Chapter 5 Escape

Jasmine had fled the hospital, infuriating both the Wilson family and Daniel.

"I knew it," Serena's choked voice filled the hospital room as she awoke. "She'd never voluntarily give me her kidney."

Her words made it clear; she believed Jasmine owed her everything.

When Serena returned to the Wilsons, she didn't adopt their surname but kept calling herself Serena Avery, a nod to the fact that, despite everything, the Averys had raised her for twenty-one years.

The irony was stark. Serena was painted as the saintly princess to the bone, while Jasmine was labeled the venomous impostor.

Serena was clever, though. She clung to her name to constantly prick at the Wilsons' guilt, ensuring they'd compensate her for the years they were absent without limit.

"Serena, don't cry; she owes you," Evan said with furrowed brows, his voice full of sympathy. "She won't get far!"

"Brother..." Serena wept, clinging to Evan. "I'm so scared. Now that Jasmine is out, what if Daniel doesn't want me anymore?"

"Serena, what are you talking about? Jasmine tarnished the Douglases' name in San Francisco and brought shame on Daniel. Do you really think he'd choose her over you?" Evan soothed her, gently rubbing her head.

"But, Evan... what if Jasmine blabs? If she tells Daniel it was us back then..." Serena peered at Evan, fishing for reassurance.

They were the masterminds who arranged for Jasmine to spend a night in a stranger's

room.

"Nobody knows who the guy was that Jasmine ended up with that night. You think anyone's going to believe her word over ours? Relax, her dark secret is her Achilles' heel; she wouldn't dare expose us," Evan's gaze darkened with resolve. He had to make sure Jasmine got the message, loud and clear.

"It boggles my mind, though. Jasmine never ended up with the guy we lined up. I've no idea who the other man was." Serena had been trying to get to the bottom of it for five years with no luck.

"Who he was doesn't matter. What does is that her reputation is trashed, and Daniel's now with you," Evan said, patting Serena on the back. "Get some rest."

Serena nodded, a smug smile curling her lips.

That wretch Jasmine had hogged the best twenty-one years of her life - why should she get to have Daniel's love?

Serena was hellbent on ruining her, on making Jasmine pay back everything she owed.

...

Demolition Zone.

Jasmine, wearing a found baseball cap, scanned the surroundings before ducking into an alleyway.

"Jasmine!" A voice called out eagerly while running towards her.

"Jasmine, I came to pick you up yesterday. Where were you?" Richard's eyes reddened with concern and his voice wavered with emotion. "Jasmine, you've suffered so much in these five years."

Richard knew that she had been wronged.

But at the trial five years ago, Jasmine pleaded guilty to protect him and her child.

"Brother..." Jasmine leaned against a wall, her voice breaking.

She was left with no family, nothing.

Now all she had were Richard and her child.

"It's okay now; you're out. We'll start over and live a good life," Richard soothed, embracing Jasmine and comforting her with gentle pats on the back. "Justin's waiting at home. The little guy's a smart cookie. He knew this morning that you'd be released and dragged me to pick you up yesterday."

Hearing about her child broke Jasmine's last ounce of composure, and she wept uncontrollably in Richard's arms.

For five years, she endured a living nightmare. To survive, she suppressed all her emotions and lived a wretched existence. Now, she cried with abandon for the first time.

Richard sighed, letting her cry it out.

He knew the hardships she must have faced behind bars.

When her sobs subsided, he steadied her. "Jasmine, let's go home."

Home.

Did she even have a home anymore?

Five years ago, Richard had promised Jasmine that as long as he was there, she'd have

a home.

It was a relief that he was still willing to acknowledge her.

"Mom!" At the end of the alley, a young voice called out. A little guy stood there in clothes that were old yet immaculately clean.

In contrast, Richard's attire was patched up; his mechanic's overalls reeked of grease. It was clear that despite his meager means, Richard gave his all to the little guy.

"Justin..." Jasmine's voice trembled as she stood nervously and rubbed her hands on her clothes. She feared soiling her son with her own dirtiness.

"Mom." Justin broke into tears, sprinting towards her and diving into her embrace. "Mom, Uncle and I came to get you."

She hugged her son tight as tears quietly streamed down her face. This was her life – her destiny.

"I promise, Mom will never leave you again."

But even as she said it, she didn't believe it herself. How much longer could she live after donating her kidney to Serena?

"Ha! Jasmine, I knew I'd find you here. What a touching mother-son reunion..." a cold, mocking voice came from behind her.