Redemption's Sweet Temptation

* Chapter 1 : Betrayed *

Jasmine Lawrence lay back helplessly on her bed. She had just miscarried the child she had been carrying for eight months due to hard labor. Despite being pregnant, she worked at a rock-breaking factory to earn a living.

Her eyes were crammed with tears, ultimately, and she whirled to see her face, to see her reflection in the mirror.

Who was this?

Jasmine Lawrence?

She lost everything; her face was coated with bruises. The scanty strands of her hair made her look like the witch in Hansel and Gretel because of alopecia areata the disease. Her once full pink lips had hard cracks and were wounded due to constant night fever.

As if it were not enough, she began bleeding heavily.

" Blood?" she noticed the trail from her thighs.

Hesitantly she picked up the phone to call her loving husband. After three rings, the phone went through, opening her mouth to speak and she heard loud moaning sounds.

Did she hear right?

Was that not the voice of Celine, the sister of her husband?

She tilted her head in confusion, then took the phone to her face to recheck if she had called the right number.

It was his number, the number she had memorized for eight years of dotting on him. Feeling embarrassed for her sister-in-law, she was about to end the call when she heard what sounded like the raspy voice of her husband.

" Give it to me Celine... Yes ... That Jasmine is a vegetable in bed --but you arrrr"

Jasmine's pupils dilated in shock, she laughed in shock and smiled. Then she wiped his face and listened to him praising his sister.

This does not make sense. Why would blood siblings be so shameless?

The pain she felt intensified like blood. Then she heard Celine say " That Jasmine is a fool despite all the indications she still believes we are siblings, hahaha"

Jasmine could no longer breathe, she held her chest and kept the tears from spilling.

" What is more stupid is she works hard and gives me money to spend on our enjoyment " her husband added shamelessly.

Enjoyment?

Was he not building their dream house in the province? Did that mean all her years of hard work went down the drain?

Then which house was he showing her?

" Yes. I even showed her progress of a fake house and now she is probably bleeding heavily and must have lost the baby-"

This statement had a heart in pieces. Why did he do that?

She smiled bitterly and continued to listen.

" Did she think I would accept a bastard child, a child she had with Keith, my cousin.. in hours she would die and I will have all the property of the Yates family in my name by tomorrow morning, for now.. let's ride"

It was followed by insane moaning sounds. Jasmine ended the call recording and laughed bitterly. The pain made her heart heavy but she had no one to call.

She typed some words onto her phone and then headed for the hospital. She sighed and laughed like one who has heard a good joke.

After taking an antidote at the hospital, the bleeding stopped. She went to the place she asked him to come to.

It was a cliff with modest surroundings, the first place they met and she instantly fell for him.

She stood by the cliff with a long blue gown and cap on her head. She only turned when she heard the car speeding towards her.

" I am so sorry darling. How are you? Why did you call me here?" he spoke pretentiously, wearing a calm yet confused expression.

In the past, she would have believed this, but now she only sneered in her heart.

What did she see in this bastard?

Now her child was gone forever and she killed him by being oblivious to his crime in all those years of their marriage. Jasmine fought the tears in her eyes with a warm smile.

" Isn't it beautiful here?" said Jasmine, closing her eyes.

Carl took out the pocket knife in his pocket and followed her in soft steps to take her by surprise. Although she could hear his footsteps, she closed her eyes and quickly played the recording, which made him take a step back in shock. His and Celine's moans

He was about to speak when Jasmine confronted him in tears. Which seems to be the sole thing she is good at nowadays.

"Cut the bullshit. Don't tell me I misunderstood, just save it. Tell me why you killed my child... Why could you not say no to me and tell me you don't love me?"

A normal person who could have stopped his advances. Not Carl!

The innocent facade on his face fell. For the first time, she saw the demon in sheep's clothing.

" What do you want? For me to apologize or beg," he howled dangerously.

" Step back or else"

"Or else what .. "he scoffed, drawing the knife in his hands.

At a glance, Jasmine was a little bit flabbergasted by his actions. She never thought he would go this far.

Then again!

He killed his child. Only a mother knows the true father of her child. And she was convinced he was the one. No one else.

She smiled and said bravely " You can't kill me. Because if I don't return, the police will use the evidence I gave against you"

A flash of fear lingered on his face. He put away the knife and turned softly, shaking his head in disappointment. Before she could properly heave a sigh of relief, Carl turned and shot her twice, pushing Jasmine off the cliff; luckily she held onto the plant.

In three big steps, he crouched watching her contentedly.

Jasmine knew it was her end yet she still fought. " You have made a huge mistake. The police will get you and your mistress"

Because of this, Carl cracked up like a psychopath.

" Which evidence? The one you gave to Lucia", his eyes narrowed and a vicious light flashed.

How did he know? I gave the proof to Lucia.

Conveniently tugging a hand into his pocket, a sly smile popped from his lips " Lucia is a dear friend of mine and she notified me as soon as you texted her the evidence and... now I will get rid of the living proof. That's you "

What Now? Everything started to make sense. But then again,why would Lucia, her very own best friend, betray her in such a vile way?

Carl took out the pocket knife and smiled while looking at the knife's edges.

Sweats broke out on her face and she began begging for her life. Her moist eyes glared at him. " Please you can't do this, " she cried. " I loved you and I still love you. We can start all over again. "

Of course, she lied, she hated him the moment she found out he cheated. Initially,she wanted the police to deal with him, but if she somehow escaped his grip today, she would slit his throat herself. She tried not to look over her shoulder at the deep forest and stream beneath her. She must survive this and take revenge not only on her child, but the entire Yates family that had been destroyed by this pyscho. Inwardly she called God for help.

He stabbed the knife into one of her hands holding the little shrub,which made her retract it because of the pain. Blood quickly oozed out from the deep wound. Although the back of her hand might be bleeding, it was her heart with the deepest pain.

His eyes beamed at the sight of the thick red blood on the knife. Turning to face the girl still holding the shrub,a soft of bitterness claimed his heart. " You won't die. OK, let me confess, that night Keith did not rape you. I did " he pursed his lips, watching her dumbfounded expression.

This was only her suspicion but he cleared it. No wonder why she would have such a difficult time when they had sex. Every time the scent of the man who raped her would overlap rather than understanding, he slept with her nonetheless.

Seeing she was lost in thoughts, he stabbed the last hand which beheld Jasmine's life which was held on the plant. A loud scream escaped her lips uncontrollably. She loosened her grip and fell backwards with her sharp moist hazel eyes fixed at the monster laughing by the cliff.

Carl screeched as he watched her fall down the hill to the unforgiving rocky sea. " I knew you were listening to the phonecall and yes, I know the baby is mine. "

He knew the baby was his. But still, killed it?. A sardonic smile curled up her lips, squeezing her eyes shut, she spoke her last prayers. The pain in her heart overcame her physical pain,she only hoped to one-day make this man pay.

* Splash*

Jasmine fell into the sea, its color changed to red because of so much bleeding. She stared at the bastard who seemed to be a twig from afar.

" I-i w-will b-be back". As soon as she spoke these words, the waves carried her body brushing past rocks till she died in excruciating pain.

The bloody water was washed off by new runoff. Like no murder ever took place.

Right?

* Chapter 2: Reborn *

In the darkness, she heard whacking sounds.

" Who is there?" shouted Jasmine in ache. She had died so why is she still feeling pain?

A small boy of about five walked towards her playing a ball. " Mommy look. I will become an awesome footballer one day"

My son?

At this time, she heard another voice in the darkness, the figure emerged into the light. It was her?

Wearing a pink dress looking breathtaking. It was how she looked before she entered that hell of a marriage. " Yes, my son. Come your father is calling "

A beautiful little girl ran towards that version of her and was picked up by a man whose face Jasmine could not see properly. He played with the girl and covered her face with kisses then they had a picnic under a beautiful tree.

Watching this, Jasmine smiled bitterly, tears rushing into her eyes.

Then boom.

The scene changes to a different one in which it appeared it was the oldest son's graduation and his parents held hands as the boy took his diplomat.

Again the scene shifted to another where the couple was now old and their children came visiting with their grandchildren.

" What a lovely family! "a soothing voice emerged from the darkness as the scene ended.

" Who are you? "

"Don't you remember me, my dear? "

Jasmine stared at the Lady's blue eyes which gave her a sense of familiarity. Instantly she felt the burning pain disappear. She was back to normal, her hair was full.

The smile on the lady's face feels.

" I can not believe you joined me too soon my pearl "

Pearl?

" Mom, mom-my " she ran to the woman but a glass separated them. She slammed hard on the glass in longing.

" You are in limbo, my dear. I am in the land of the dead. Don't worry. You won't stay for long "

Jasmine tilted her head in confusion.

"Who are they? "

Smiling,the lady replied " She is you from another universe "

Jasmine's eyes widened in shock. " Is the multi-universe true? "

It was something she watched in movies and only heard of.

The lady nodded vigorously.

" Yes! That Jasmine did the opposite of what you did, she enjoyed life with her loving husband while you were paid in sorrows "

" Are you my mother or hers?" She then asked.

Curtly,the lady answered back "I am your mother. That Jasmine's mother is still alive. "

Jasmine pounded the glass to break it. Her eyes glistering with tears " I want to be with you "

"No, you can't." The latter responded firmly, hiding the pain in her heart.

" Why? " Gazing in awe as a mix of emotions ran up, Jasmine quickly recalled something. She caressed her flat tummy

" _And where is my son?"

Her mother smiled faintly. " His is in another world awaiting your arrival"

Her son was alive! This had to be the best news ever. She had to find him. This ray of hope made Jasmine's heart flutter.

" What? Another world which!" In a frenzy, she pestered.

At this point, her mother smiles warmly. Her fingers crossed " Go now. Your time is running out, six months fix everything in six months and you will share the same fate with that Jasmine"

" Think about where you want to start over " she heard her mother advise before she immersed herself in the darkness.

Suddenly a bright light blinded Jasmine's eyes, in response she closed them instantly, unaware that a hand reached out and grabbed her roughly.

It felt like she was tumbling in a hole with steps made out of thorns and branches huddling the way. Everywhere was dark but the pain was excruciatingly real.

The screams of appeal not very far away and the heat she felt all over her body made the sensation unendurable.

Jasmine could feel a throbbing feeling all over tagged along with a desire to peel her skin. All she could think of was pain and more pain.

How then could she choose where to start over from?

When her mind was fuzzy.

" Ahhhh" she screamed only to find herself in a room with other people.

Walls painted white, a rug laying underneath her feet. The smell of fresh flo gets in through the open window. She sat on a swivel chair gazing at her reflection in the vanity mirror.

A subtle clicking sound from the vintage clock and the atmosphere lightened up with chattering.

A certain perfume hung proudly in the air, memories related to the wearer made her grimace.

Lucia!

Softly, her eyes moved sideways watching the group of busy ladies behind her.

Are they also dead?

Before her thoughts could sprout into something bigger, Linda, Jasmine's sister wore a bridal illusion veil over her head.

Oh right! It was her wedding day, the day everything began.

A strange feeling took over her heart. She did not recall ever thinking of this time.

In truth, she wanted to go back to the period when her mother was still alive. Jasmine wished to prevent her mother's death.

A heavy burden weighed her heart at this failure and a sad sigh escaped from her lips.

She had been reborn, this was the second chance she needed. She had to be grateful.

Jasmine sighed helplessly once more.

Skimming through her reflection, Jasmine glimpsed at the white ball gown wedding dress she wore and her blonde hair was styled into an elegant bun with strands of curled hair at the sides. The makeup on her face was delicate and she looked to breathe taking.

On her neck laid a strange golden locket. She had never seen it before. Jasmine raised it to read the writings on it.

" Begin Again" she stared at the reflection meaningfully.

At this time, Lucia helped her wear faint pink three inches heels adorned with large uncut diamonds.

" Oh my! Jasmine can not stop staring at herself then how will the groom stop? " jested Lucia spraying a substance on Jasmine's hair making it shine.

A wicked glint flashed in her eyes. Lucia smiled cunningly, she had broken the heels of the shoe beforehand to make Jasmine trip.

The whole room burst into laughter, excluding Jasmine who glared at Lucia in hatred.

She had trusted her with such a huge evidence but she gave Carl instead.

How could she ever forget such a life-snatching betrayal?

" I can buckle it myself. You can all leave" her low voice emotionless.

Jasmine remembered that the heels had been tampered with hence she did not want to wear them.

The six ladies stared at themselves in shock. " Why?" They acquired in unison.

" It is your wedding day Annie _let me assist you " Lucia insisted donning a calm smile, secretly gritting her teeth.

At this moment, an indecipherable expression plastered on Jasmine's face" You should all leave except my sister"

They all murmured before leaving. Some cursed at her loudly. " Such a rude girl"

" Simply arrogant! "

Linda stood in shock. Did her sister throw out her friends for her?

Taking notice of Linda's expression. Jasmine replied softly changing the heels " I don't need them. They are all fake "

Linda rubbed her ears to check if she missed hearing.

Wasn't Lucia, Jasmine's best friend so why did she throw Lucia out? She watched her sister reapply red lipstick.

Linda moved forward to whisper " Is she not your best friend?"

Best friend? Jasmine's blood boiled at that appellation. If Lucia what was someone considered a best friend? Then she should have no friends.

" I do not have a best friend" replied Jasmine frankly, pressing her lips together afterward

" And the others? " Linda proceeded while applying her make-up.

Stepping from the chair. Jasmine made Linda sit to help her style her hair.

" They are not my friends!! They are all Lucia's friends" she finally replied after she was done with the styling.

Linda did not believe it. She only hummed while Jasmine continued adorning her.

At least if her sister had come to her sense then all would be fine.

' Beep '

Jasmine's phone rang, the caller id was ' Carl my heartbeat '

She sneered at the name and picked up the phone.

" Where are you? Come and meet me we need to leave,..you can't marry that monster "his voice carried a lot of care and worry. If only sincere.

She felt disgusted at his words and almost spat out blood.

The inside corners of her eyebrows slanted upward " Why? You come and take me. How do you expect me to leave here?" she heard him gulp from the other side.

In the past, she was dumb. She left her wedding to Keith to meet this filthy man in another city.

" Are you afraid?" she inquired waiting for his answer.

She almost laughed out loud. This time she would make sure he ends up in jail. She smiled inwardly.

" No-no darling. I-i...you know Keith he is a dangerous man!" his shaky voice came from the other side.

In a low tone, Jasmine spoke as if helpless " Well! I can't come. I am heavily guarded_ " she pretended to scream and switched off her phone.

Linda watched in shock. Did she not like Carl then why did she not go to him for there was no security?

Rather at this time, Jasmine stared at the bandage on her hand. She had attempted suicide which made Keith promise he would let her go. Today, there was no security at that time because he allowed her to flee.

The service was on the fifteen floors. It will be fun to see how that monster will infiltrate. A smile was constructed on her lips.

They say revenge is best served cold but what was served along with a fracture?

* Chapter 3 : The Wedding *

The congregation was about a hundred influential people from the city of Bai. They all came to attend Keith Yates' wedding, one of the most requested bachelors.

Though many wondered what he saw in Jasmine, a rude, short-tempered middle-class girl. She was from the Lawrence family which had a small lotion manufacturing company in the heart of the city ,they were ants to the elephant ( Yates). Plus,this impudent girl was making them late. With all the controversies surrounding their alignment, this was not a shocker. They expected this from her.

In the front row, both families sat. On the right, the groom's family and on the left, the bride's family.

Outside the hall doors, Mr Lawrence paced impatiently; he had suspected that his daughter would run away and told Keith, rather than increase security, but Keith laid off some of her bodyguards.

What was going on? If this alliance failed,he would be the mocking stalk of society.

" Where is she?" he immediately asked Lucia, who emerged in a frenzy. She had tears in her eyes and bruises on her arm.

"S-he ran away and pushed me off the stairs"

" What?" he took up her arm to examine the bruises.

This was not surprising to George Lawrence,his eyebrows arched. His daughter had a bad character.

" Sorry dear. Go get an ointment for the bruises. "He spoke softly, then turned and ordered. " Guards go find her. "

Hanging off the phone, Jasmine waved at Lucia.

Lucia inside twisted.

Why was she here? I had just lied to Mr Lawrence about what if he attacked her.

" I hope you guys are not searching for me. For I am here "

Mr Lawrence frowned instantly. Jasmine saw her dad for the first time in years. He had died in a plane crash in his previous life. Her eyes swelled up in tears. She ran into tears but he slapped her instead.

She stared at him, getting a glimpse of the disappointment in his eyes for her.

" Why did you slap me?"

" Why?? Someone needed to. People would die to have such an opportunity to marry such an outstanding man, yet my useless daughter is--"

" I am here, aren't I?" She cried out, holding her cheek.

" Yes!.You are, but why did you have to push your sister off the stairs?"

At this time,the doors of the hall opened but neither noticed.

" She is not my sister! " Jasmine rested, folding her arms.

Lucia, who had noticed that the congregation's eyes were now on them.She spoke in a loud yet subtle voice.

She wiped her invisible tears. " It is fine Mr Lawrence,I am only the maid's daughter_how could I be her sister? After all, I tried to stop her from being a runaway bride"

The congregation burst out gossiping. They all pitied Lucia. She had such a beautiful face and was very calm and respectful. w

What did Keith really see in Jasmine when Lucia was there?

Some felt bad that she was a maid's daughter, perhaps if she was not. Keith might have taken a fancy to her rather than the rebellious Jasmine.

George noticed their stares and asked for the door to be closed. Awkwardly,the ushers closed the doors

In one breath, George ordered,anger flickering in his eyes " You will marry Keith right now. And stop trying to flee "

" I was not trying to flee," she explained hurriedly.

It was a second chance. She needed to fix everything so she would live a happy life. In her past life,her father ended up hating her till his untimely death. Hopefully, she was going to reverse fate.

At this moment,Mr George that went red in rage.

" Shut up. Lucia tried to stop you and you pushed her down the stairs"

"Hah!.. When is Daddy? " Jasmine glared at Lucia, who then averted her gaze at the floor.

George could not help but feel resentment. Where did he fail as a father? He felt his throat tighten " Stop lying or else I will slap you again", Mr George scolded, twisting his arm.

" No she did not. She had been with me the whole time". At this, Keith walked in alongside Linda.

Keith is a tall man of about 1.8m tall. He had an imposing aura which made people fear him, with confounding looks. At this time, thoughts concerning her liking Carl, who was a c in the gene pool instead of her astounding fiance. Was she hypnotized?

She gulped, staring at him. It was almost impossible for her to look away. Once again, he saved her.

" You see. I was with him. What is Lucia talking about?"

They all averted their gaze at Lucia, who began taking steps backwards and mumbling.

" P-perhaps I did not see her!"

" I don't think there is another bride in this building-" Jasmine pretended to think of something and she burst out in shock.

" Did you lie? Is it because I sent you away?"

Lucia felt like the walls were closing on her. Everyone stared at her skeptically, even Keith.

Then how was she going to win him over? It was all because of this pompous Jasmine. ' I hate you. You will die a terrible death '

At this time, Jasmine sneezed. " Achoo! I wonder who is cursing at me."

This got everyone's attention and they stared back at Lucia, who was shivering with a bowed head. She thought maybe if she stayed responsible they might let her be.

" So insolent. How dare you lie? Guards "

At this time she hurriedly explained in gibberish crying as the guards approached her. " Please, I am sorry. It was a big m-misunderstanding. My friend.. Jasmine"

Secretly, Jasmine smiled at Keith,he took notice and it made him feel warm. He walked into the hall still unaware if she would still go on with her plans of escape.

However,he brushed it off. She might have just smiled at him because she was aware he was letting her go.

Two guards grabbed Lucia by her long arms, and it was carried out roughly. She called out to Jasmine. Her eyes are an everlasting waterfall of tears" Jasmine... Uncle"

Instead, Jasmine then pretended to be hurt and looked away dramatically as she wiped invisible tears from her eyes.

' Serve you right bitch. I will make sure you sleep in jail '

" I can't believe she lied". At this time, Jasmine pretended to search for something. " Oh my bracelet. Where could it be ?"

Coincidentally, it fell out of Lucia's pockets. In her past life,she found out that Lucia occasionally stole from her and the Lawrence family in general. Whenever she approached Lucia,she would burst into tears and explain that because she was poor and, just like that, she forgave her.

Rather, this time, was time for revenge.

" Oh my! Isn't that my bracelet?"