The Words I Left Behind

Right after he said that, William turned and ran out of the airport.

Jasmine numbly pulled out her phone.

Just as she had guessed, the top post on her feed was from Jennifer Farrell. The latter didn't write anything—just shared a painting.

And that was all it took for William to walk away from Jasmine and the promise he made.

"Miss, we're about to close the gate."

Snapping out of it, Jasmine stopped looking in his direction and turned to go the opposite way. When she landed in Zaryen, Jasmine got a text from William.

[I'll be two days late. Go have fun first.]

Jasmine was a little surprised. He was going to be late instead of just ditching her completely.

Guess he really was desperate to break free from her.

Jasmine didn't wait. She found a local guide and joined a tour group. However, she couldn't keep up. Most of the time, she was resting alone in her room.

By the time William showed up, she had already packed her suitcase and was ready to leave.

"Jasmine, I ditched so much work to come all the way out here and go along with your madness—you think this is funny?"

He kicked over her suitcase in frustration.

As her clothes scattered across the floor, Jasmine let out a bitter laugh.

"Go along with me? Really? Isn't Jennifer right next door?"

William froze, and his voice wavered a little when he next spoke. "Jennifer's just here to sketch. You don't need to pick a fight with her every time."

Jasmine's fingers curled slightly, but she didn't say another word. She just bent down and started picking up her clothes.

"Am I interrupting something?"

Jennifer suddenly appeared in the doorway, and the anger on William's face vanished instantly.

It was replaced by concern and urgency.

"You said you weren't feeling well—why are you up?"

"Oh, I can't just lie around forever. What were you and Ms. Spencer talking about? I heard loud voices, so I thought I'd come check."

When William heard Jennifer's words, he glanced at Jasmine.

"It's nothing. You hungry? I'll grab you something to eat."

Jennifer gave a small, shy nod.

William turned to leave, but then he suddenly stopped. He looked at Jasmine, clearly annoyed.

"What about you? What do you want to eat?"

Jasmine had just finished packing the last of her clothes, and even that small bit of effort had left her sweating. She could hear the shift in his tone, how he flipped back and forth.

She replied quietly, "Nothing. I'm good."

The second William heard her refusal, his face darkened. "Suit yourself. Starve for all I care. You look like a ghost already!"

Then, the door slammed shut behind him, and only Jasmine and Jennifer were left in the room.

It wasn't Jasmine's first time meeting her.

The Farrell family had made their money fast—new money. Naturally, the Graham family looked down on them.

And Jennifer, with her proud personality, had always thought the Graham family was arrogant and snobbish.

Back then, she had stormed off in anger, hoping to make a name for herself overseas.

Now she had come back with her tail between her legs. And the first thing she did?

Rekindle things with her old flame.

As someone watching from the outside, Jasmine found the whole thing pathetic.

And now that William was gone, Jennifer didn't even bother pretending.

"Long time no see, Ms. Spencer."

As Jennifer spoke, she kicked over Jasmine's suitcase. All the things Jasmine had carefully sorted and folded were ruined in an instant, just like that.

Seeing her effort so easily ruined lit a fire in Jasmine's chest.

She knew Jennifer was doing it on purpose—trying to get under her skin.

And it worked.

Without hesitation, Jasmine slapped her across the face.

William walked in just in time to see the red handprint blooming across Jennifer's cheek, and her watery eyes.

He was holding a bowl of stew meant for Jasmine, but it crashed to the ground.

Without asking a single question, he stormed over and struck Jasmine hard across the face.

"Jasmine, know when to stop!"

Jennifer let out a soft sob and looked up at William.

"It was my fault. I knocked over her suitcase by accident. I know I'm not welcome here. I'll leave."

After saying that, Jennifer rushed out the door.

William didn't hesitate and turned to follow her, but Jasmine suddenly called out.

"William!"

He paused.

"The third thing: Stay."