Chapter 611 - Love has a way of finding us when we least expect it
Seraphine knew Jasmine had a point. The fear of never finding love again, of being trapped in unrequited feelings forever, was a familiar ache, one she recognized all too well.
But then, something grand was about to happen, right? The universe had a way of balancing things out, of delivering exactly what was needed at precisely the right moment.
"Well, the Blood Moon festival might just give you your mate." Seraphine’s voice carried a note of gentle hope. "So be patient, Jasmine. Love has a way of finding us when we least expect it."
Jasmine nodded slowly, the motion conveying more than any words could. She regretted not confiding in Seraphine earlier, not opening up about the turmoil in her heart before it had spiraled out of control.
She felt that if she had told the latter about her feelings for Corvine before sneaking into his shower room, then she would never have taken that reckless risk. The weight of that mistake pressed down on her shoulders like a physical burden.
"Thank you, Sera." Jasmine’s voice was thick with emotion. "No wonder Corvine loves you so much. You’re wise, and you’re kind, and you see people for who they really are."
She wiped her eyes, taking a steadying breath. "I will apologize to him. And right now, I want Liah as a friend more than a rival. I want to be worthy of the kindness she’s shown me."
"I’m glad to hear that." Seraphine smiled warmly, pulling Jasmine into one last embrace. "We can all learn a lot from each other. That’s what family does—we grow together."
When they returned to the living room, Voren informed them that Corvine had gone upstairs with Liah. The two women settled onto the plush sofa, the silence stretching between them as they waited.
It wasn’t long before the pair stepped out, their expressions unreadable. Seraphine decided to give Jasmine the last chance to correct her wrongs, to bridge the gap that had grown between her and Corvine.
Also, she knew that Corvine needed to face his fears too. What if he faced something similar at the Silver Moon Pack? Well, bitches would always be bitches, and a man had to always be a man. He needed to learn how to handle unwanted advances with grace and firmness, and this was the perfect opportunity to practice.
As soon as Seraphine stepped out with Liah, Jasmine spoke up, her voice trembling but determined. Unknown to her, Voren was in the kitchen and could hear every word.
It wasn’t that he was eavesdropping. He simply wanted to observe Corvine’s ability to manage the emotional stress that came with flirting and seduction. An Alpha needed to be prepared for anything, especially when it came to matters of the heart.
"Corvine, I’m sorry for everything." Jasmine’s voice cracked as the words tumbled out in a rush. "I had no right to step into your shower. I had no right to try to steal you from Liah."
She paused, taking a shaky breath. "I didn’t understand before how you could just fall in love with her over a few days when we had been together for weeks. But everything is clear now. Love doesn’t ask who, and isn’t time bound. It just... happens." Her eyes pleaded with him. "Please forgive me. I don’t want to lose your friendship."
Corvine’s expression remained guarded, his arms crossed over his chest. "Did Sera put you up to this?" His voice was flat, skeptical. He still doubted that Jasmine had truly changed.
If she could pull this off after Voren’s rejection of her, then how could he trust her words now?
Jasmine shook her head firmly. "Corvine, I did speak to Sera. But I only told her the truth." She met his gaze, her eyes steady despite the tears threatening to spill.
"Yes, I love you. And I won’t lie by telling you I don’t love you anymore." She swallowed hard. "I just understand that you love someone else. And soon enough, this thing in my heart will melt away. Who knows? I might just find my prince charming too."
She gathered the courage to look into Corvine’s eyes, searching for any sign of the warmth he used to show her. But seeing that it had still not softened, not the way he used to look at her, with that easy kindness that had made her fall in the first place, she almost lost hope. The coldness in his gaze cut deeper than any words could.
"Look, I felt threatened by Liah before." Jasmine’s voice dropped, regret dominating her tone.
"When she showed up at the full moon festival, most of the girls said she was so proud and arrogant. When I saw her from afar, I thought so too. I didn’t even know why Sera liked her."
She paused, shame flooding her features. "But after last night, my perception of her changed completely. Even the way she treats her staff, the way she treated me here, in her home...I saw a completely different person. Liah is a very good person. And I know that you two are best for each other. You deserve each other."
Corvine took in a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Jasmine, it’s not wrong to love someone." His voice softened a fraction. "What made me upset—"
"Was when I sneaked into your shower," Jasmine answered for him, regret filling her voice. "I’m so sorry, Corvine. I really am. I just want you to be the friend you were to me because I can’t stand your coldness towards me."
She took another deep breath, steadying herself. "I’m willing to confess to Liah and apologize for everything if it would make you understand that I have changed. I mean it. I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right."
Corvine thought through her words deeply, studying her face for any sign of deception.
The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken things. Finally, he released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. "I don’t like the friction between us too. So I’m taking you by your word, Jasmine." His voice carried a note of cautious hope. "And I already told Liah everything. All of it."
Jasmine’s heart sunk a little, but she nodded. "You did the right thing. But you should let me speak to her." She needed to apologize directly, to look Liah in the eyes and admit her wrongdoing. It was the only way to truly move forward.
"I don’t think that would be a problem," Corvine agreed, his expression finally softening.
A flicker of hope sparked in Jasmine’s chest. "Can I hug you?" she asked expectantly, her voice small and vulnerable. "Just one last time? As friends?"