by Tia Wylder
As she stepped out of the hotel, she hailed a cab to the nearest beauty boutique. She knew of a lovely place that sold designer clothes with a beautician on hand as well and directed the cab driver to the store. His eyes widened at her instruction, and she shrunk back a bit. Perhaps it was unwise to flaunt the amount of money she had stashed away. More likely, however, was the chance that she looked far beneath the typical clientele of the boutique. The cab driver took her to her destination all the same, and she swiped her card to pay him before slipping out of the car.
She stepped into the boutique, and immediately all eyes were upon her.
“Can I… help you?” One of the workers inquired in a haughty tone. Jasmine forced a smile, gesturing to the clothing side of the boutique.
“I just received a hefty sum of money, and I have to win a wealthy man’s heart. Do you suppose you could help me?” She inquired. The women seemed startled, but were immediately on their feet, rushing towards them.
“Oh, honey, of course. Let’s get you out of those old, dirty clothes. I have something just right for the job,” an older woman, maybe in her forties, smiled. It was clear that the women were gripped by the potential drama behind Jasmine’s story, as well as the payout they stood to make. Jasmine smiled with a more sincere expression this time and allowed the older woman to guide her to the dressing room. The woman grabbed several outfits as they walked, pushing Jasmine into the dressing room with the pile of clothes. “Try them on. They should all be a perfect fit, and you’ll look glamorous in any number of them,” the woman called from the other side of the dressing room door.
Jasmine shuffled around in the pile of clothes, grabbing a dress that was woven with dark strands of maroon. Thinking it would go well with her complexion, she shimmied out of her damp clothes and pulled the dress on. She looked in the mirror, stricken by love at first sight. The dress fit her form perfectly, was the perfect shade to bring out both her eyes and the highlights of her hair. She knew she wasn’t looking at the finished project, but she thought if the beautician were as talented as she expected, there would be no trouble sealing the deal. Stepping out of the dressing room, she was met with wide eyes and delighted expressions.
“Oh, darling, it’s perfect for you. Just as I suspected. Come, come along. I imagine there’s little time to waste,” the older woman crooned, dragging Jasmine to the beautician’s chair. The makeup artist considered her with a pensive expression, tapping her finger on her chin.
“Ah, yes! Yes, I know just the thing. Michele, start working on her hair,” she ordered with a grin. Jasmine was soon surrounded by women who moved at breakneck speeds to prepare her for her meeting with Mark. She couldn’t see her own reflection, only feeling the tug of someone combing her hair, and the vaguely ticklish of eyeshadow being artfully applied.
“Stop!” A woman shouted abruptly, what seemed mere seconds later. Jasmine looked up, uncertainty creeping up on her. Was there nothing they could do for her? Was she beyond help? One of the women turned the chair to face the mirror on the wall, and Jasmine felt certain she would faint. She scarcely recognized the woman who stared back at her, though it was clearly herself. It was just a glamorous version of herself that she hadn’t indulged even when she’d been living with Mark.
“I’m… beautiful,” she whispered.
“Vain,” another woman said drily, before erupting in giggles. “No, but of course you’re beautiful, darling. We had quite the wonderful canvas to work with,” she added with a smile. Jasmine looked at each woman with appreciation shining in her gaze. She made quick work of paying off the charges, shouting her thanks to the women as she slipped out of the boutique. Immediately, she heard a wolf whistle from across the street. She flushed, flagging down another cab.
When the taxi stopped, she slid carefully inside as not to ruin her look. The cab driver was, surprisingly, the same who had brought her to the boutique.
“Damn, lady, you clean up real nice,” he said gruffly.
“Thanks. I hope Mark thinks so,” she said shyly. He chuckled, taking her directions to said man’s house and occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror.
“He’d be a fool not to. Jesus Christ, is this the place? Of course, it is, look at you,” the driver said as they pulled up to Mark’s house. His voice sounded awe, and Jasmine laughed a bit airily as she stepped out of the car. She swiped her card again, resting her hand on the cab driver’s shoulder. “Good luck, kid,” he murmured.
“Thanks. I’ll need it,” she admitted. He rolled his eyes, guffawing as he backed out of the long and winding driveway.
Alone with her thoughts, Jasmine wondered if she had been too wrapped up in impressing Mark. He was the one who was supposed to prove himself, yet she had gone through such lengths to see that she looked as if she belonged to him. She supposed love made you do crazy things. Despite his actions, she had no doubt that what she felt for Mark was love, simple. Except it wasn’t entirely pure, nor entirely simple. She chuckled to herself at the thought.
As she looked towards the estate, she realized there was a vaguely familiar car pulled close to the porch. Recognizing it as Deborah’s car, Jasmine could only wonder what Mark’s ex-wife was doing there. Perhaps she should have called before she arrived, though she had intended to catch Mark off guard. Caught up in self-doubt, she jolted as a feminine shout sounded from the back lawn of the estate. Curious, Jasmine slipped around the side of the massive home, towards the back yard. Large shrubs obscured her vision, but as she heard what sounded like an argument, she remained hidden behind a particularly thick one. She peeked out, surprised to see Mark in Deborah’s arms. The other woman’s lips were pressed against Mark’s, and for a moment, Jasmine felt as if her world had come crashing down. However, Mark shoved Deborah away with something akin to disgust in his gaze, wiping his lips angrily.
“What the hell, Deborah? First, you ruin things with Jasmine, convince her what a piece of crap I am, then you start crawling all over me?” He demanded, anger lacing his tone. Deborah grinned a smarmy little grin, reaching out to touch his shoulder.
“I saw the way you looked at Jasmine, Mark. I saw the way you treated her. Don’t think I didn’t notice. You’ve changed. That girl changed you, in a way that can only be for the better. When I saw how in love you were, what could I do but push her away? You know we belong together,” Deborah purred. Jasmine’s eyes widened, and she swallowed a gasp, desperate to keep hidden from the confrontation. Mark’s expression swam with anger, and his hands were curled into tightly clenched fists at his side.
“You pushed her away… because you wanted to get back together? After all that we’ve put each other through, after how attached Jenny had grown to Jasmine? Although you know I’m in love with her!? How could you be so selfish?” He demanded, taking a step back. Deborah met every step back with a step forward of her own, capturing his chin in her grip and smiling wickedly.
“Oh, Mark. I just want us to be a family again. That’s all Jenny would want, I’m sure. You know I’m twice the woman that Jasmine tramp could ever be. You belong to me-- with me! You belong with me,” the ex-wife cooed, drawing her lips towards Mark’s once more. He shoved her away, and she stumbled back, hitting the ground on her rear. She bared her teeth almost animalistically, but Mark met her gaze with equal fury.
“You ruined my one chance at happiness. I never loved you, Deborah. I never have and never will. I looked for love outside of our marriage because there was a void inside me that… that I just had to fill. I know I went about things in the wrong way, but you see I’ve changed. Why would you harm such an innocent girl? The one girl I’ve ever truly felt love for,” he hissed, his voice growing louder and breaking towards the end. Deborah struggled to get to her feet, and Jasmine had to try and calm her breathing as the two stepped towards each other. It looked as if they were ready to break out into a brawl, and Jasmine was startled to see the man’s ex-wife throw a wild left hook towards his face. He caught her fist in his hand, narr
owing his eyes upon her. “I won’t get physical with you, Deb. You need to leave. I’m hoping to hear from Jasmine today, and even if she doesn’t make that call… I don’t want you,” he muttered.
Jasmine’s heart pounded in her chest as she tried to process what she’d seen, but she could think of little but how earnest Mark looked as he confessed his feelings for her. Sure, it wasn’t a confession made to her, but he stood behind it just the same. She resolved that when Deborah took the hint and left, she would step into the clearing as if she’d seen nothing.
“She’s not coming back, Mark. Why would she want you? You’re cruel, manipulative, and there’s nothing you can do to make her come back to you. I made sure of that. Without me, you’ll die alone, and Jenny will never know the love of a mother,” the man’s ex-wife said softly. Mark stared at her for a long moment, anger shining in his gaze. But abruptly, that anger broke and shifted to despair. He turned his back upon Deborah, unable to look at her any longer.
“You’re probably right. But I must at least try. What more can a man do?” He choked out. Jasmine hesitated a moment longer before realizing that Deborah wouldn’t leave until she had her claws locked in Mark, or until she was forced to leave. If the younger woman had her way, it would certainly be the latter. Steeling herself, Jasmine inhaled a quaking breath before stepping out from behind the shrub.
Chapter Ten
As she stepped out into the open lawn, Deborah’s eyes fell upon her immediately. Jasmine was certain she had never seen such venom turned upon her in the entirety of her life.
“Get out of here, you little whore,” the older woman screamed, launching herself at her. Jasmine sidestepped, giving her a slight shove as she passed to knock her off balance. Mark was looking at her with shock in his gaze, and she rushed forward to pull him into an embrace.
“I heard everything. Do… do you really love me?” She inquired softly. If she expected him to be embarrassed, she was surprised by the warmth he considered her with.
“With my entire heart,” he confessed. Her eyes pricked with tears, but he wiped them away as he caressed her cheek. When she met his gaze, she could see nothing but sincerity and adoration reflected at her. The fact that Deborah was even there faded away as Jasmine slowly closed the distance between them. She pressed her lips against Mark’s, feeling as if fireworks were exploding beneath her breast. She clung tightly to him, tears streaming down both of their cheeks as they realized how foolish they had been.
“How precious. Have both of you forgotten how toxic you’ve been to each other?” Deborah said snidely as she struggled to get to her feet. Jasmine and Mark exchanged a look, and Jasmine took a threatening step towards Deborah.
“A toxicity that was perpetuated by your manipulation. I thought Mark was the cruel one, but it’s obvious now that you’ve been the one behind our misery. Do you not even care about your daughter? Do you not care about her happiness?” Jasmine demanded.
“I don’t care about any of this bullshit! I want the payout I deserve, the one I earned after putting up with this idiot and his hellspawn for so long,” Deborah screamed. Jasmine’s mouth hung agape, and the soft sounds of sniffling reached her ears. She wheeled around, spotting Jenny herself hiding behind the shrubbery-- the same shrub she’d been hidden behind mere moments prior.
“You… don’t love me? But you’re… you’re my mommy,” Jenny choked out. Deborah snorted, turning her cruel gaze upon the young girl.
“You were a consolation prize. A rather poor one, at that,” Deborah said coolly. Before the older woman could process what was happening, Jasmine launched herself forward and tackled the cruel woman to the ground. She raised her fist threateningly, her teeth bared almost ferally as she was overcome by protective instinct for Jenny; her charge, her little friend. Deborah screamed, cowering beneath the other woman as she tried to scramble away.
“I’m going to say this once, and you listen very closely. You are to leave this property, and never show your face ever again. You’re a piss poor excuse for a wife and an even worse mother. You don’t even deserve to be called a mother. I’ll let you up, but when I do, you leave. If you don’t, I can and will kick your ass,” Jasmine snarled. Deborah nodded nervously, fear shining in her gaze. Jasmine was for once grateful for her obvious size advantage and drew herself off of the other woman. Deborah jolted to her feet, half running and half crawling away from the scene. Jasmine felt smug for half a second before turning in the direction Jenny had been standing. The young girl rushed towards her, wrapping her arms around Jasmine’s legs and sobbing against her. “Honey, I’m so sorry,” Jasmine murmured.
“I’m not crying over her. I’m so happy you’re back,” Jenny sniffled. A warmth settled over Jasmine, a warmth that only intensified as Mark stepped towards them. He rested a hand atop Jenny’s head for a moment, to soothe her. Then, he slipped a hand into his pocket. Jasmine watched curiously, her eyes widening as he produced the emerald necklace she had thrown at him. He stepped forward hesitantly, his expression warm.
“I know I have a lot left to prove. I know I’ve done wrong by both of you, but… I’m willing to spend the rest of my life making it right. If you’ll allow me, Jasmine,” he said softly. Jasmine felt tears prick the corners of her eyes, and she nodded her head slowly.
“I love you,” she whispered as he stepped forward to slip the necklace around her neck.
“I love you too,” Mark murmured. He leaned in to kiss her, stopping short as he realized Jenny was still clutching Jasmine’s legs. He frowned, dropping into a crouch beside her. She turned a cheeky grin towards him, reaching up to tug at Jasmine’s shirt.
“If daddy gets a kiss, so do I! I love both of you!” Jenny exclaimed. Traces of tears were still visible on her cheeks, but a brightness in her gaze spoke volumes about the future the three would spend together. Mark grinned, rolling his eyes and scooping Jenny up in his arms. At the same time, both he and Jasmine pressed a kiss to the girl’s chubby cheeks. Jenny giggled ecstatically before shoving their faces together. “Now you,” she ordered with glee. Jasmine and Mark considered each other for a moment before meeting for a sweet kiss.
At that moment, Jasmine felt as if she truly belonged. And for the first time in her life, she felt as if everything would turn out alright.
“Eww, that’s enough! Let me down!” Jenny squealed, and Mark allowed her to scamper off. He rose upright, turning warm eyes upon her. However, traces of uncertainty were still in his gaze. She reached out to cup his face in her hands, brushed her thumbs beneath his eyes to wipe away tears he didn’t seem to know he was shedding.
“Happy tears?” She asked gently. He smiled, nodding his head.
“That is… if you’ll stay,” he murmured. He drew Jasmine into his arms, resting his chin atop her head. She settled contently against him, rubbing her palms up and down the plane of his back.
“There’s nowhere else I would rather be, Mark,” she smiled. He searched her eyes for any signs of deceit, but she knew he would find none. She had never been so certain of something in her life. This was her family. This was her something to live for.
And sometimes, it’s as simple as that.
---
Around three months later found Jasmine dutifully working in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her makeshift family. That day marked the end of her ‘contractual obligations’ with Mark, and she was certain things couldn’t get any better. She rested a hand idly upon her stomach as she flipped the ham and cheese omelet she was making for Jenny. In the time they’d spent together, Jasmine and Mark had only grown closer. It was the closest Jasmine had ever been to anyone, let alone a lover. Mark felt the same, stealing kisses from her at every opportune moment and never ceasing to tell her how much she meant to him. A single thread of doubt still lingered in the quilt of her mind, but she paid it little mind. She was sure that Mark would have kicked her out long ago if he didn’t feel anything for her.
Deborah hadn’t shown her face, but the
n again, that wasn’t surprising either. Jenny seemed more relieved than anything and had quietly admitted that Jasmine seemed more like a mommy than Deborah ever had. On top of everything else, Jasmine had taken on providing Jenny’s homeschooling. She’d never expected to be a mother, but she felt much the same as the little girl she’d come to treat as her own. It was almost like she could never love another child as much as she loved her young charge. Then again, she would likely change her mind because of a nagging feeling.
As she finished the last touches on Jenny’s breakfast, adding a dash of salt and pepper, she turned to call the father and daughter duo to breakfast. She was startled to see Mark lingering at the doorframe, watching her with a rather pensive expression. She smiled warmly, inching towards him and grabbing him in a tight embrace. She rested her head on his shoulder, exhaling a fluttery sigh of satisfaction. He seemed tense, and while she tried not to worry too deeply about the possibilities, she could tell that he had something on his mind.
“Penny for your thoughts?” She said mildly, drawing away from him and looking him in the eye. He seemed reluctant to meet her gaze, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth.