CHAPTER 40

'Thank you sweetie," she said before twisting the cap and bringing it to her lips. 'I've been meaning to ask you this, do you know who paid for my lung transplants?" 'Yeah," I answered. 'Who?" 'Why you want to know that? The only thing that matters is that it's already done and you're not six feet under the ground." 'I want to know because I want to thank that person Jasmine. You don't have to sass me." 'Bradley." 'What?" 'Bradley Pittsburg from college. My ex boyfriend. He paid for it. I told him about your condition and he paid for it." 'You let that boy pay for my transplants?!" 'You see! That's why I didn't want to tell you anything because I know you would snap like this. He did a good thing mom. What he did in the past, I can't change that, but he's sorry for what he did. He went out of his way to pay over one hundred thousand dollars for YOU! Be grateful and stop holding grudges for what he did to me because I already forgave him. So who are you to keep on hating him?" 'Why are you talking to me like this? And picking sides?" My mother was hurt by my words. 'Mom I'm not picking any sides because there are none. Just stop this. You're home and you're alive. Let's just have something to eat and enjoy you being back." She nodded yes. 'I'm sorry mom if my tone and words offended you," I apologized. Life is short and I didn't want my mom to waste hers holding onto a grudge or grudges against everyone who had hurt me throughout my lifetime. I was a better person and I had learnt to let the past go. So why mustn't she? Bradley did hurt me. He hurt me beyond my heart could handle but he made it up by doing something no one else would of done at that time for me, mom and Zenia. I had forgiven him and I knew he wouldn't do anything so stupid again. I believed he learnt his lesson. My phone buzzed in my pocket. 1 New Message Sender: Mr. Hollen 'I think I'm falling for you. Can't wait to see you again and hold you in my arms. A smile came on my lips. My phone buzzed again. 1 New Message Sender: Bradley Pittsburg ‘I can't stop thinking about you. I miss you and I'm dying to see you. I love you Jasmine. I want us back together.' I heaved a sigh as I raked my hand through my hair and placed my phone on the kitchen island. Who exactly should I settle for? Jasmine's POV The weekend went by quietly because mom had given me a cold shoulder. Thinking she would have had a change of heart and appreciated Bradley for what he did, but I was wrong. I took my frustration with me to work on Monday. A look of gloom was on my face for the entire morning while I carried out my task. 'Jasmine," a voice said behind me. He approached my desk and looked at my face, arching his eyebrows with concern and curiosity. 'What's the matter?" he asked. 'I don't know," I answered, replacing my unpleasant expression with a fake smile. But he was Evan Hollen and nothing got passed Evan Hollen. He was seeing right through my pretence. 'Tell me what's wrong with you." 'What makes you think something is wrong with me?" I asked. 'Because I know you and sadness is written all over your face." I smiled. 'Maybe what I have to tell you will actually turn around your mood for the better." 'And what's that?" I asked. 'We're leaving for The Bahamas on Wednesday." I was astonished. The Bahamas! I couldn't stop the smile escaping my lips. 'The Bahamas? Really? Who? When? Why?" I sounded like I was speaking in tongues which made him laughed. 'Yes The Bahamas. You and I. On Wednesday. For a business meeting," he answered my questions. I couldn't wait. I needed this. And he was right, my mood changed for the better. On Wednesday Afternoon I was already packed and was driving with him towards a private air strip. On arriving, I stepped out of the car and instantly got speechless when I saw a private jet with the initial ′E H' on its vertical stabilizer. He led me forward and ascended into the jet. 'Are you alright?" he asked, taking a seat opposite from me and looking into my eyes. I nodded yes, buckling my seat belt. 'Good afternoon Mr. Hollen and guest. Can I get you anything?" an air hostess approached us and asked. 'Would you like to have anything to drink?" he asked. 'A glass of white wine please," I answered. 'Make that two," he said to her. She nodded before retreating. 'So have you ever been to the Bahamas?" he asked, making conversation. 'No I haven't. I've never been outside for America actually.." 'So this would be the first trip you've ever had? I'll make it extra special for you then." He came closer and sat down next to me and pulled me onto his sweet lips. I reacted immediately, pulling him closer so that there wasn't any space between our bodies.