Chapter 3
Rowena felt mocked by what seemed to be a touching scene. These people were her family and fiancé, yet they needed Jasmine to convince them not to be mad at her.
Everyone smiled indulgently at Jasmine, and Melinda caressed her head. She said helplessly, “Alright, alright. We’ll forgive her this once for your sake.”
Jasmine’s smile widened. She shot Rowena a pointed look and said, “This is the first party we’re throwing since Ro’s return. It has to be a grand affair!”
Roland immediately chimed in. “I remember Ro loves roses. I’ll have someone import them to decorate the venue.”
Melinda chuckled. “Ro loves lemon-flavored cakes. I’ll bake it myself.”
“I saw a new white gown up for bidding at the auction hall. Ro loves white, so I’ll have someone bid for it right now.” Jordan pulled out his phone and found a photo of the gown for Rowena. He held it out before her.
They chatted happily and decided on everything before belatedly noticing Rowena’s silence. Jordan looked at her in concern. “Do you have anything to say about the party, Ro?”
She couldn’t help sneering as she looked at them. “Do I have anything to say? I like tulips, not roses. I’m allergic to lemons. I like blue, not white. Roses, lemons, and the color white are Jasmine’s favorites. What do you think I have to say?”
Her words were like slaps to their faces. Philip and Melinda smiled awkwardly and hurriedly apologized. “Sorry, Ro. We mixed you two up; don’t be mad.”
Roland’s expression darkened. He said impatiently, “What do you mean by that, Rowena? It’s not like we deliberately mixed things up. Why are you being so calculative?”
Jordan frowned slightly. Then, he said tenderly, “It’s our fault, Ro. Since you don’t like any of these things, we’ll change them all to the things you like. What do you think?”
“Save it.” Rowena turned and headed upstairs without another word.
The Shores and Jordan couldn’t help thinking the same thing as they watched her leave—she’d changed so much.
…
The following day, when it was time to head to the venue for the party, a few cars pulled up before everyone. Jasmine stepped forward and clung to Rowena.
She said, “We’ve been apart for so long, Ro. Is it okay if we head to the venue together? I want to spend some time with you and tell you secrets that only sisters should share.”
Rowena wanted to say no, but Philip and Melinda gave their seal of approval for this “tender” moment between sisters. “This is the way things should be. You two are sisters, so you should make sure to get along. We’ll take the other cars and give you two some time alone.”
They smiled and watched Rowena and Jasmine get into the car before leaving. Rowena leaned against the door, ignoring Jasmine.
She didn’t know when things changed, but the path started leading toward somewhere more remote. There were fewer people around, too.
She realized something was amiss and turned to Jasmine, her expression grim. “We’re not going to the party. Where are you taking me?”
Jasmine smiled sweetly, not answering her. Instead, she clapped her hands. The driver suddenly stopped and whipped out a bottle, spraying it in Rowena’s face.
A sickly sweet fragrance wafted into her nostrils, and her vision immediately blurred. Then, she descended into darkness and lost her consciousness.
When she woke up, she found herself bound to Jasmine by a rope. Their limbs were tied, and a ticking time bomb was connected to them. The abandoned factory they were in was empty and covered in dust.
“I’ve already contacted the Shores and Jordan Pallet, Ms. Green. They’ll be here soon. What else do I need to do?” Their abductor looked at Jasmine ingratiatingly, a phone in his hand.
It went without saying that Jasmine had orchestrated this. Rowena tried and failed to break free.
She asked coldly, “What the hell are you doing, Jasmine?”
Jasmine chuckled. “What am I doing? Bullying you, of course. Hit her, Tom. Remember to do it where it’s not obvious.”
She laughed when she heard the muffled groans Rowena let out upon being assaulted.
“Don’t think your return will change anything, Rowena. Mom, Dad, Roland, and even Jordan only care about me! Why don’t we do something to verify that if you don’t believe me?”
Rowena gnashed her teeth and endured the pain, looking ashen. She couldn’t help feeling a sliver of hope, though. In the next second, she heard footsteps approach. Tom Brown, the abductor, hurriedly ran away.
The Shores and Jordan arrived. They all looked harried and panicked as they tried to catch their breath. Their hearts clenched at the sight of Rowena and Jasmine looking disheveled, and heartache filled their eyes.
“Ro, Jasmine! Are you two okay?” Jordan asked anxiously. He was at a loss for what to do when he saw the bomb tied to them. It was counting down, and everyone held their breath.
Tears streamed down Jasmine’s face, but she pretended to be strong as she said, “The bomb’s going to explode soon, guys. You can only save one person! It’s okay if I die—save Ro!”
The four exchanged looks. They saw the hesitation and turmoil in each other’s eyes, which only intensified their panic.
Rowena and Jasmine both turned to look at them. The desire to live shone in both their eyes.
