinning”
“You cooked this?” I asked, surprised.
“I did,” he said proudly. “Only the best for my wife“!
I chuckled, stretching. “You’re spoiling me.”
“That’s the plan,” he said, settling beside me with a fork. “Say ‘ah.”
I opened my mouth, letting him feed me, I was blushing already, but then he leaned in and softly licked the comer of my mouth. My eyes widened
“Silas!” I whispered, giggling. “That’s cheating.
“Just cleaning up,” he said with a smirk. “How else can I show you how much I care?“2
He fed me until I couldn’t eat anymore, and then leaned back, brushing my hair behind my ear!
“I want you to feel safe here. Loved. Cherished. I know your past with Henry wasn’t fair to you. But I promise to do right by you.”
His voice was warm and sincere. It made something melt inside me.
“I see you’re trying.” I murmured. “Maybe if you kiss me again, Пl believe yo
you!
He didn’t wait for the rest of my sentence. His lips crashed into mine, soft but needy. It was like he needed me just as much as I needed comfort.
One kiss turned into many. One touch turned into more. Our clothes were soon discarded, and the sheets tangled as we lost ourselves in each other.
Afterwards, I lay in his arms, giggling, sweaty and flushed.
“You’re really serious about this whole making–me–forget–my–ex plan, huh?
“Very,” he said, brushing his thumb over my cheek
A knock came at the door. Rose’s voice rang out playfully. “Silas, you better release my daughter–in–law. You’ve kept her long enough!”
We both laughed.
“She’s mine now!” Silas called back.
He helped me up and carried me into the bathroom, refusing to let me walk.
“You need royal treatment,” he insisted. I let him.
The way he washed and dried my hair made me feel so cared for.
Once dressed, he took my hand and led me to the living room, where Rose was waiting, smiling from ear to ear!!
“Finally!” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “You two look like you’ve been on a honeymoon.”
“Kind of Silas replied, kissing my cheek.
“I was thinking.” Rose said, her eyes glinting, “since you two rushed the court wedding, why not throw a big one? A real ceremony. Press, family, everyone invited,”
My heart skipped. “Really?”
“Td love that,” she said. “You deserve the kind of wedding little girls dream of.”}
I blinked, emotions rising. “L. I never had that. Not with Henry. That wedding was–well, it wasn’t about love. And this one with Silas, though beautiful, was so fast. A real ceremony sounds perfect“8
Silas squeezed my hand. “If it makes you happy, then I’m all in.“U
Rose clapped her hands. “Great! Jasmine, you and I will plan this together. It’ll be
magical“}
Silas kissed me again before leaving for work. “Call me if you need anything.” he said. “And remember, you’re mine now. No ghosts from the past 2
I laughed, waving him off. As soon as he left, Rose turned to me, still glowing with excitement.
“Oh! I almost forgot,” she said. “An old friend called earlier. Said his son is visiting today.“8
“Which friend?
“My friend from way back. He sounded… Intense. Said his son would stop by.”
Something about the way she said it made me pause. “His son?”
Before she could answer, the doorbell rang.}
Rose looked at me. “That’s probably him.”
“il get it.” I said, walking to the door.
I pulled it open, expecting to see some random guest.
Instead, I froze.”
There, standing in the doorway, was Henry.”
There, standing in the doorway, was Henry &
Wearing a solemn expression.
Flanked by six tiny, wide–eyed children clutching his hands.
My heart dropped. The air rushed from my lungs. I grabbed the frame of the door for balance.
“Hi Jasmine,” he said quietly. “We need to talk “8
I didn’t move
I didn’t blink.
All I could do was stare at the six small faces looking up at me–the children who had shot me and almost killed me. Alive. Real Right here.
20
H
12:47 PM
Π
Jasmine’s Povl
I stared at the six children standing before me.
Clara. Cole. Chloe, Charlotte, Camden, Caleb.
My heart pounded
