Chapter 121 Mine

Chapter 121 Mine
Jasmine’s POV

My fingers thread through the thin wrap, careful enough to strip it off without damaging the fragile box.

This looks like a jewelry box, and I look up to hold Xavier’s eye for a split second. He shoots me a small smile before I slowly open it.

My eyes glisten at the sparkling tiny diamonds on the necklace, while I rapidly try to blink away tears.

I’m surprised I still have any though.

I draw in a sharp breath as my eyes take in every little detail of this gold piece. I don’t know what exactly flutters my heart, the fact that this must have cost a fortune, or the customized name engraved on the diamond pendant that simply says “mine.”

Such a short word, but it sends butterflies coursing from my stomach to every part of my body, and I know it means a lot to Xavier as well.

I am his, and his alone.

“Damn. Xavier sure knows how to make a girl cry.” My mom chimes a breath away.

I must have gotten so lost in this feeling that I didn’t notice her behind me.

“It’s pretty.” I mutter, finally finding my voice, as my thumb softly brushes against the cold metal and hard stones.

“Go put it around her neck, lover boy.” James cheers from the crowd, causing the rest to laugh.

“It’s not complete without that.” Isaac adds.

My breath shallows as a smiling Xavier approaches me, not breaking eye contact.

Gently, he takes the necklace from me, our hands brushing for a few seconds, before he carefully clasps it around my neck, a soft kiss on my cold skin sending several jolts through me.

Without thinking, I turn to look at him, and on cue, he leans in to kiss me.

And once again, it’s just the two of us in the room.

Many months ago, I wouldn’t care to mention a boy to my mom, I didn’t even accept her as my mom then, but here I am, kissing Xavier in front of not just my family, but his friends too.

And it doesn’t feel one bit odd.

“Come on, not again.” I hear my mom whine in the background, but I completely zone out, not without hearing,

“I guess this is where the love story started.”

It’s finally the time I have prepared my whole life for.

Yet it feels so unreal.

I take a deep breath for the millionth time since I sat here, and go through the document in front of me again and again, still in disbelief at the words.

My mom, who volunteered to be my emotional support in this moment, is seated outside the office, with just a door between us, yet the distance feels stretched.

She didn’t want to come in, because she wanted me to feel every second of this moment on my own.

The pen in my hand shakes uncontrollably as I press it down on the line requesting my signature.

In just a few seconds and a little ink, I’ll be an exclusive artist to the biggest global art foundation.

My hand stills, and I will it to move even a little, but it won’t budge, like every nerve around it just shut down.

Fuck.

I look up at the man from Mr. Laurent’s team who was sent, knowing he’d likely have an impatient look on his face, but surprisingly, he shoots me a reassuring smile.

Without thinking too much, I close my eyes and finally sign.

The sound of a chair pulling back forces my eyes open, and I see the middle-aged man who has been with me patiently in this office for half an hour, reaching out his hand.

Instinctively, I stand up, taking his hand in a firm shake, and just like that, my fate is sealed.

“Congratulations, Miss Jasmine, and welcome to the team.” He says softly, as if carefully spelling out each word.

I open my mouth to at least thank him, but it’s dry. What happened to my boldness?

This is not how I envisioned this moment to be. I had prepared a million and one speeches to give, but all I settle for is a silent nod, hoping it’s enough.

“We will keep in contact with you.” He assures, smiling as he tucks some files into his briefcase, arranging the one I just signed carefully into another.

“Do have a nice day.” He adds.

“You too… sir.” The words surprisingly leave my lips. I thought I had gone mute for a minute.

Now, I regret not accepting Xavier’s offer to not just follow me here, but stay with me in this office.

Seeing his face would have given me the courage to speak more, and I hope this man doesn’t think I’m not enough for this opportunity.

I shake my head instantly.

I shouldn’t let thoughts like this get to me, especially not after this milestone I just hit.

With a small nod, the tall man, Mr. Samuel, walks out of the office, and immediately, I let out a long sigh.

I did it.

A smile breaks out on my face as I leave the room, only for it to widen when I see my mom anxiously waiting.

Her eyes glisten the moment she catches mine, before she rushes to me, pulling us into a tight hug.

“I… I…” I start, but nothing forms on my lips.

“It’s okay, my baby.” She assures, her hand combing through my hair. “You don’t have to say anything.”

We stay like that for a moment, while I bask in her warmth and comfort.

My phone rings again, and this time, I pull away from the hug to check it.

It’s been ringing, with several notifications popping up since I entered the office to meet with Mr. Samuel, but I ignored it, knowing I couldn’t welcome any distraction at that time.

“It’s from the school president.” I say, more to myself than my mom. “They need my presence.”

“You should go then. Xavier will drop us at the airport.”

“But…” I start.

“No buts, go and see why your presence is needed.”

“It’s either about the investigation or concerning the…” I pause before continuing, “the destroyed painting.”

“You should still go.” My mom pushes, and I swallow.

It can’t be anything good, and I don’t want to be reminded of what happened in the past.

Plus, I want this euphoria to last, but I guess I still need to find out what this meeting is about.

“We’ll see you later, and congratulations to the best artist in the whole wide world.” My mom teases, earning her an eye roll.

I really wish I could see them off at the airport, but is it actually in my hands?

Letting out a frustrated sigh, I slowly walk away.

This better be good.