Chapter 2 ✨The Price of Rescue ✨

Oh thank God! But Dad, I'm so happy for you!" Jasmine said excitedly, hugging his shoulders.

Mr. Raymond smiled faintly. "If anyone should be happy, it's me, sweetheart. God really helped me out. Can you believe they said he only respects people like you - well-mannered, clean records? You don't know what I went through just to secure that appointment."

"Well, since the stress finally paid off, then I'd say it was worth it. Maybe you pressured him just enough."

"Not enough to pay back all the stress. Just pray for me."

"By the will of God, Daddy. Everything will work out. God is in control."

He nodded. "Let me confess... I had to combine two prayers - I prayed both Dhuhr and Asr together. I was too restless to pray them on time. I knew even if I tried, I would mess it up."

Jasmine frowned. "Dad! Just because of worldly pressure, you skipped your prayers?"

He sighed. "I know. I was just so tense, sweetheart. It overwhelmed me."

She pouted a little and said gently, "Dad, God doesn't burden a soul with more than it can handle. Instead of skipping prayer during moments like that, you should do even more. Maybe He'll lift the burden."

Mr. Raymond gave a sheepish smile. "Oh, I forgot I was talking to a preacher now. Alright, alright. Like I said - it won't happen again. I promise."

Still pouting, Jasmine replied, "You always say that, Daddy. You care too much about this world. Please, try to balance things. Money isn't everything. People without it still live comfortably. Besides, this life is temporary - the real one comes after."

He shook his head slightly. "You won't understand. Money is everything. When you have it, you have the world. Just look at this guy - he's barely 25, and from what I hear, people are lining up for him like he's royalty. I'm old enough to be his father, yet he treated me like a nobody. I haven't even heard his voice - I've only spoken to his secretary. What gave him that power? Money."

Jasmine shook her head softly. "The Prophet said, 'Seek the world as if you'll live forever, and seek the afterlife as if you'll die tomorrow.'"

He laughed. "Alright, alright, Sister Jasmine the preacher."

She smiled as she stood up and stretched.

"Dad, I'm heading upstairs. It's almost time for sunset prayer. I'll freshen up before I pray."

"Okay, I'm going to the mosque too. Keep me in your prayers. May God guide me through this."

Jasmine laughed. "Daddy, by the will of God, He already is. See why I love being self-reliant? Now, who can threaten me? I own my space, I'm my own boss, it's my business - no debt, no pressure..."

"Go and pray, you chatterbox. Is this work or war?"

Laughing, she climbed the stairs. "Daddy, earning lawful income takes effort!"

"Alright then, go on," he said as he stepped out of the house.

-

Later that night, after the final prayer, he returned home and prayed deeply - asking God to grant him success with this man. He knew if he missed this opportunity, he'd lose everything.

They had dinner together, shared a light conversation, then each retired to their rooms.

-

The next day - Saturday - was a rest day for everyone. Jasmine stayed home, preparing a meal as usual. Even though they had housemaids, she always liked to help, especially in the kitchen.

Cooking was Jasmine's favorite hobby. That's why, after completing her degree, she asked her father to open a large bakery for her. She handled all kinds of snacks and sold them commercially.

Jasmine was a woman who valued independence. She believed in not relying on anyone, and that mindset earned her father's respect - so he let her follow her own path.

-

The next day - Sunday - was also work-free. Jasmine went to visit her mother, who lived elsewhere after separating from Mr. Raymond (you'll hear more about that later).

She spent the entire day there until sunset. When she returned home, she sat at her laptop and finalized all the arrangements for the week ahead...