Jasmine remembered high school well, with Zelda leading the pack in bullying her, making her life miserable.
But back then... there was Daniel to stand up for her.
She loved Daniel, and it all harkened back to that day when Zelda and a clique of girls had cornered her in the bathroom to kick her, just because her bracelet caught their envy. It was Daniel who had burst through the girls' bathroom door with a powerful kick, sweeping her away to safety.
In that moment, Daniel was a ray of light in her life.
But eventually, that light would never shine on her again.
And never again would there be anyone to rescue her from the darkness.
Perhaps this was the punishment she deserved.
She had lived the carefree life of an heiress for over twenty years, miraculously surviving a brush with death and living on borrowed time.
It felt like the Grim Reaper himself was doling out her penance.
Jasmine was born with a congenital heart defect, necessitating expensive surgery from infancy.
Her biological mother didn't have the funds and couldn't bear the thought of watching Jasmine die, so in a moment of desperation, she switched Jasmine with Serena, the intended heiress to the wealthy Wilson family.
Within the embrace of the Wilsons, Jasmine was given a second chance at life.
Jasmine knew she owed a debt to the Wilson family, and to Serena.
If her mother hadn't swapped their lives, Serena would have been the one living like a princess.
She needed to atone.
She should atone.
"Jasmine, scavenging for scraps now? That hard up for cash?" Zelda sneered, nudging Jasmine with her foot. "Cut the crap."
A wave of darkness edged Jasmine's vision as her heart raced uncontrollably.
"Got a job for you, back to your old tricks, keep men company and you'll get paid," Zelda mocked, glancing at the few so-called 'rich second-generation' kids behind her. "Though, I have to admit, she does have a pretty face. Remember how Tom had a thing for her back in high school? Call him up, tell him she's game for anything if the price is right."
Jasmine gasped for air, yearning to retort.
But their laughter, their scornful taunts, made her wish she could just disappear.
Yet Justin was still waiting for her.
"Zelda, something's not right with her," one of the more upscale girls whispered. "Let's not stick around for trouble, okay?"
"Serena is just using us as pawns in her game. She's got Daniel to protect her now, so if Jasmine here actually gets hurt, we'll be the ones to blame, even though she sent us to mess with her," another murmured with a hint of sobriety.
Seeing that Jasmine wasn't faking it, Zelda got spooked and scampered off.
"Damn it."
...
The noise faded into silence, and Jasmine curled up, her heart panging with pain.
Who would come to rescue her now...
It hurt.
It really hurt.
A black sedan pulled out from the side and halted nearby.
Liam stepped out and rushed over anxiously. "Miss? Are you okay?"
Jasmine's voice was hoarse. "Medicine..."
Upon seeing Jasmine's pallor, Liam quickly grabbed a bottle of water from the car and fished out a small pill bottle from her pocket, helping her swallow a pill.
After lying on the ground for what seemed an eternity, Jasmine finally began to recover.
Propping herself up, she murmured her thanks to Liam, Ethan’s assistant. "Thank you..."
After ensuring Jasmine was all right, Liam finally relaxed. "You should get checked out at the hospital."
Jasmine didn’t respond; instead, she knelt on the ground, weakly gathering scattered bottles.
Justin was waiting for her at home.
In the car, Ethan never stepped out, his brow furrowed as he observed Jasmine.
The once Wilson family heiress, now reduced to this state.
"Got any cash?"
Back in the car, Liam was met with Ethan's deep, serious voice.
Startled, Liam searched. "Just... just ten bucks."
"Give it to her," Ethan said, sounding slightly irritated.
Liam was shocked; when had Mr. Douglas become so benevolent?
Hastily, Liam handed the ten dollars to Jasmine. "Sorry, I don't have much cash on me."
Kneeling on the ground, Jasmine looked up at Liam, tears welling in her eyes. "No... don't."
Her pride was comical; she was clinging to her last shred of dignity, perhaps hoping to catch Ethan's fleeting attention.
She continued picking up bottles, then stood up with the aid of a trash can, sifting through for some cardboard to sell.
While watching Jasmine limp away, Liam felt an inexplicable sadness.
Such a pretty woman, reduced to scavenging through trash.
Back in the vehicle, Liam reported to Ethan. "Mr. Douglas, she didn't take it."
Ethan seemed displeased, as if regretting his own interference.
Seeing Ethan remain silent, Liam reluctantly drove off.
"Stop the car."
As they passed a dessert shop, Ethan spoke again.
Liam hesitated, what now?
"Buy something and take it to her."
Liam was even more perplexed. What was going on with Mr. Douglas today?
Was his newfound happiness after finding Harper prompting this surge of generosity?