Jasmine didn't miss the sarcasm in his voice. She glanced briefly at him, his lips curled with a mock smile. Jasmine shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, it's quite a privilege and he is opportune to have one willing not to sacrifice him for her future", she retorted effortlessly.
Veena glared at Jasmine her eyes cold spewing daggers at her. Jasmine met her gaze head-on, It is quite clear she isn't a simple opponent but a lady who can easily let go when challenged isn't worthy of been her opponent.
"Sister-in-law, do you think my actions are wrong?"
Veena opened her mouth to answer but Aaron voice beat her to it "That's really kind of you and I must say my cousin is really lucky to have you though as much as he has other needs you can just fulfill this, the effort isn't in vain" Aaron replied casting a taunting glance at David who only glanced lightly at him with his frosty gaze.
"That is true, I can only do this much but I doubt if you both switch position, will...she be willing or eager... to take the role effortlessly...like I did?" Jasmine asked glancing lightly at Veena.
She had read the room since she settled down, it is clear that the couples are anything but happy with each other. This loophole she must explore to her own advantage.
Aaron opened his mouth to retort but felt stumped of what to say. The truth is as glaring as the day. He might have succeed in his plot to spite David and make him wish for death but he is the one who is really dead.
He glared at Jasmine who pretended not to have noticed his gaze,
Veena didn't expect Jasmine to single her out like that. She was furious and she glared at her with rage.
Jasmine ignored her gaze rather she grabbed David hand in hers and lightly caressed it for a while but didn't stop fiddling with it after that.
Her attention for the first time drawn to how long his fingers are, his bones distinct and calluses on the tips of his fingers. A clear fact that aside the fact he had laboured for the Allen for several years, he still had his fair share of stories to tell.
Her actions helped him calm the tension on his shoulder and the anger brewing in his eyes dissipated.
She didn't want him to give them the satisfaction they seek. She wouldn't allow him lose his temper over people that did not matter, so she must distract his attention. She wouldn't let him experience another episode.
David gaze rested on her face taking in her calm confident features that cares little about the world collapsing at her feet, he felt the impulse to kiss her but then he held back.
"You must be calm, okay", she leaned in to his ears and whispered. She might not have spent much time with him but she is quite certain of his short temper.
David smiled lightly "Am not too bothered, you are doing great already by not fretting at their gaze", he whispered.
Ethan sitting beside couldn't help but imagine how the two were able to have a close tactic understanding among them.
The interactions between both of them left a bitter taste in the mouth of the family members —this is a blatant flirting attitude without regards for the elders.
Veena looked at David who had a soft smile playing on his lips and felt her breathe hitch—This smile had always been her dazzling sun but now mocks her, she is not resigned with this result.
Veena's hand on the armchair clenched as she glared at Jasmine's hand on David's. That was her position. Why do she have to be beside him? Why should he let her touch him? No, She can't really let go, she had thought that the next time they will meet she would have gotten over him but then why is it this painful?
Jasmine gazed at Veena not missing the changes on her cold face and a mischievous smile graced her lips "Sister-in-law, If you are married to a man unfortunate to lose his legs will you abandon him?" She queried, her tone light.
Jasmine never wanted to get involved with her but she is beginning to feel uncomfortable at her blatant gaze on David.
Several other family members that had arrived for the dinner glanced at Aaron and Veena. Their gazes mocking them, it is no secret that Veena had abandoned David due to his disability.
The Allen family had really refreshed Jasmine memory of the term shameless as they gloat over each other's misfortune. She began to wonder where the family love that made David give his all for the Allen family and group spring from or is he just soft hearted.
"Sister-in-law, I think it depends on the motive of the marriage", Pamela replied casting a furtive glance at Veena.
She had never liked this woman Veena who felt she has it all. Pamela's mother nudged her lightly, she didn't want her getting involved in the scheme of the Allen family. Her life is already miserable and she didn't want it getting worst.
Veena smiled lightly at Jasmine as she threw Pamela a threatening glare, she knew this is a trap but if she didn't answer how will she prove her worth.
"Sister-in-law, as a wife I will surely do my best to take care of my husband", she replied while she glared at Aaron. "Who wants to take care of him?" she mused.
Aaron glanced at her, he is not in anyway convinced, he needed no one to tell him that if given an opportunity Veena will prefer he died.
At the far end of the room, Desmond slowly placed his wine glass on the table, his eyes narrowing slightly, he was glad he had stepped back . The atmosphere thickened, the invisible battle lines drawn with everyone of them glaring at each other while battling with their own thoughts.
"Really?" Jasmine asked looking in between Aaron and Veena, the tension not escaping her eyes.
"Of course, that is the right thing for any responsible woman to do", she answered.
Jasmine nodded lightly as she leaned back slightly on the couch, still clutching David hand tightly "Then, it is also responsible not to stare at another woman's husband." She muttered in a quiet tone as though mumbling to herself but it was clear to everyone in the sitting room.
Veena quickly averted her gaze but it was already late as the family had noted the scene severally but none wanted to comment. Veena was flustered, she didn't expect this girl not to play by the rules.
"David, it is not true, Jasmine you might have mistaken", she stammered but no matter how she tried she found herself making it messier. The smirk on Jasmine's lips taunting her foolishness.
Aaron's expression turned colder, he is not unaware of Veena's gaze on David. Her gaze had rested on him from the time Jasmine wheeled him in and he needed not anyone to tell him that she is not happy that she is not the one beside him.
Veena decided not to explain further, it made no impact but she made a decision. Since Jasmine doesn't want to play by the rules then she shouldn't blame her for being ruthless.
Veena felt a cold piercing gaze, she did not need anyone to tell her who it belongs to but at the moment he isn't worth her time.
"Let me see what the kitchen is making, it's taking long", she chimed casting a cold glance at Jasmine who only yawned lazily shutting her eyes.
David glanced at Jasmine and chuckled at the grumbling...