Chereads / Property of a Lady / Chapter 16 - Once Her Property, Always Her Property

Chapter 16 - Once Her Property, Always Her Property

Jasmine: Why did you do it?

Harlan turned around. Harlan turned around to see Jasmine walk to him on the helicopter landing pad of the hotel. Rain fell from the sky, soaking Harlan, but not Jasmine, who remained dry.

Harlan: What are you doing here?

Jasmine: Why did you do it? Make yourself take the blame for her death?

Harlan sighs.

Harlan: We had to assume Delvey has spies in T.H.E.P.A., meaning if we turn her in, they might report to her, and kill Veronica Comer, her girlfriend. Audrey did what she did to keep her safe. She knew if Delvey found out, she'd kill her.

Jasmine: Still doesn't answer my question.

Harlan stands and faces Jasmine.

Harlan: You know full well why. So now tell me, WHY ARE YOU HERE?

Jasmine: Oh come on, we both know I'm not really here. We both know I am here for the same reason you LIKED her.

Harlan: Which is?

Jasmine: BECAUSE YOU MISS ME. Because part of you wishes that you are still with me and that stupid poodle. That right now we are walking down parks or shopping in malls. You never loved Audrey, you only saw her as a stand-in for me. Because you can't accept the fact that I'm not here anymore, standing beside you.

Harlan looks at Jas angrily and clenches his fist. Jas merely laughs.

Jasmine: No no no, we both know what happened the last time you tried that.

Harlan looks at Jas with bitterness.

Jasmine: What's with the attitude? Don't tell me you're... oh you are.

Harlan: I'm what?

Jasmine: You know exactly what. You're just doing this out of guilt... out of remorse. You think by doing this you can forgive yourself over her. You're acting like she was the first person you've loved that you lost.

Harlan looks at Jas bitterly.

Harlan: I know... I know she wasn't the first.

Harlan lets out a sarcastic chuckle.

Harlan: And neither were you. Now... get out of my head.

Jasmine looks at Harlan one last time, before fading away. Harlan looked around one last time, then walked back indoors.

_.-

Harlan stood alone on the wet busy Korean street. His hood up and his hand holding his fob watch. Harlan stands waiting till he sees a group of ladies exit a mall. Harlan looks at them finding one, till he finds her.

Jasmine.

Harlan looks at Jasmine, laughing with her friends. This brings a bit of brightness to Harlan. Harlan watches as Jas walks away. Once she is out of sight, Harlan nods, ready. He looks around before disappearing in the crowd, no longer a T.H.E.P.A. agent, now a rogue fugitive.