JASMINE
We finally arrived home as the sun dipped low, painting the sky in soft oranges and pinks. Jaden was exhausted but glowing from his big day at sports.
Stephan carried him inside gently, Jaden's head resting on his father's shoulder. The boy was half-asleep already, but his small smile never faded.
After a quick, warm bath that Elena helped with, Jaden joined us at the dining table for a light family dinner.
He ate slowly, still buzzing with excitement as he recounted every race and cheer.
Stephan listened attentively, occasionally glancing at me with a soft look that made my chest feel warm. I smiled back, feeling grateful for this quiet moment after the chaos of the past days.
When dinner ended, Jaden turned to me with hopeful eyes. "Jasmine… can you tell me a bedtime story tonight? It's been so long since you did."
My heart squeezed. The original Jasmine had clearly neglected this sweet boy. I nodded without hesitation. "Of course, sweetheart. I would love to."
