The Breaking Point
Jasmine Carter had always considered herself resilient.
She had endured heartbreak, betrayal, and the humiliation of watching her fiancé dote on another woman under her own roof.
But tonight?
Tonight, she was exhausted.
Her patience had worn thin.
And the next time Luke or Belle pushed her—she wasn't sure if she'd hold back.
---
Rita's Intervention
Jasmine barely had time to process her conversation with Luke before her phone buzzed.
Rita Carter.
She sighed, already bracing herself as she answered.
"What now?"
"Open the damn door," Rita's voice came through the speaker. "I'm outside."
Jasmine frowned, glancing at the time. It was well past midnight.
With a sigh, she made her way downstairs and unlocked the front door.
Rita stormed in, her heels clicking against the floor as she tossed her purse onto the couch.
She crossed her arms. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
Jasmine let out a tired laugh. "You're going to have to be more specific."
"I ran into Mom today," Rita said. "She told me you still haven't left this godforsaken house."
Jasmine exhaled, rubbing her temples. "Rita—"
"No. No excuses," Rita cut in sharply. "You have a brain, Jasmine. Use it."
Jasmine crossed her arms. "I told you already—I'm not leaving my own home."
Rita scoffed. "Oh, please. At this point, this isn't a home. It's a circus."
Jasmine didn't argue. Because Rita wasn't wrong.
But where the hell was she supposed to go?
Rita softened slightly. "Listen… I get it. You love him."
Jasmine's jaw clenched. "Loved."
"Fine. Loved." Rita rolled her eyes. "But loving someone doesn't mean you let them treat you like trash."
Jasmine looked away. "It's not that simple."
"Yes, it is," Rita countered. "Do you know how pathetic this looks?"
Jasmine flinched.
"Luke parades his mistress around while you're still wearing his ring—and you let him."
Jasmine's throat tightened.
"I'm telling you as your sister—this isn't you."
Rita exhaled, lowering her voice. "You're strong, Jas. But right now? You're acting weak."
Jasmine felt something snap.
Her voice was quiet but sharp. "If you're just here to insult me, you can leave."
Rita sighed, shaking her head. "I'm here because I love you, idiot."
Jasmine swallowed hard.
"Jas…" Rita softened. "I know you don't want to hear it, but Luke doesn't deserve your loyalty."
Jasmine exhaled slowly.
For the first time, she didn't argue.
Because deep down, she knew Rita was right.
---
A Midnight Encounter
After Rita left, Jasmine found herself unable to sleep.
She stepped out onto the balcony, letting the cool night air calm her nerves.
That was when she heard footsteps.
Luke.
She didn't turn as he joined her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, Luke sighed. "Rita really hates me, huh?"
Jasmine snorted. "You expected anything less?"
Luke let out a quiet chuckle. "Fair enough."
Silence.
Then, Luke spoke again. "Jasmine… do you regret it?"
She frowned. "Regret what?"
He hesitated. "The kidney."
Jasmine stilled.
Then, she slowly turned to face him.
His expression was unreadable, but his hands were clenched at his sides.
She tilted her head. "Why? Do you regret it?"
Luke looked away. "I don't know."
Jasmine's eyes narrowed. "What the hell does that mean?"
Luke exhaled sharply. "It means I hate knowing that no matter what happens… I owe you."
Jasmine let out a dry laugh.
There it was.
The real reason Luke could never be happy with her.
Because he felt indebted to her.
Not in love.
Not grateful.
Just trapped.
Jasmine's voice was calm, but her words cut deep. "You act like I held a knife to your throat and forced you to take my kidney."
Luke looked at her. "That's not what I meant—"
"But it's how you feel," she interrupted.
Luke opened his mouth but closed it again.
Because what could he say?
Jasmine stepped closer. "You hate that no matter what, you'll always have a piece of me inside you."
Luke tensed.
She smirked. "And it drives you insane, doesn't it?"
Luke didn't respond.
But he didn't need to.
Because Jasmine already knew the answer.
And for the first time since this nightmare began—she felt at peace.
Because Luke's guilt?
That was his burden to carry.
Not hers.
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