Chapter 16: Chapter 16 Unbound

Alas, that was not how the night would go for Jasmine. By 10 p.m., she was dressed in a soft nightgown, ready to finally let go of the day's stress and indulge in a moment of quiet pleasure.Her body hummed with anticipation, the memory of Sophia's story still lingering in her mind, teasing her senses. She settled into bed, fingertips trailing slowly over her skin, preparing to let herself sink fully into the moment.

Just then, her phone lit up on the nightstand, vibrating with a series of rapid notifications. Irritated, she glanced at the screen, intending to ignore it, but something about the unknown number caught her eye. Her heart skipped. She had a feeling she knew exactly who it was.

With a sigh, Jasmine picked up her phone, and as soon as she opened the messages, her stomach dropped. The first line alone froze her in place, and as she continued reading, the words blurred.

It was, indeed, Ross, and what he'd sent was enough to shatter any trace of calm she'd managed to find. Horrified, she kept scrolling through the messages, each one worse than the last, her fingers trembling as her eyes took in the implications.

Fresh tears welled up, slipping down her cheeks, the excitement of the night vanishing in an instant. Whatever he'd uncovered—or threatened—was enough to rip through her, leaving her feeling raw, exposed, and vulnerable.

It didn't take long for anger to seize Jasmine's heart, sweeping away her earlier tears and replacing them with a cold, simmering fury. She stared at her phone, the cruel words from Ross replaying in her mind, making her hands tremble with frustration.

Her first instinct was to cry, but a steely determination took over. She wasn't going to let James have this power over her—not anymore.

Without a second thought, she grabbed her phone and called Sophia. The line barely rang before Sophia picked up, her tone laced with concern.

"Sophia, I need you tonight," Jasmine said, her voice sharp and tight with barely contained anger. She quickly began pulling on jeans and a jacket, determined to confront this situation head-on.

"Jasmine?" Sophia's confusion was evident, but Jasmine's urgency was unmistakable. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

"I… I just need to get out of here," Jasmine replied, trying to steady her breathing. She didn't want to burden Sophia with all the details over the phone, but she needed her best friend by her side now more than ever. "Please, just meet me. I'll explain everything then."

Though still unsure, Sophia could hear the seriousness in Jasmine's voice and didn't hesitate. "Okay, I'm on my way. Just tell me where."

Jasmine rattled off a location, her mind racing with plans and possibilities. Two beautiful girls heading out alone at night wasn't exactly safe, and Jasmine was well aware of the risks.

Normally, she would've brought along a couple of her family's bodyguards, but this time, an idea struck her—a better plan, one that could help her get what she wanted also.

With a smirk forming, she dialed another number. The phone rang once, then twice, before the familiar voice on the other end picked up.

"Hello?"

"It's Jasmine," she said, her voice cool and composed. "I need to see you tonight."

There was a brief silence before the voice responded, a hint of intrigue in their tone. "Sure, where do you need me?"

Jasmine's grip tightened on her phone. "Meet me downtown." Her voice hardened with resolve and said the same location she told Sophia.

At 11 p.m., the trio converged at their chosen meeting spot under the soft glow of city lights. Sophia, dressed in a casual shirt and well-worn jeans, radiated a laid-back charm that contrasted with her companions.

Her hair fell loose over her shoulders, framing her face in a way that gave her a relaxed, natural beauty. She smiled warmly, glancing between her friends with an easygoing grace.

Beside her, Jasmine was the undeniable center of attention. Dressed in an azure mini dress that hugged every curve, she exuded confidence and sensuality. The shimmering blue fabric complemented her complexion, highlighting the deep, seductive aura that seemed to follow her.

Her choice to forego a bra and underwear added a daring edge, as though every detail of her appearance was carefully curated to be unforgettable. With each step, she seemed to draw the gaze of anyone nearby, her presence electrifying the space around her.

Ross stood to the side, his outfit simple but impactful: a crisp white polo shirt paired with matching white pants. While he wore no jewelry or accessories, his demeanor was anything but plain.

He carried himself with a quiet confidence, a commanding presence that seemed to suggest he belonged in any setting. His posture was straight, his gaze calm yet intense, as if he was absorbing every detail around him with practiced ease.

There was something magnetic about the way he stood, exuding an effortless authority that drew people in without a single word.

Together, the three made a striking picture—a balance of casual charm, bold allure, and unspoken power—each bringing their own energy to the night as they prepared for whatever lay ahead.

"What are you doing, Jas? You look like… well, like you're asking for trouble," Sophia spoke up, breaking the tense silence. Her eyes scanned Jasmine's outfit with concern, unable to hide her worry.

Jasmine met her gaze, unbothered by the judgment in Sophia's tone. "It doesn't matter, Sophia. Just for tonight, I want to feel free—no rules, no second-guessing myself." Her voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of determination in her words. She glanced over at Ross, her eyes seeking answers that her heart wasn't ready to accept.

Ross caught her look and shifted uncomfortably, the weight of what he'd told her hanging heavy in the air. Jasmine took a deep breath and, with a slight tremor, asked, "Is everything you sent me true, Ross? Please, just tell me it isn't." Her words came out almost pleadingly, as though she were holding onto a slim thread of hope that she could still be wrong, that everything might just be some horrible, twisted misunderstanding.

Ross looked down for a moment, unable to meet her gaze. "I wish it wasn't, Jasmine. Really, I do. But it's real. I have even more evidence if you need it…" His voice trailed off, his expression somber. There was a finality to his words, and Jasmine could feel it—like the closing of a door she desperately wanted to keep open.

Jasmine gave a small, defeated nod, feeling her resolve start to crumble. She glanced away, blinking back tears as her mind raced. Every part of her wanted to deny what she'd seen, to rewrite it all as a mistake. But Ross's expression, his tone, his very presence shattered those hopes.

Thirty minutes later, she found herself numb, replaying everything over and over in her mind. The images Ross had shown her, the texts, the undeniable proof—every detail was like a knife twisting in her heart. S~eaʀᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Suddenly, the overwhelming anger and hurt broke free, and she erupted. "Fuck you, James!" she shouted, her voice echoing in the night as tears spilled down her cheeks. The outburst felt raw, like a desperate release of everything she'd held inside.

Five minutes later, Jasmine took a deep breath, willing herself to calm down. She forced her emotions back, concealing the raw pain and betrayal simmering beneath the surface. A cold, determined smile spread across her face, transforming her expression into one of defiance.

"Alright, enough of this," she said, her voice firm, almost daring anyone to question her. "Come on, guys! The night's still young. Let's dance, let's party, let's make this a night to remember!"

There was an energy in her tone, a kind of fierceness that made Sophia and Ross exchange glances, unsure whether to follow her lead or stop her.

But Jasmine didn't give them the chance to hesitate. She grabbed both of their hands, pulling them toward the music, her laughter ringing out with an edge of reckless abandon.

She stepped into the nearest club, immersing herself in the pulsing lights and thumping music, as if she could dissolve into the noise and energy around her.

With every beat, Jasmine pushed herself to embrace the moment, determined to make this night unforgettable—for reasons only she could fully understand.

Tonight wasn't just about escape; it was her way of reclaiming her own power, of finding herself again amidst the chaos.