?Chapter 124:

Jasmine POV

My eyelids no longer felt sewn shut. I could actually feel the air from the AC and hear the faint hum of machines. Slowly, I opened my eyes, the grogginess clinging to me like a heavy nket. A familiar face came into focus—Ryder.

He was here? Where was I?

Thest thing I remembered was having breakfast and… and… He wore a grin, the kind that used to be infectious. My lips curled in an attempt to smile, but it didn’t reach my eyes. The little show he’d put on during his week of absence still lingered in my memory. I was too weak to pull my hand away, knowing Ryder would only force it back if I did.

I blinked slowly, my voice raspy as I tried to sit up. A wave of dizziness hit me, making it impossible to lift my head. Ryder’s hand gently pressed me back onto the pillows.

“Easy, Jasmine,” he whispered, his voice softer than I’d ever heard it. My throat was bone-dry, my mouth void of any saliva.

“I’m thirsty,” I croaked.

Without hesitation, Ryder held a ss of water to my lips, supporting my neck as he gave me small sips. Relief washed down my throat, and my thoughts cleared just a bit. How long had I been here? A week? A month? I didn’t want to start any conversation with him, so I stayed quiet, determined to ask someone elseter.

“I need to go to work,” I said, trying to move again, but my body was too weak toply.

Ryder’s eyebrows shot up, as if debating something in his mind. “I doubt that’s a good idea. You need rest.”

I rolled my eyes in frustration. “I just started this job. I can’t miss a day.” My voice was nothing more than a sleepy whisper, but I was firm.

“You’ve already missed two days,” he replied, his gaze steady. “And frankly, it doesn’t matter.”

“TWO days?” I repeated, incredulous. “What the hell?”

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He nodded, concern written on his face. “You were hurt, Jasmine.”

Memories came back in fragments. “What happened?”

His jaw clenched, eyes darkening for a second. “Someone tried to hurt you. But you’re safe now.”

A chill ran through me. Attacked? Ryder’s hands enveloped mine, warm and protective. I felt safe for a while.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he promised.

I wanted to believe him, but the fog in my head and the weakness in my body kept me from fully processing it. “Tell me what happened,” I pushed, my voice gaining strength. He shook his head, his dark hair falling over his forehead, and just then, Seraphina entered with a tray of steaming food.

“Perfect timing,” Ryder said with a smile.

Seraphina set the tray down and smiled warmly at me. “I’m d you’re awake, Mistress. I made your favorite—chicken noodle soup.” My stomach growled, the spicy aroma making my mouth water. I smiled at her, genuinely this time. I was famished.

“Let me feed you,” Ryder offered, picking up a spoon.

I shot him a look, pulling my covers higher. “I can feed myself.”

He smirked teasingly. “You can barely sit up. You’ll just spill it.” He had a point, and my pride slipped as I let him feed me. His fingers brushed my lips with each bite, but I refused tough or soften toward him. The grudge I held against him still simmered.

After a while, Ryder’s voice broke through the quiet. “Time for a bath.”

Really? Was he truly babysitting me? This is ridiculous.

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