[JASMINE – POV]
I didn't want to say it.
Not because I didn't trust Lucas—but because saying it out loud meant it was real. That Ayo actually did those things. That I'd let him in, let him change me, hurt me.
But Lucas just stood there. Waiting. Not pressuring. Just… present.
"I dated Ayo back in Lagos," I said slowly, voice barely above a whisper. "He wasn't always a jerk. At first, he was sweet. Charming. The guy who brought me flowers and made me laugh until I cried."
Lucas nodded, quiet.
"But it changed. He got possessive. Jealous. Controlling. He'd tell me what to wear, who to talk to, when I could go out. And when I pushed back... he didn't like it."
Lucas's jaw tightened. His hands balled into fists, but he didn't interrupt.
"He never hit me. But sometimes words can hit harder, you know?"
Lucas stepped closer, his voice low. "And now he's here."
I nodded. "And he hasn't changed. Not one bit."
Lucas looked like he wanted to punch a wall, but he only said, "He won't get close to you again. I promise."
It wasn't just the words. It was the fire behind them that made me believe him.
[LUCAS – POV]
Hearing what Ayo did made my blood boil.
I wanted to find him right then and there.
But Jasmine needed something more than fists—she needed someone who believed in her, who stood with her.
I could be that guy. I would be that guy.
And if Ayo tried anything again?
He'd regret ever setting foot near her.