JASMINE
"St… Stop…" I struggled, my voice hoarse as Stephan's hand tightened around my neck.
The car was still moving, but everything blurred. His fingers pressed harder, cutting off my air. I could feel my pulse hammering wildly under his palm. He wasn't thinking right now, for goodness sake he didn't seem to realize he was hurting his own wife.
"Hey… stop… " You are hurting me," I gasped, tapping desperately at his hand.
"I said you should tell me who the fuck you are," he growled, eyes dark with fury and confusion.
Stars danced in my vision. If I didn't do something fast, I might actually meet my creator today.
"What is wrong with you? I am your wife! Do you want to kill me before my time?" I choked out.
At once he paused and his grip loosened just enough for me to suck in a desperate breath. He stared at me for several long seconds, chest heaving, like he was trying to figure out if I was real or a ghost.
"Why did you call him my…" he started.
"Isn't he your son?" I asked, still struggling against his hold. "Stop it, you are freaking me out…"
I couldn't bear it anymore. I grabbed his wrist with all my strength, snatched it down, and twisted it hard.
"Damn!" He groaned, tapping the car seat in pain.
I pressed harder against his back, pinning him against the car window.
"The heck… I had an accident and might not have recalled everything, and Jaden told me you are his son."
(Well… you don't call him his son. You call Jaden "little bastard." Five points are used to unlock that memory. Your points are now 10.)
"The heck!!!" I groaned out loud, pressing him harder in frustration.
"Jasmine!" he let out.
Only then did I realize how hard I was pressing. I quickly let go of him.
(Why will you use points without giving me access?) I asked the system, but it just went silent.
(What sort of system is this? Why is it so hard on me in this world?)
"Yeah… I know I used to call him a little bastard, but that doesn't mean he isn't your son," I let out, rubbing my sore neck where he had almost strangled me to death.
He stared at me, speechless, rubbing his twisted wrist and I rolled my eyes.
"Well… you caused it. If you hadn't strangled me, maybe you wouldn't have gotten that."
He only stared at me, still silent, until we heard the screech of tires as the car stopped.
I looked out the window and it was the hospital. If there was one thing I hated in my entire life, it was hospitals.
I swallowed hard and tried to get out, but the door was locked. I glanced at Stephan. He had already stepped out and was moving toward my side.
He opened the door for me and stretched out his hand to help me down.
I smirked, ignored his hand, and stepped out on my own, very well satisfied with this action.
He dropped his hand and stepped back, watching me quietly as I walked toward the hospital lounge. He followed a few steps behind, his presence silent.
"Mr. Maxwell," the nurse at the reception greeted him warmly. "Dr. Stella is ready for you."
The moment I heard the female name, I paused. Stella? Was she going to be the female lead?
(System… Stella… who is she?) I asked silently. The system refused to respond.
(System? Just help me with this once.)
(You will use 15 points to know who she is. Are you sure you want to waste it?)
(You useless thing.) I bit back a groan as I glanced back at the nurse.
"You seem to know the doctor? I wonder who she is?" I stated, and the nurse glanced at me for some seconds before smiling.
"Where did you say she is?" He asked the nurse instead, ignoring.
"She is currently finishing a consultation, but she will see you shortly."
"Alright, we will go to her office," Stephan said.
Before I could protest, he pulled me roughly by the wrist and walked toward the so-called office of this lady Stella.
The moment we reached the door, a woman in a white coat stepped out.
She was beautiful in a quiet, nerdy way, with long dark hair pulled into a neat bun, and a gentle smile that made her look both professional and approachable. Her coat was crisp, and she carried a clipboard as if it were part of her arm.
"It's been a while since you came here, Stella is currently free, you can go inside."
"Oh, so this isn't Stella, I thought as much," I whispered. I heard Stephan scoff beside me.
Then she turned to me, her smiling face turning cold instantly.
"Oh… I didn't see you there," she said flatly, then walked off without another word.
I could only stare after her, wondering what the original Jasmine had done to earn that kind of reaction.
"Are you coming in?" Stephan asked. I looked up at the door and froze.
"You brought me to a psychiatrist?" I asked in shock. How had I missed that part?
"You needed it," he said.
"What the heck?" I yelled before I could control myself. Just then the door opened wider.
A very beautiful woman stepped into view, with midnight-blue eyes behind stylish glasses, long lashes, soft waves of dark hair framing her face, and a warm smile. She looked elegant and intelligent, like someone who could read your soul in five minutes.
"Heard a mad dog barking… never knew it was you," she said, her voice light but teasing. "So that proves it."
"Stella…" Stephan called out.
I felt a sharp sting in my chest. Jealousy burned hot and fast. Why does he say her name so familiarly? Is she his mistress? My hands clenched at my sides.
Not only did he bring me to a psychiatrist but to someone who would be able to mock me for it.
I didn't say anything, just turned to leave, but then he caught my wrist again.
"Seeing a psychiatrist doesn't mean you are mad," he explained gently.
"Oh please, she looks like one."
"Stella." He called out again and she rolled her eyes in return making me more pissed.
"I just want to be sure you are not going through something worse. You seem to have lost some of your memories."
I snatched my hand away. "And the best person you could bring me to is none other than your mistress."
The words came out sharper than I intended. Jealousy made my voice tremble. I hated how small and insecure I sounded. Why am I even jealous? This is just a mission. He's not really mine.
But then I felt both of them went mute. Stephan stared at me, then at Stella, then back at me.
"My mistress?" he asked, voice low.
I rolled my eyes, trying to hide the hurt. "What else would she be? You brought me here to see her like it's normal."
Stella broke the silence with a soft laugh. "Oh… I see why you really need to meet the psychiatrist."
She moved toward me, reaching out as if to comfort me. I smacked her hand away. "Don't touch me."
She only smirked. "So you're jealous?"
That did it, the jealousy flared hotter. My face burned. I felt exposed, stupid, and furious all at once. How dare she smirk at me like that? How dare Stephan bring me here without warning?
"Stephan… I will leave you here," I snapped, turning to storm off. But he stopped me with his next words.
"Stella is my twin sister."