JASMINE
The drive home from the restaurant was quiet but comfortable.
The city lights blurred past the windows as Stephan kept one hand on the wheel and the other occasionally brushing mine.
The neck brace made it uncomfortable to lean my head against the seat, but I didn't mind.
For the first time in days, the tension between us felt lighter. The dinner, despite Christina and Stella's interruption, had been exactly what we needed.
Stephan glanced at me every few minutes, his expression soft. "You handled Christina well tonight," he said quietly. "I could see how hard she was trying to push. But you… You stood your ground without being cruel and I am proud of you."
I smiled, squeezing his hand. "I am learning. I don't want to be the person who hurts you anymore. I want to be someone you can trust…. Not the old Jasmine anymore."
