Chapter 81
Chapter 82
Alex was aboard the helicopter when he spotted Jasmine dangling precariously from the edge of a thirty-story skyscraper.
“Get us there now!” he shouted to the pilot, his voice sharp over the thrum of the rotor blades.
As the helicopter surged toward the building, Alex moved to the open doorway, preparing to reach her.
But then his heart lurched-Jasmine released her grip and leaped into the void.
His eyes widened, but only for a split second.
Instinct took over.
With a powerful push, he launched himself out of the helicopter, diving headfirst through the night sky after her.
The sudden shift rocked the aircraft, causing it to sway as Alex plummeted downward.
The cold wind whipped against his face, stinging his skin as city lights blurred around him.
Jasmine fell through the air, the world a swirl of stars and skyscrapers.
Regret and confusion stormed within her.
Had she made the right choice?
Should she have fought back against Chris?
Let him do his worst and face the consequences
later?
Fear and desperation tangled in her mind, but one thought burned brighter than the rest-she refused to let Chris break her spirit.
Amidst the chaos, she glimpsed Alex diving toward her, cutting through the darkness like a beacon.
Her lips parted in a whisper, disbelief mingling with a glimmer of hope.
“You are my heart, my soul, my today and all of my tomorrows p>
Before she could fully grasp it, Alex reached her, wrapping his arms tightly around her.
His other hand shot out, latching onto a massive advertisement panel affixed to the building’s side.
The panel shattered under the force, sparks flying as cables snapped, sending a jolt through his arm.
Pain seared, but he held on, the makeshift anchor slowing their descent.
Gritting his teeth, Alex shifted Jasmine into a protective hold, cradling her against his chest as they continued to fall.
His mind raced for a solution.
They were still hurtling toward the ground too quickly.
Just then, a limousine rolled into view beneath them.
Seizing the moment, Alex angled his body and braced himself.
They crashed onto the limo’s roof with a deafening impact.
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Chapter 82
Metal crumpled beneath them, windows exploded into shards that scattered across the street.
The vehicle shuddered violently, screeching to a halt.
For a heartbeat, silence enveloped them.
Jasmine clung to Alex, her face buried against him, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
Pain radiated through Alex’s legs, the force of the landing reverberating up his spine.
But he held firm, arms steady around her.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered, his voice calm amid the chaos
He could only hope the limousine had been empty; the thought of innocent
passengers injured because of their fall weighed heavily on him.
High above, on the rooftop, Chris stood in stunned disbelief.
Jasmine’s leap had shattered his plans, leaving him scrambling.
His gaze swept over her scattered belongings-laptop, phone, wallet, handbag. Desperation clawed at him. Snatching an office backpack, he stuffed everything inside, including a Kingston data drive, and slung it over his shoulder.
He knew his accounts were frozen, his resources dwindling.
If he wanted any chance of escape, he’d need leverage-something to bargain with.
A loud banging echoed from the door.
Security was breaching the entrance, their tools battering against the wood.
Thinking quickly, Chris pressed himself against the wall beside the door.
As it splintered open and guards surged into the room, he slipped out behind them, moving silently into the hallway.
Dressed in a security uniform, he navigated the corridors with feigned purpose, his pulse pounding.
When a group of guards confronted him, one demanded, “Where are you headed p>
“Miss Jasmine jumped from the building!” Chris exclaimed urgently. “I’m heading down to assist p>
The guards exchanged alarmed glances before rushing toward the stairwell.
In the ensuing chaos, Chris slipped away, exiting through a back door. Outside, a scene was unfolding.
The limousine driver stood beside the wrecked vehicle, gesturing wildly.
“Look at my car! My boss is going to kill me p>
Broken glass and twisted metal littered the street, the roof caved in from the impact.
Jasmine’s vision blurred, her senses overwhelmed.
The clamor of the crowd, the flash of cameras-all faded into the background. In that moment, only Alex existed.
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She looked up at him, emotion welling in her eyes.
Without hesitation, she reached up and pressed her lips to is in a fervent kiss.
For a moment, Alex was still, surprised. 1
Murmurs rippled through the onlookers, and more phones were rafsed, capturing the unexpected scene.
Meanwhile, back at the orphanage, Josephine sat by the window, gazing out at the stars scattered across the night sky.
The events of the day replayed in her mind-the fear, the relief, and the
unexpected help from Alex.
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
Ruth wheeled into the rooin, her eyes kind. “Couldn’t sleep p>
Josephine smiled faintly. “Just thinking p>
“About that young man?” Ruth ventured, a knowing look in her eyes.
“Maybe,” Josephine admitted. “He’s… different p>
“Good different p>
She nodded. “He stood up for me when no one else would. I don’t even know
why p>
Ruth reached over, placing a gentle hand on her arm.
“Sometimes, people come into our lives when we need them most. Don’t question
it too much p>
Josephine sighed softly. “I just wish I knew more about him”
“Perhaps you will, in time,” Ruth said reassuringly. “For now, rest. Tomorrow is a
new day p>
“You’re right,” Josephine agreed, feeling a sense of peace settle over her.
As she prepared for bed, a quiet hope blossomed in her heart-a hope for new beginnings and the promise of better days ahead.