The Cracks Begin to Show
Jasmine knew she was running out of patience.
It was one thing to tolerate Belle's presence. It was another to watch Luke play house with her.
She had spent years giving Luke everything—her love, her trust, her kidney. And yet, here he was, acting as if he had done her a favor by keeping her around.
The worst part?
She could see it. The guilt in his eyes. The hesitation in his movements.
But guilt wasn't enough.
She wanted him to suffer.
---
Another Morning, Another Battle
Jasmine entered the living room just in time to hear Belle's laughter.
She froze.
There was something about that sound that made her blood boil. It was light, sweet—like she had won.
Jasmine tilted her head, watching as Belle stood by the couch, holding Luke's arm as if they were some picture-perfect couple.
Her stomach churned.
Belle noticed her first, her smile faltering. "Oh—good morning, Jasmine."
Jasmine smiled back, sharp and cold. "Morning."
Luke exhaled heavily, already bracing himself. "Jasmine."
Jasmine ignored him. "What's the occasion?"
Belle hesitated. "Luke and I were just—"
"She wanted to go shopping," Luke cut in, running a hand through his hair.
Jasmine let out a soft laugh. "Shopping?"
Belle smiled awkwardly. "Yes."
Jasmine's eyes flicked to Luke. "Using whose money?"
Silence.
Belle shifted. "Well, I just assumed—"
"You assumed what?" Jasmine asked, stepping forward. "That I'd fund your little shopping spree?"
Luke clenched his jaw. "Jasmine—"
"No, I'd love to hear it," Jasmine continued, voice dangerously sweet. "You live under my roof, eat my food, and now you want to spend my money?"
Belle's face turned red. "I—I didn't mean it like that."
Jasmine smirked. "Oh, but sweetheart, that's exactly what you meant."
Luke grabbed Jasmine's arm. "That's enough."
Jasmine's eyes snapped to his. "Take your hand off me."
He hesitated.
"Now."
Luke let go.
Jasmine straightened her dress, smoothing out invisible wrinkles. "You're welcome to spend as much money as you want, Belle."
Belle blinked, surprised.
Jasmine smiled. "Just not mine."
Then, without another word, she walked away, leaving the tension thick in the air.
---
Rita's Intervention—Again
Jasmine wasn't surprised when Rita showed up unannounced that evening.
She was even less surprised when her sister wasted no time getting straight to the point.
"You need to leave."
Jasmine sighed. "We've had this conversation."
"And we're going to keep having it until you get it through your thick skull," Rita shot back.
Jasmine leaned back on the couch, swirling her wine. "I'm fine, Rita."
"No, you're not."
Jasmine smirked. "You're so dramatic."
Rita groaned, throwing her hands in the air. "You're living with your cheating ex and his mistress! How is that fine?"
Jasmine took a slow sip. "I like to think of it as… performance art."
Rita gaped at her. "This isn't funny, Jasmine."
Jasmine's smirk faded.
No, it wasn't.
It wasn't funny at all.
Rita softened, reaching for her hand. "Jas, you're only hurting yourself."
Jasmine exhaled. "I know."
"Then why?"
Jasmine stared at her wine, voice barely above a whisper.
"Because if I leave… he wins."
Rita's heart clenched.
But she didn't push.
Not yet.
Because she knew Jasmine wasn't ready to hear the truth.
That she had already lost.
---
Luke's Restlessness
Luke couldn't sleep.
He hadn't been able to sleep properly in weeks.
Not since Jasmine started looking at him like he was nothing.
Belle lay beside him, fast asleep. But Luke just stared at the ceiling, his mind filled with thoughts he didn't want to have.
Jasmine's voice echoed in his head.
"You think you deserve civility?"
He had hurt her.
He knew that.
But he hadn't expected her to hate him this much.
And maybe—maybe he deserved it.
But damn it, why did it feel like he was the one suffocating?
---