Chapter : 1 The Moment I couldn't Let Go & Chapter 2 The Start of Something New

It all started when I said, “No.”
But Dean didn’t let go. His grip only tightened, fingers curling around mine like he was afraid I’d vanish.

I knew it wouldn’t work. He was trouble—the kind of trouble that came wrapped in tattoos and rode a Harley with skulls gleaming on the sides. The kind of guy my parents warned me about. And yet, my heart whispered, stay, while my mind screamed, run.

What would my parents think? Would they ever approve of this love—my one true love?

I tried to clear my head, but his scent was intoxicating, like danger and comfort all at once. I told him I had to go, that I needed to be home before dark. But I couldn’t let go. And neither could Dean.

We stood there, tangled in silence, the world fading around us. Time stretched, thick and slow, like the moment itself didn’t want to end. I didn’t want to hurt him. I didn’t want to leave.

But I did.

I pulled away, whispering something about my parents noticing I was gone. Really, I just needed space—to think about him, about us.

And then he said it.

“I love you.”

I froze. Did he just…?

Tears threatened to spill, but I held them back. I turned, looked into his eyes, and said the words I’d been too scared to admit.

“I love you too.”

We kissed. And it was everything.

It felt right. Real. Like the kind of love that could rewrite the rules.

In that instant, I knew—we could run away together. And maybe, just maybe, we’d be okay.

                                          Chapter 2-The Start of Something New

The next morning, sunlight seeped through the curtain, crawling across my bedcover and illuminating my face, gently waking me. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around my room, letting out a soft sigh as I prepared for the day. I got out of bed and headed into the bathroom.

After I finished my tasks, I went downstairs and was welcomed by my lovely mother. She was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast for me before heading out for work. Normally, I wouldn't see her again until later because she works late at night as a nurse.

“Good Morning, Mom,” I said to her as I sat down at the table, and she placed in front of me a plate filled with a piece of toast, bacon, and scrambled eggs for me.

“Good Morning, sweetheart, did you sleep well?” she asked me.

“I did, working late again,” I said to her as I eyed her packed lunch bag that she had on her shoulder.

“Yes, sweetheart, I’m sorry,” she said to me with a sad expression on her face.

I shake my head at her concern, “Don’t worry about it, Ma, I’ll be fine,” I said to her.

She gives me a small smile as she heads out the door, and as soon as the door closes behind her, I am left alone with my thoughts for a bit, not that I mind. It allows me to compose myself before starting my day.

I grabbed my phone and sent Dean a good morning text before cleaning up my mess and putting it in the kitchen sink, before grabbing my things and heading off to classes for the day. As I got into my car, I couldn’t help but get this strange feeling that I’m being watched.

I took a deep breath to shake off the lingering feelings, inserted my keys into the ignition, and started my car with a familiar rumble. As I navigated the streets towards campus, I glimpsed the town’s residents immersed in their everyday rituals—clustering joyfully with friends, the hum of laughter mingling with the soft roar of engines. The vibrant downtown buzzed with life as I drove past, the warm glow of shopfronts illuminating the twilight. Turning right at the corner of Betty Road, I continued for another fifteen minutes, the anticipation building as the college parking lot finally emerged on the horizon, a familiar sight that promised the start of another day filled with possibility. I pulled into the parking spot, took a deep breath as I got out of my car and locked it, and headed inside the building as I swung my backpack on my shoulder and headed inside as my footsteps echo in the hallway as I headed to my first class. I turned the knob and opened the door, and walked in.

Meanwhile, Dean just parked in the parking lot a few minutes after Jasmine and was sitting in his car, wondering how his parents were going to handle him dating someone not in their social status.

Dean lets out a sigh as he looks at his rearview mirror, as he gets out of his car and heads to his first class of the day, and as he hears the mutter of his classmates as they head to their classes for the day.

After a few hours, Dean heads to one of the dining halls as he exits his class building, and the campus environment comes alive as the entire student body crowds as they all rush on to either head to their next class or try to find something to eat.

As Dean made his way down the lively street, the air buzzed with the animated chatter of students exchanging laughter and stories. Among the throng, he spotted Jasmine, her figure illuminated by the afternoon sun, but a dark silhouette trailed closely behind her, lurking in the shadows. A surge of adrenaline coursed through him, and he quickened his pace, heart pounding, determined to reach her before the shadowy figure could do any harm.

“Hey, you, why are you following Jasmine?” Dean shouted as the shadowy figure ran away. Jasmine turned around, shocked that someone was following her, and screamed. This alerted the campus police as they chased after him.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked her.

“Yes, I’m okay, they or he didn’t hurt me,”

Dean breathed a sigh of relief.

“That's good,” he said to her as he hugged her and decided it was time for both of them to find somewhere to go and talk in private.

Dean led Jasmine through the ivy-covered entrance of the campus greenhouse, where the warm, humid air was alive with the scent of blooming flowers and rich soil. They found a quiet corner among the vibrant greenery, where ferns and orchids flourished in natural light streaming through the glass panels. They began talking, their conversation flowing effortlessly for hours as they explored Jasmine's thoughts and feelings.

Recognizing the weight of Jasmine's stress, Dean suggested they step away from the hustle and bustle of campus life. “Let’s go to the park,” he said gently, knowing the tranquility of nature could provide her some peace of mind. Jasmine agreed, grateful for the company and the opportunity to escape.

They walked to the campus parking lot, where Jasmine's car—a small, silver hatchback—was parked next to Dean's slightly older, blue sedan. After securing their belongings, they climbed into Dean's car. As he started the engine, the familiar hum of the vehicle provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

The drive to the park was filled with light banter, but Dean remained attentive to Jasmine’s mood, noticing her gradual relaxation. Once they arrived in her quiet suburban neighborhood, they parked alongside a row of flowering cherry blossom trees, their petals dancing gently in the breeze.

As they stepped out of the car, they were greeted by the refreshing air and the distant sound of children laughing, further easing the tension that had weighed on Jasmine. With a sense of purpose, they began the short walk to the local park, ready to embrace the calming atmosphere awaiting them.

Once they arrived, they got out and walked around the park.

“Hey, are you sure that you're okay?” he asked, with a concerned look on his face.

“No, I’m not. Why was someone following me?” I said

“I don’t know, but I will make sure no one is going to hurt you while I’m around.”

“What am I going to do?” I told him.

“I don’t know, but we will get through this together,” he said to her.

He hugged her as we walked through the park, and when the sun began to set, the cool night air replaced the warmth of the day. We strolled around his entire neighborhood, admiring the houses and gardens, before returning to his home. Despite his rough exterior, he enjoys a life of considerable wealth. As the maid opened the door for us, we stepped inside, our faces still refreshed from the walk, and she greeted us warmly.

"Welcome back, Young Master," said Amber.

"Thank you, Amber. Is my parents' home?"

"No, sir, they are away on business and won't be back for two weeks, I'm afraid, but don't worry; you are in good hands, Master," said Amber.

"Okay, thank you, I'll take Jasmine to my room for tonight."

"Okay, Young Master, let me know if you need anything," Amber said as she left us alone and went into the kitchen.

Dean picks me up in his arms bridal style as he carries me up the stairs, then we walk to his room. His room features red and black walls, dark wooden floors, and a huge king-size bed. He lays me on the bed as he joins me and pulls me closer to him. "Don't worry, Jasmin, we will get through this together. I promise. Okay, my love?"

"Okay, Dean, I trust you," I said, trying not to cry anymore as we both fell asleep.