Chapter 5 Jasmine

Jasmine

I stare at Gabriel, his expression unreadable. Fear grips my chest. What if he denies any involvement? What if he rejects the idea of being part of our lives?

"I know this is sudden," I blurt out in a shaky voice. "I just met you, and I don't know how you're going to take this. It's perfectly fine if you don't want to be involved but after that night... I can't stop thinking about how I ended up in bed with you. I'm sorry."

The words tumble out faster than I intend, raw and unfiltered.

Before I can say more, Gabriel lifts a finger and gently presses it against my lips.

The unexpected touch sends a wave of warmth through my body, igniting emotions I never expected from something so simple.

"It's alright," he says softly, his expression unreadable.

I blink, dazed. "It's alright? Just like that?" I need confirmation.

He nods, his eyes filled with something deeper than mere acceptance. "I... I believe you're pregnant, Jasmine."

His response catches me off guard. Relief washes over me, but uncertainty lingers. "Believe?" I echo, searching his face for answers.

Gabriel exhales, his eyes never leaving mine. "I trust you. If you say you're pregnant, I believe you."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes. This man is a mystery. He appeared at my workplace without looking the least bit surprised to see me.

Now, he accepts my pregnancy without hesitation. Something about him feels off, yet I can't pinpoint what.

He must sense my doubts because he reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. His touch is warm.

"Jasmine, I want you to know that I'm here. No matter what you decide about this pregnancy, I'll be here."

I bite my lip, in hesitation. "Gabriel, my marriage ended just a few months ago. I know I was reckless that night, and I'm not proud of it. I just... I need time. I need to figure things out on my own."

He studies me for a long moment, then nods. "I understand. I won't rush you into anything. But I want to be in our baby's life."

I hesitate, then remember something. "Earlier, you said there was something you wanted me to know. What was it?"

His brow furrows slightly as if he doesn't remember saying that. Before I can press him further, I decide to leave it for another time. My shift is over, and I need to go home.

I grab my bag and step outside, the cool night air wraps around me. Just as I raise my hand to hail a taxi, his voice stops me.

"Let me drive you home."

I turn to find him watching me intently, silently pleading for me not to refuse.

But the reality is that Gabriel is still a stranger. Just because he fathered my child doesn't mean I know anything about him. What if he's dangerous? What if Maxwell sent him? The thought alone makes my skin crawl.

"No, I can find my way," I say sharply.

Surprises flash across his face, but he doesn't argue. He simply nods and walks toward his car-a sleek, black Porsche.

How rich is this guy? He looks too young to have this much wealth. The thought makes me even more cautious.

A taxi pulls up, and I slide in quickly. As we drive off, I glance out the window and catch Gabriel watching me leave.

****

When I step into the apartment, my best friend, Ava, greets me with an expectant look. I don't waste time-I spill everything.

She listens, nodding along as I recount the entire encounter.

"He seems genuine," she muses, her brows knitting together.

"I know, but there's still so much I don't know about him. It's hard to trust someone so quickly, especially after everything that's happened."

Ava nods, understanding. "Take your time, Jasmine. Trust isn't something you give away freely-it has to be earned. And if Gabriel truly cares, he'll prove himself."

-

Months Later

As my pregnancy advances, I spend more time with Gabriel, learning more about him.

He exudes an effortless charm, moving through life with a quiet confidence that commands attention.

His wealth is undeniable-luxury cars, a stunning home, and access to the most exclusive places. He is a man who is used to having control, and yet, he remains patient with me.

Despite this, something has shifted with Ava.

She has become distant, her texts slower, and her excuses for canceling plans more frequent. When we do talk, our conversations feel forced, lacking the ease we once had.

One evening, I finally confronted her.

"Ava, what's going on? You've been acting strange lately. Are you okay?"

She shrugs. "Just stressed from work. I promise I'll sort it out."

I study her face, sensing that there's more she's not saying. "You know you can talk to me, right?"

She nods, but her response lacks conviction.

***

With my growing belly, I find solace in evening walks in the park. Watching children laugh on swings and couples holding hands-soothes me and makes me look forward to motherhood.

Tonight, I wait for Gabriel. He promised to meet me here. As I walk along the pathway, my hand instinctively cradles my belly, my mind lost in thought.

Then, I see him.

My breath catches in my throat as Maxwell steps into view.

His eyes land on my swollen belly. In an instant, his face contorts into something between shock and fury.

"Jasmine!" His voice cuts through the air, sharp and accusing.

I stop in my tracks, holding my ground. "Maxwell."

He stalks forward, his gaze locked onto my stomach. "You... you're pregnant?" His voice wavers between disbelief and something darker.

"Yes, I am."

His expression twists. "How dare you? You're still my wife! That child should be mine!"

His words hit me like a slap. He hasn't accepted the divorce.

"Maxwell, we are divorced. The child I'm carrying isn't yours. You need to move on."

His face reddens with rage. "You think you can just erase me from your life? You think I'll let you take my child away from me?"

His words send a chill down my spine. He storms toward me, his fury radiating off him in waves. Instinctively, I take a step back, my hand protectively covering my stomach.

"Maxwell, calm down," I say firmly, masking the fear creeping in.

But he doesn't listen. His hands clench at his sides, his entire body vibrating with tension. "You won't get away with this!"

Before I can respond, another voice cuts in.

"Enough."

Gabriel steps forward, his tone composed.

Maxwell turns, his expression darkens as he takes in the man standing beside me. "Who the hell are you?"

Gabriel meets his gaze without hesitation. "Jasmine and I are together now. You need to accept that and move on."

Maxwell glares at me one last time before storming off, his anger palpable.

I let out a shaky breath, my body trembling from the encounter. Gabriel places a reassuring hand on my back.

"He won't let this go easily," I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper.

Gabriel's jaw tightens. "Then we'll make sure you and the baby are safe."

A shiver runs down my spine. I know Maxwell too well. This isn't over.