Chapter 1 The Perfect Beginning

Jasmine stood in front of the large canvas in her studio, her brush flowing across the surface with fluent strokes. The brilliant colors mirrored her excitement for the approaching art display, a culmination of months of hard labor. She could almost hear the clapping from the imaginary crowd, their appreciation warming her heart.

"Jasmine! You better not be painting the night away!" Ethan's voice burst out from the doorway, mocking yet affectionate.

She turned, a smile breaking across her face. "I'm almost done! Just putting the final touches on this one."

Ethan went inside, his tailored suit contrasted with the paint-splattered floor. "You're incredible, you know that? This display is going to be amazing." He came closer, sliding his arms around her waist, bringing her into a loving embrace.

"I hope so," she answered, snuggling against him, savoring the moment. "I just want it to be perfect."

"Like you," he muttered, sliding a strand of hair behind her ear. The warmth in his eyes made her heart flutter. "But you need to take a break. Let's rejoice tonight. It's been a tough week."

Jasmine hesitated. "I want to finish this. I'm so close."

Ethan sighed, pulling back to look at her. "You can't pour everything into your art and forget to live a little. I've got dinner reservations at that new eatery. Just for us."

She felt a stab of guilt. "Ethan, I-"

"Please," he interrupted, his tone softening. "Just for a couple of hours. We'll come back here after. I promise."

She studied his face, the earnestness in his eyes encouraging her to relent. "Okay. Just a brief dinner," she agreed, her heart warming at the thought of spending time with him.

As they went out into the bustling metropolis, Jasmine felt a rush of exhilaration. The lights twinkled like stars, and the air buzzed with enthusiasm. They walked hand in hand, talking about everything and nothing, the laughter streaming readily between them.

At the restaurant, they were placed at a nice corner table, surrounded by soft candlelight. The ambiance was beautiful, but Jasmine couldn't shake the feeling that something was odd. Ethan seemed distracted, gazing at his phone more often than normal.

"Everything okay?" she questioned, concern coming into her voice.

He forced a smile. "Yeah, just some business stuff. You know how it is."

Jasmine nodded, but worry settled in her stomach. "You've been really busy lately. Is there something you're not telling me?"

"Of course not," he said hastily, but the small tightening of his jaw gave him away.

Just then, Ethan's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced down, his attitude turning from casual to strained in an instant. "I need to take this," he replied, standing up abruptly.

"What? Now?" Jasmine felt her heart drop. "Can't it wait?"

"Just a second," he pleaded, stepping away from the table.

Jasmine watched him, her heart pumping. She attempted to brush off the feeling of dread that rushed over her. As she sat there, staring at the untouched plate of food, her mind raced. What was he hiding?

A few minutes later, Ethan reappeared, his manner considerably changed. "We should go," he added, desperation infusing his tone.

"Why? What happened?" she asked, her voice quivering slightly.

"There's something I need to explain," he murmured, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her stomach churn.

"Ethan, you're scaring me," she said, her heart speeding as she recognized the gravity of the issue.

"Just trust me. We need to leave now," he urged, his grip on her hand tightening as he led her out of the restaurant.

As they stepped onto the street, mayhem erupted around them. Shouts filled the air, and Jasmine turned to see a group of guys in dark suits rushing through the crowd, their eyes scanning furiously.

"What's going on?" she gasped, horror seizing her heart.

Ethan's face paled. "We have to go! They're looking for you!"

"What do you mean? Why?"

"Just run!" he cried, pushing her into the alley as the men came in behind them.

Jasmine's mind raced, uncertainty and panic mixing as they hurried down the tiny tunnel. "Ethan, please! You have to tell me!"

But just as they reached the end of the lane, a piercing shriek echoed behind them. "There she is! Don't let her escape!"

Jasmine's heart sank. The pursuit had begun, and she had no idea what danger awaited her.