Alpha's Regret: The Seventh Time was Forever

Chapter 610: Chapter 610 - Walk in dignity

Seraphine was not one to interfere in matters that were not brought to her table. She believed in letting people fight their own battles, make their own mistakes, and learn from their own consequences. But this time, she could not close her eyes to the signs that had been glaring at her for days.

Clearly, Jasmine was not willing to let go of her feelings for Corvine. The desperate look in her eyes every time he entered a room, the way her gaze followed him like a compass pointing north, was all there, written across her face like a confession.

And that could destroy not only Corvine emotionally but Voren’s carefully laid plans too. The contest was already complicated enough without adding romantic entanglements to the mix.

She would say it was a miracle that Corvine’s interest aligned with Voren’s plans for a brighter future, a rare moment of cosmic alignment that had brought them all together. But miracles required careful handling, and Jasmine’s presence was becoming a loose thread in the tapestry.

What she didn’t expect was Jasmine breaking down in her arms as soon as they stepped onto the patio. The space was elegant and breathtaking, as expected of a Paris mansion, but this time, Seraphine could not appreciate the splendor. Her attention was fixed entirely on the trembling girl in her arms.

”Sera, I messed up and I lost his friendship.” Jasmine’s voice cracked, tears streaming down her cheeks. ”He won’t even look at me anymore. He won’t talk to me unless it’s about the kids.”

Seraphine did not comfort her yet, her expression patient but firm as she slowly pulled away. ”Tell me everything. From the beginning.”

It was the first time Jasmine let out everything from her heart. Usually, the girl would keep things to herself, burying her feelings beneath a mask of cheerful professionalism.

If Corvine had not eavesdropped on her conversation with Olivia back at the mansion, Seraphine could have sworn the secret to Voren’s real parentage would never have come out. Jasmine had a talent for hiding, for pretending everything was fine when it wasn’t.

”Corvine is kind.” Jasmine’s voice was thick with tears. ”He never took advantage of me. He was easy to talk to, so I thought he loved me.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. ”I thought he only wanted the princess to make Voren happy, that it was some kind of favor. But I was wrong. He loves her, and she loves him too.”

She paused, taking a shuddering breath. ”Also, Liah is a good woman. She’s treated me more kindly than I deserve.” Fresh tears spilled over. ”I recorded some of the girls at the changing room after the runway show. When I used a translator, they were saying that some of the agencies wanted to sign me up. But Liah’s assistant said she informed them that I was her close family and would talk to me first. And even if I agree, my wages would have to be higher, with addendum to the usual contracts, and directly under her watch.” Her voice broke.

”They were jealous because from the translation, Liah cared about me more than she ever cared about them.”

Seraphine listened quietly, her expression softening. ”Sera, I felt so guilty.” Jasmine’s voice dropped to a whisper.

”When I was planning to steal her man, she only had good plans for me. Up until last night, I only ever wanted to maybe take on office jobs like Tallulah and Emery, with the hopes of getting married and having lots of children.”

She wiped her tears and continued, her voice gaining a note of determination. ”But now, I want to be a model. And don’t get me wrong. I can work it out with Liah so I’m not away from the kids. I love them from my heart, and I love taking care of them. They’re like family to me now.”

She met Seraphine’s eyes, her gaze earnest. ”I also want to be close to Liah. But I know Corvine would not want me close to her. That’s why I wanted to talk to him, but he won’t listen to me. It hurts so much, Sera.”

Seraphine sighed with relief after watching her pour out everything. She was happy that Jasmine wanted to do something other than a nanny, something that would let her grow and spread her wings.

She knew Voren would be happy too. Just like herself, they loved to bring out the best in everyone around them, to nurture potential and watch people bloom. But the most important matters had to be resolved first.

”If you had opened up to me when I asked you that night, things would not have escalated to this.” Seraphine’s voice was gentle but pointed.

Jasmine’s shoulders sagged with guilt. ”I’m so sorry, Sera. I was too ashamed. I didn’t know how to say it out loud.”

”You should be. Going naked to a man’s shower room?” Seraphine shook her head slowly. ”You should be glad Corvine is principled. Some men would have fucked you and discarded you like trash.”

Her voice hardened. ”This is something you should never attempt again. The best you should have done was to have a genuine talk with him. With his experience, he would have helped you out of this obsession. But crossing that boundary is what makes him so upset.”

Jasmine’s head lowered as she was being chastised like a little kid, her cheeks burning with shame. She couldn’t meet Seraphine’s eyes.

”Not only Corvine but any other man, Jasmine.” Seraphine’s voice was firm, carrying the weight of experience. ”You have to remove everything you learned from Olivia out of your mind. Walk in dignity. Do you understand?”

Jasmine nodded, her head still lowered, too ashamed to look Seraphine in the eyes.

”Now you shall go back and apologize to him.” Seraphine’s voice softened. ”And give him the comfort that the seducing Jasmine is gone. We live as a family, and we can’t continue with this friction.” She reached out, tilting Jasmine’s chin up gently. ”Sex is never a tool for love. Never try to use it to get a man’s attention. It only backfires.”

Seraphine had learned that the hard way. Though she was drugged when she ended up with Ravyn, she still carried the weight of it all for seven good years. The man who truly loved her had waited through it all for her, patient and unwavering.

”Thank you, Sera.” Jasmine’s voice was small but sincere. ”I’ll never do that again. And thank you for being honest with me.” She finally lifted her red, puffy eyes, and Seraphine felt a surge of pity for her, pulling her into a warm embrace.

”Also remember,” Seraphine murmured against her hair, ”that you are a very gorgeous woman with the charm to turn heads. A lot of men are equally obsessed with you. So please stay open-minded.” She pulled back, meeting Jasmine’s gaze. ”The right man will find you.”

Jasmine froze at her words, pulling away slowly. Her expression dulled, confusion and fear warring in her eyes. ”What if I don’t love them?”