The next day…
Jasmine sat staring at her reflection on the mirror. She flipped her hair, then tilted her head so she could get a better view of her neck region. Particularly, the red spot.
She traced her fingers on it recalling how he nibbled on her neck.
“Seems someone’s in deep thought!” She adjusted herself as she heard Adam’s voice.
She turned to Adam with a small smile.
“I guess you were enjoying the moment with Liam. You didn’t even let me know when you guys left and if Jace was okay. I had to go meet Doctor Carl” Adam said feeling annoyed.
“I’m sorry Adam.. Liam had to take me home.. I need to talk to you about something.”
“Oh, there’s no need to apologise Honey… So tell me, what happened!”
explained all that happened, particularly the proposal Liam made. Excluding the romance. She wouldn’t want him to tease her all day.
Adam sighed. He used his index finger to tap his cheek as he does a little thinking.
“You know what Jasmine; I don’t wanna say this but I have to. If it were to be some other guy, I’d advise you to decline the offer. Think about this Jasmine, he’s a billionaire.. he had the chance of choosing some top model to do the job or something but he actually chose you. Considering the fact that he sorted Jace’s bills without thinking twice,,,, This is the only way to help him out Jasmine”. Adam said.
“I know Adam, but what happens after he gets his inheritance?”
“You shouldn’t worry about that Jasmine. Think about it this way, what if you both fall in love? That’s actually good right? You shouldn’t bother yourself with it. Let the future decide for itself”
Jasmine sighed deeply… She’d love it more if this is actually real.
“Let’s go Jasmine, you don’t wanna keep Jace waiting do you?”
They both stood up and walked out of the apartment.
City Life Hospital;;
“Did you hear that Adam?” Jasmine asked as she stopped placing her ear against the door of Jace’s ward. Adam did same too.
She could hear him giggling happily… and the other voice..!
“I am Mr Monkey… Say my name” Said the deep voice.
“Mr Monkey!!”Jace exclaimed giggling.
“What should I do for you little boy??” Mr Monkey asked.
“Dance Mr monkey… Dance” Jace requested.
“Oh! Little boy,, You want to see me dance?? Dance it is”
? I am Mr Monkey
?M-o-n-k-e-y
?Who am I?
“Mr Monkey!” Jace exclaimed, laughing out loud.
A smile formed on her lips… She’s yet to know who it is that’s making Jace feel so alive. But whoever it is, he’s sure doing a great job.
“Who could that be Adam?”
“No idea”
“Could it be doctor Carl?” She asked and Adam quickly shook his head.
“No, Doctor Carl’s too busy to play with kids”
“That’s right… Let’s see” Jasmine said as she twisted the door knob, pushing it.
“My Name is Mr….”
He stopped just when Adam and Jasmine walked in.
“Jasmine!!!” Jace squealed. If not for the drips on his body, she’s sure he would have flown to her.
“Jace!” She called as she ran to him, hugging him tightly.
“How are you feeling now? Are you okay?” She asked scrutinizing his body.
She tilted his neck to have a better look at the red rashes. it’s fading away.
“I’m okay now Jasmine, Doctor Carl told me how strong I am. He said I’m ready to go home in a day or two”
“Of course, you’re strong. My baby isn’t a weakling is he?” Jace shook his head. He turned to Adam with a smile.
“Uncle Adam?” Adam quickly crouched to his level.
“Here I thought I was forgotten” He mumbled. Jace rolled his eyes… Adam’s same old drama.
“You’re okay?” Adam asked and he nodded.
“Well that’s great! Now I have my basketball partner back. Missed playing with you Jace” .
“Me too Uncle Adam. But, we aren’t gonna be the only ones playing, Mr monkey would join us… Right Mr Monkey?” Jace asked looking at the monkey.
“Of course!! Mr Monkey’s gonna be in Jace’s team!” He said in his deep voice making Jace giggle happily.
Jasmine turned to look at Mr Monkey who quickly averted his gaze.
“Who’s this Jace?” She whispered to Jace, still looking at the monkey.
“He’s Mr Monkey”
Jasmine shook her head…. “No.. No, I mean, Who is he?”
“Mr Monkey!”
Jasmine face palmed herself. That wasn’t the answer to her questions right? Jace can be a pain in the ass sometimes.
“Look, he even bought me toys, clothes and chocolates!” He added pointing at a direction.
Jasmine who didn’t notice the stuff, left her mouth hung open as she stared at them.
“That’s a lot of stuff Jasmine.. Apart from Doctor Carl and the two of us, only one person knows about Jace, right?” Adam whispered.
Jasmine understood what he meant,.. Liam. He’s the only one that can do this.
“Liam??” She found herself calling out his name.
He raised his hand to his head, removing the monkey’s head.
That’s right! It’s Liam! He has been the one making Jace so happy. In a jiffy, she was already in his arms hugging him tightly.
Liam was quick enough to catch her, he wasn’t expecting her to hug him.
“Thank you Liam,,, Thank you”
“It’s okay sweetheart!” He said patting her back.
She disengaged from the hug just when Adam cleared his throat playfully.
“Is Mr Monkey your boyfriend Jasmine?” Jace asked making Jasmine’s face turn red.
“Where did you hear that from Jace?”
“Uncle Adam, told me”
Jasmine turned to Adam with a nasty glare. He’s been feeding Jace with nonsense.
She used her finger to cross her neck, indicating a death sign. Adam only chuckled, unaffected by her threat.
“What’s that Jasmine?” Jace asked.
“What?”
“What you did?” He said doing exactly what she did.
Oh no! She’d forgotten how fast Jace captures things and how inquisitive he can be.
“Uhm, Jace?” She called.
“This isn’t Mr Monkey,, He’s Liam but you can call him Uncle Liam okay?” She said changing the topic.
“But I prefer Mr Monkey”
“Uncle Liam” Jasmine corrected.
“Mr Monkey!” Jace argued.
“Ja~ce!!” Jasmine called. dragging his name.
“Just kidding Jasmine. I get it, Uncle Liam”.
“Did you say thank you to Uncle Liam for the gifts?” She asked.
“I did” Jasmine nodded at his reply.
“I have to go now!” Liam said getting rid of the monkey costume.
“Aren’t you gonna stay for long?”
Liam shook his head… “There’s a lot if things to do at the office”.
Jasmine glanced at Adam who nodded his head.. She was able to read his lips as he spoke silently. He’d giving her the signal to go with Liam.
“Jasmine!..”Liam said as he turned to leave.
“I’ll see you off Liam!”
“No need, stay with Jace” He said. He’s a bit reserved.
“I can handle it Mr Liam. I’m off work today” Adam defended.
“Bye Uncle Liam!” Jace waved, Liam just smiled at him.
“So, let’s go” Jasmine said. Liam walked out with her trailing behind.
They both walked out of the hospital in silence. She’d expected him to talk about his request but he didn’t.
He opened the door for her and she hopped in. He walked over to the driver’s seat and sat down.
What’s Wrong? He isn’t even looking at her like before nor is he teasing her like how he used to. She kinda missed all that.
She held his hands, stopping him From igniting the car.
“We need to talk Liam”
“About what?” He asked still not looking at her.
“Your request!… Look, I know you’re upset and…”
“No!..” Liam said cutting her off as he turned to look at her.
“I’m not upset, I mean why would I be? I’m just embarrassed at how things turned out to be. Letting my parents decided who I’m gonna marry, taking away my inheritance if I don’t get married…. Then I came to you Jasmine and that’s what I shouldn’t have done. it’s totally wrong. I shouldn’t have asked you to be my wife… I made a foolish request without thinking and I’m sorry. You might think I did all that for Jace just because of the request but no! I did that because I wanted to see you happy Jasmine. You don’t have to worry,, I’ll get married…”
“No, I accept” Jasmine cuts him off.
“I accept your request Liam,,, I’ll be your wife. I’ll help you get your inheritance back” she added.
Liam stared at her… “You will?”
“Of course..” She simply said.
Liam smiled…. “I’m glad I have you here Mrs Nolan”
Jasmine blushed,,… “Mrs Nolan?”
“As my wife, it’s only right I address you that way”.
“We aren’t a couple yet,, Besides, it’s a fake relationship” Jasmine said bitting her lips. She hates it but the reality still remains the same.
“You will be” Liam replied, ignoring the last statement.
“So where are we going?”
“My home!” Liam said igniting the car and drove off in full speed.
Tbc..