At Jade & Co. , Mr Jackson stood in his office with a stern look. The office space was a masterpiece of modern design, with sleek lines, minimalist decor, and an abundance of natural light. He stood facing Daniel as they talked seriously in a hushed tone.
"Father, please understand," Daniel said, his eyes pleading for comprehension. "Marrying Ivy will be a strategic move for the company. Her family's art gallery is a perfect match for our luxury interior design services. We can offer bundled packages, increase our client base, and expand our portfolio."
His father , standing behind the wooden desk in the large office rubbed his temple, his brow furrowed looking unconvinced "Daniel, I don't care who you marry, Ivy or Jasmine. But do you think the family will accept you after leaving the eldest for the youngest? You should be thankful Jasmine isn't slamming you with a lawsuit."
Daniel smirked. "She won't, Father. She has a reputation to uphold. She can't let the public find out she got married immediately after breaking up with her fiancé of six years. It's all about image with her."
The chairman's eyes narrowed. "You seem to know her well. But are you prepared for the consequences of your actions? The fallout with Jasmine's family, the gossip, the scrutiny?"
Daniel's jaw clenched. "They have no choice but to accept us now. Ivy is already pregnant."
The chairman's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "Alright, set up a meeting with the Roberts family. We'll discuss the engagement immediately."
Later that evening, the Roberts family gathered around the dinner table, the atmosphere tense and expectant. Jasmine's chair remained empty, and the others exchanged anxious glances.
"Jasmine is running late again, as usual." It was Olivia who talked, breaking the silence .
Just then, the door swung open, and Jasmine entered, Ignoring everyone that was seated and greeted her father. "Good evening father. Sorry I'm late."
Lucas smiled at her. "It's fine, it's just a few minutes."
The soon began eating in silence.The tension was palpable, with unspoken words and unresolved conflicts hanging in the air.
Mr. Roberts broke the silence, his voice jovial but probing. "Jasmine, dear, how have you been? How's married life treating you?"
Jasmine's smile faltered for a moment before she regained her composure. "I'm happy, Father. Don't worry about me."
Mr. Roberts's eyes lingered on her, searching for any sign of distress. "When will we meet your husband? You got married behind everyone's back, and now we're yet to meet him."
Jasmine's tone remained calm, but her eyes flashed with a hint of defiance. "We'll meet soon, Father. There's no rush."
The conversation turned uncomfortable as Mr. Roberts asked about her feelings towards Ivy and Daniel. Jasmine's response was measured, with a hint of sarcasm and mockery in her tone"They do not need to ask for my forgiveness because I have none to give anyways. I don't hold a grudge against them, but I'm rather thankful. They had both saved me from a lifelong mistake."
The room fell silent, with only the sound of utensils clinking against plates breaking the stillness. Daniel, seated across from Jasmine, shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his eyes locked on Ivy beside him. Ivy on the other hand was pissed. She didn't like how Jasmine was making her feel like she had dumped Daniel on her. She had managed to win Daniel's heart because she was better than Jasmine.
Mr. Roberts's voice turned stern as he addressed Daniel. "Daniel, I don't trust you with my second daughter. You're unreliable. How can I be certain you won't leave her?"
Daniel's apology seemed sincere, but his words were laced with desperation. "I love Ivy, Mr. Roberts. I'm truly sorry for my past actions. I know I hurt Jasmine, and for that, I'm eternally sorry. But Ivy...she's different. She's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with."
As he spoke, Daniel reached for Ivy's hand, his grip tight. "We're expecting a baby, and we'd like to proceed with the engagement quickly. We hope you'll support us."
Ivy's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes shining with happiness.Yes! He had chosen her because he thinks she's better than Jasmine. How dare she make her feel less!. She gave a proud look and readjusted in her seat.
The room fell silent once more, the weight of Daniel's announcement hanging in the air like a challenge.
The dinner had finally come to an end, but the tension between the families was still there. Daniel, still holding Ivy's hand, turned to Mr. Roberts with a determined look on his face.
"Mr. Roberts, now that we've shared the news with the family, I'd like to discuss the wedding plans. Our family would like to meet with yours to finalize the details. We'd prefer it if we could hold the wedding soon."
Mr. Roberts's expression was unreadable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered Daniel's request. "I'll give it some thought and reach out to you later, Daniel. Let's not rush into anything just yet."
Daniel nodded, though his smile seemed to falter for a moment. "Of course, Mr. Roberts. We understand."
As they finished their meal and began to disperse, Ivy made her way over to Jasmine, who was heading towards her car. Ivy's smile was sweet, but her eyes sparkled with malice.
"Well, well, well, Jasmine. Looks like I've finally won the prize," Ivy said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Daniel chose me over you because he thinks I'm better. I mean, who wouldn't want me?"
Jasmine's expression remained calm, but her eyes flashed with amusement. "Stop flattering yourself, Ivy. You're just a temporary distraction for him. He's still the same man who cheated on me with you. It's only a matter of time before he cheats on you too."
Ivy's face turned red with fury, her eyes blazing with anger. "We'll see about that," she spat, her voice low and menacing.
With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off, leaving Jasmine standing alone by her car. Jasmine watched her retreating back and smiled, a small, triumphant smile. She had managed to provoke Ivy, and that was all that mattered.