"Lisa, I've been waiting and expecting to see you, but you never returned," Richard said as he called, frustration sharp in his voice. He assumed Jasper had left and that she was supposed to be home by now.
"Dad… I've told you several times that I am not coming back," Lisa said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Jasper is doing well in taking care of me, and I'm happy here, so don't bother waiting because I'll never come back," she added, and with that, she hung up the phone.
"Who was that?" Jasper asked as he walked toward Lisa, holding a bowl of freshly cut fruit salad.
"My dad," Lisa replied, her voice calm but heavy with frustration.
Jasper's heart sank as fear crept in. He hadn't anticipated her father's relentless persistence.
"He never left!!!" Richard yelled angrily, smashing expensive flower vases around him as Eric stood silently by, trying to maintain control.
"You need to get a hold of yourself," Eric said, his tone measured but firm.
"I'll deal with the boy," Richard said through gritted teeth, his anger simmering.
Unknown to Jasper, every detail had been recorded. The video captured him taking the money and agreeing to flee, documenting every action Richard wanted to use against him in case he changed his mind about relocating, which Jasper ultimately did, staying back.
Richard sent the video directly to Lisa with a message that cut deep: "Look at what you want to trade your inheritance for. Someone who would leave you for a little change."
Lisa felt a surge of fury and disappointment boil inside her. She stormed toward Jasper, emotions a mix of hurt and betrayal.
"How do you intend to explain this?" she asked, her tone sharp yet calm, each word laced with anger.
"I'm very disappointed in you," she added, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to hold back tears.
"Wait… I'll explain," Jasper said quickly, desperation in his eyes.
"I only agreed to flee and took the money so they wouldn't harm me. If I had said no, I wouldn't be here with you by now," he said, grasping her hands tightly.
"Please believe me. I bought this house with the money your dad gave me and moved in with you instead of relocating. This should tell you how special you are to me," Jasper added earnestly, his gaze unwavering.
Lisa exhaled, feeling a small measure of relief as she absorbed his words.
"Yeah, right… It's true. It's my father's fault. He forced you into this," she whispered, the anger slowly giving way to understanding.
"And yes, we are enjoying the money together. I'm sorry for overreacting," Lisa added, leaning in for a hug.
"You don't need to be sorry… I understand you perfectly," Jasper said, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, a silent promise that he would always be there for her.
Behind that kiss, a devilish smile appeared. He had won Lisa's trust back, and this time, he was a step ahead.
"Why don't we eat out?" Jasper suggested, wanting to calm Lisa even more.
"Yes… that's a good idea… Uhhh, baby, I need it," Lisa said, excitement bubbling in her voice. Jasper went out to get a beautiful dress with matching heels and a bag.
"I love them!" Lisa exclaimed as she immediately opened the package.
They went to a fancy restaurant, ate, laughed, and drank like never before. Every moment felt precious as Jasper made Lisa happy in ways she had always dreamed of.
"Thank you, Jasper. Thank you for loving me the way I wanted to be loved," Lisa said softly, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"No, I should say thank you for giving me the chance to love you," Jasper replied, their night ending with intense intimacy, passion, and quiet promises exchanged under the soft glow of the