Michael faced Jasmine,his expression soft. "You can tell me anything, Jasmine Walker. I'm a good listener," he said.
Jasmine stared at him, her eyes wet, unsure how much to reveal. She desperately needed someone to confide in, someone who would listen without judgment. Yes, she needed someone like Michael at that moment.
She opened her mouth to speak, but all that escaped were sobs. Michael's expression turned concerned; he hated seeing her cry.
"You can cry if you want," he said gently.
Jasmine couldn't hold back anymore; she cried out her heart. Michael hugged her, offering comfort by patting her back.
"Why won't they love me?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Michael thought she might have broken up with someone, judging by her words. "People who don't love you don't deserve you, Jasmine," he said. "You're smart, beautiful, and intelligent. Only a fool wouldn't love you."
Jasmine noticed Michael had misunderstood her situation. Did he really think she was crying over a guy? She hadn't even been in a relationship before.
Her stomach growled again, leaving her feeling embarrassed.
"We should settle that little demon," Michael said, pulling away from the hug.
Jasmine felt embarrassed and looked at Michael with admiration. How lovely would it have been if she had fallen for him?
Michael's mansion was larger than the Walker family's. It had a single water fountain, an open field for golfing, and a beautiful garden. The smell of fresh flowers wafted through the air.
"Your house is beautiful," Jasmine said as they stepped out of the car. "I didn't know you were a flower person."
"Those were planted by my mom," Michael replied.
"She has unique taste," Jasmine observed.
"Couldn't settle for less," Michael said, smiling.
Inside the mansion, Jasmine was greeted by a well-built and furnished living room decorated with antique materials and expensive furniture. It was truly a sight to behold.
"Take off your clothes," Michael said.
Hearing this, Jasmine Walker's mind filled with steamy thoughts, but a frown settled on her face.
"What?" she exclaimed, momentarily shocked.
"Your clothes are dripping wet; you might catch a cold," Michael clarified.
"Oh," Jasmine said, a blush creeping onto her face. What was she thinking?
"Mrs. Simpleton here will help you find new clothes while these dry," Michael said.
She was in her fifties, with a big bust and a warm smile. Jasmine's eyes fixed on her bust for a while before greeting her.
"Follow me, dear; let's get you out of these," Mrs. Simpleton said.
"I hope you don't mind, but we only have men's clothing here," Mrs. Simpleton added.
"It's alright," Jasmine replied.
Mrs. Simpleton provided a round-necked shirt. It was a bit oversized, but Jasmine managed.
Michael almost choked on his food when he saw Jasmine enter, dressed in his oversized round-necked gym shirt. The sight caught him off guard, and he coughed, struggling to compose himself.
"I had to borrow your shirt; there was nothing else to wear," Jasmine said with a blush.
Michael gulped hard at the sight of her chest.
The dinner was silent, with only Jasmine complimenting the cook.
"The food was quite delicious," Jasmine said.
"I told you, my cook's food is the best," Michael smiled.
Seeing the prolonged silence, Mrs. Simpleton intervened.
"Your clothes are dry now, miss," she said.
"Go ahead; I'll grab my keys," Michael said.
Minutes later, Jasmine stood at the foot of the stairs, waiting for Michael's return.
"You're one pretty girl," Mrs. Simpleton complimented.
"Thank you, Mrs. Grace," Jasmine smiled.
"If I may, how long have you been working here?" Jasmine asked.
"Since he's been walking around naked," Mrs. Simpleton replied.
Jasmine chuckled, imagining little Michael Quinn running naked.
"I guess I should show you to a room now... He's never brought a girl home, you know," Mrs. Simpleton said.
"There'll be no need for that; she's going home," Michael appeared at the top of the stairs.
The drive back to the Walker family was quiet, each lost in thought.
"Thanks for today Micheal" she said as they approached the mansion's large gates.
"You're welcome." He said,lost in her smile.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then" she said,waving good bye with a smile.
"Mmm" Micheal nodded affirmative.
He watched her walk through the gate before zooming off.
He kept wondering why he was having weird thoughts about Jasmine Walker.
As Jasmine stepped into the Walker mansion, the familiar creak of the door echoed through the foyer. She couldn't shake the image of her family's worried faces, etched in her mind since childhood. The memory of Grandma's disapproving gaze lingered, a constant reminder of her disdain.
"Sister, you're back," Rose said.
"Alicent left not long ago, you should probably call her later" she added.
Jasmine nodded,her eyes fixed on her parents sleeping on the sofa.
Jasmine's gaze was filled with guilt and affection as she looked at her sleeping parents.
"I tried to convince them to go in, but they insisted on waiting," Rose explained.
"It's all my fault,I shouldn't have left like that" Jasmine felt guilty.
"It's okay sister, everyone knows grandma can be quite a handful ",Rose chuckled.
Jasmine's heart swelled with love for her family. She helped Rose take their parents to bed.
As she changed into comfortable clothes, Jasmine's mind drifted back to Michael. His kindness and compassion had touched her deeply.
She collapsed onto her bed, thoughts swirling in her mind.
Jasmine's thoughts turned to Adrian. Was he thinking about her? She wondered what his current thoughts were.
"Is he in the arms of another woman now?"she asked herself.
Could he also not forget about that night like her? The memory lingered, refusing to fade.
She slept off with these thoughts.
The next morning, Jasmine woke up feeling refreshed.
"Good morning," Rose said, already dressed and ready for the day.
"Morning," Jasmine replied, stretching.
Their parents were still sleeping, exhausted from the previous night's worry.
"Let's have breakfast," Rose suggested.
As they ate, Jasmine couldn't shake off the feeling that today would bring new challenges.