Chapter 18 – Let’s Make It Work
I didn’t say a word as I sobbed into Douglas‘ arms. He held me tight without asking anything. Just silence and comfort.
When I was done crying, he led me inside and handed me a cup of hot chocolate
“Do you want to talk?” he asked gently.}
I nodded slowly. “Rose… she faked her illness. Just so Silas could find love.
Douglas blinked. “She faked being sick?”
“Yes. She wanted him to open his heart again,” I said. “She told me I could quit the marriage now that I knew the truth.”
“Oh that’s messed up. But I understand she wants what’s best for her son. What did Silas say?” Douglas asked.
“Silas confessed that he loves me,” I answered.
Douglas looked confused. “Wait… but didn’t Silas say he loves you?”
“He did,” I whispered.
“Then what’s the problem?” Douglas asked, clearly not understanding, “Isn’t it a good thing that he loves you?“.
I looked down at the mug in my hands. The tears returned. “How can I love again after what I’ve been through with Henry?! Douglas came closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. “I know, Jasmine, I know Henry hurt you deeply. But I know Silas. He’s not a bad person. Still, I won’t tell you what to do. This has to be your decision.“H
I wiped my tears and nodded, “Thank you.”
Douglas stood and gave my shoulder a squeeze before heading out.
The rest of the week, Silas didn’t come around. No texts. No calls. He gave
gave me space.
But his absence made everything worse. I missed him. I missed his laugh, his silly jokes, the way he looked at me when he thought I wasn’t paying attention.
Everywhere I tumed, I saw memories of him. The breakfast we shared. The talks in the garden. The nights we sat close and just listened to music
I wanted to reach out. I really did. But my hands always froze just before I could call.X
What if he didn’t feel the same anymore?
What if I was just another temporary girl in his life?%
Douglas noticed. He stayed close, tried to make me laugh, even offered to take me out. But one evening, he sat me down and looked at me seriously
“What’s really going on, Jasmine?” he asked. “Talk to me.”
“I’m scared,” I confessed. “Because… I think I’ve fallen in love with Silas.”
Douglas raised a brow. “And that’s bad?”
“What if he turns out like Henry?” I asked. “What if he lies… or cheats… or hurts me?”
Douglas leaned back and sighed. “I get it. Henry did a number on you. But not every man is Henry. Love is scary. It’s always going to be. But if you’re not ready to take a step forward and fall in love again, then I don’t know if you’ll ever truly love anyone again.”
His words hit me. Hard.
The next morning, I dressed up in my finest dress. My heart was set. I was going to talk to Silas.
But just as I reached the door, the doorbell rang.
I opened it.X
Silas stood there, looking breathtakingly handsome.
He smiled a little. “You look. wow. Why are you all dressed up and looking this pretty?”
I smiled shyly. “I was coming to see you.“?
Silas sighed and looked at me. “I figured. That’s why I come too. Let’s go dissolve the marriage.”
I froze. My heart sank.
10 protest. To say no. To tell him I didn’t want it to end.X
But I stayed silent and followed him.
The ride to the courthouse was quiet. No music. No words. Just heavy silence.
At the courthouse, we met the judge. Silas spoke first.
“We want to file for divorce.“K
The judge looked at our documents, then looked up. “You can’t get a divorce yet. Your marriage hasn’t lasted up to a year. If after one year, you both still want it, then come back.”)
I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding
“Maybe it’s not such a bad thing.” I said softly.
Silas turned to me. “I don’t want you to feel trapped, Jasmine.“}
“I don’t feel trapped,” I replied. “I’m just scared. Because I’m feeling something for you. And after Henry… I don’t know if I’m ready!
y to fall in
love again.”
Silas reached for my hand. “Then we’ll take things slowly. I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
My heart fluttered. I was so happy, I kissed him.
Then blushing, I whispered, “I’m always ready for us to be intimate.“)
Silas chuckled and pulled me into a hug. “I missed you”
“Do you still want me to live with you?” I asked.
“Yes. Do you want to?“%
“I do.”
He drove me back to pack my things.
At home, I told Douglas everything.
*Tm willing to trust Silas. I want to forget my fears,” I said.
Douglas grinned. “From a contract marriage to falling in love for real. Look at you two. I deserve a bonus for putting this together. Maybe I should even be a matchmaker.“}
“Stop being so silly,” I punched him gently, chuckling
We laughed. Then I packed my bags and Silas took me back to his family mansion.
Rose was sitting on the porch when we arrived. She stood up, surprised to see me…
I’m back.” I said. “I’m willing to make things work with Silas “?
Tears filled her eyes as she hugged me tightly. “Welcome to the family. Jasmine. You have no idea how happy you’ve made me.“?
│I smiled and hugged her back.
