Chapter 23

Mia I looked at Jasmine, watching her chew down the apple in her hand, and it took me back to what had happened in the school hallway.

I had always known that Noah wasn’t someone to be trusted. I always had a bad feeling about him, and it seemed like my fears were already coming true.

I remembered how he had humiliated Jasmine, accusing her of cheating on him and not even giving her a chance to explain her side of the story.

It broke my heart when I saw that, but there was nothing I could do.

Jasmine wouldn’t listen to me; she was in love with Noah and wouldn’t believe anything negative about him.

I knew I had to take action. I needed to show her who Noah was. She had to see it for herself because she wouldn’t believe me without evidence.

I sighed, hoping that the investigator I had hired to find information about Noah would bring me good news. It was the only way she would believe me. If Noah truly loved Jasmine as much as she loved him, he wouldn’t have humiliated her in front of everyone like he did. Jasmine needed to see for herself that Noah was the wrong choice.

Recalling how my brothers had stood up for Jasmine, and how she had ended up rejecting them in front of everyone too, I decided to ask her why she did that.

“Jasmine,” I called.

She looked at me, her mouth filled with the fruit. She picked up her bottle and gulped down the water in it before responding, “You called?” she asked, as I moved closer to her.

“Yes, I did.” I smiled and held her hand, “How long have you known that my brothers are your mates?” I asked.

I had noticed a change between the four of them. I thought Jasmine was starting to consider them, and maybe they could become friends, but I never realized it was because of the mate bond.

The mate bond was what was keeping them close, but I was confused as to why Jasmine had decided to keep it a secret from everyone, even me.

“For a while now,” she replied dismissively.

“Why did you decide to keep it to yourself? You could have just told me.” I said.

She sighed, “I didn’t tell you because I thought you would try to force me to be with your brothers.” she said, rolling her eyes I shook my head. As much as I disliked Noah and hated the fact that Jasmine was in love with him, I wouldn’t force her to be with someone she didn’t want to be with.

I knew Noah was the wrong choice, and she would be in danger as long as she was with him. But I wanted to be sure of my doubts before taking any action.

“I wouldn’t do that, Jasmine. I’ll always support whatever decision you make.” I stated, “And if I have any doubts or concerns, I’ll make sure to find evidence to confirm my doubts before taking any steps.”

“Doubts?” She furrowed her brow, “What doubts?”

Once again, I shook my head. She had been broken ever since Noah humiliated her in the hallway. I didn’t want to add to her pain and worries.

“Just an example,” I said, and she nodded. “But why don’t you give my brothers a chance? I mean, they are your mates. I believe they will treat you well.” I shrugged. “I can assure you that they have changed now. They’re not the same people who used to bully you.”

She smiled faintly, “I can’t leave Noah, Mia. I love him, he is the only one who truly understands me, he understands what it is like to be a rogue and he’s the only one I want to be with.” she explained I couldn’t say anything else after her response. Even after what Noah had done to her, she was still in love with him, and he was the only one she wanted. Jasmine didn’t deserve to be with someone like Noah; she deserved better.

I was going to find evidence to prove that my doubts about Noah were true, no matter what it took.

“That reminds me, Mia,” Jasmine began, “Have you found your mate yet?” She asked.

I shook my head. Finding my mate wasn’t something I was concerned about. Although weeks had passed since my 18th birthday, and I was supposed to have found my mate, I believed it wasn’t too late yet.

It wasn’t time to worry.

“It’s been weeks since your 18th birthday. Don’t you think something is wrong?” She asked.

“I don’t think so, Jasmine. Don’t forget my parents found out they were mates at the age of twenty-one,” I said with a smile, “It’s not too late yet, and I’m sure my mate will come for me when the time is right.” I added.

She sighed and hung her head. I knew she was worried about me. She was concerned about the situation, even more than I was. How could I let someone like her be with a person like Noah?

Knowing that he had a very bad energy and a dangerous aura swirling around him.

I would do anything to keep Jasmine away from danger, even if it meant giving my life for it. I would do whatever it took.

I tapped her and smiled, “We have to go to the mall to get some groceries,” I didn’t want to give her any space to think and worry.

“That’s true,” she said and began to pack her things, “Let’s go now.”

I stood up and locked my hand with hers as we walked away and headed to the street, where we hailed a cab and went to the mall.

A few moments later, we were at the mall, filling our baskets with the necessary groceries and chatting as we did.

After a few minutes, we had gathered all the required groceries and fruits. I decided to head to the clothing section to check out the items they had available.

“I’ll be right back, Jasmine,” I said and headed towards the section.

I took my time looking through the segments, hoping to find a dress or top I liked. But I was difficult to please, and my taste was unique, as Jasmine would often say; it was hard to find something that suited my taste.

People believe that because I should just be comfortable wearing oversized baggy clothes and all. But I would rather go for the sexy bodycon dresses, skinny jeans, and leather jackets, though I most times steal the jackets from my brother’s wardrobe.

I dress to make myself happy and people’s opinions don’t count.

I moved around, hoping to find something, until I accidentally bumped into a lady.

“I’m so sorry,” I apologized.

“It’s fine, ma’am. I’ve noticed you walking around for a while now. Is everything alright? Can I help you find what you’re looking for?” She offered.

I sighed, not quite sure what exactly to tell her I was looking for. I was just browsing to see if there was anything I liked, but I had been wandering around, unable to find anything that matched my taste.

“Uhmmm… I can’t say. I just want the perfect dress.”

“For yourself? Or someone else?” She inquired.

“For myself, of course. But I haven’t been able to find anything I like among these,” I gestured and looked around once more.

Jasmine was probably right when she said my taste was unique. Given the size of the store and how I couldn’t find anything to my liking, it seemed like she was correct.

She smiled, “Would you like to check out the VIP section, ma’am?”

I nodded, “Certainly.” I replied, and she gestured for me to follow her. Perhaps I might find something I liked in the VIP section.

We arrived at a door, and she entered a password to open it. I was surprised to see another large area filled with clothes, but there was a noticeable difference.

The clothes in this section appeared more exquisite. Many of them were long dresses adorned with silver and golden embellishments. There were fewer people compared to the regular section.

“Please take your time to look around, ma’am. I’m sure you’ll find something you like here,” she assured.

I nodded my thanks and began to explore the section, sifting through the dresses. This time, I found it difficult to choose among the beautiful options. I was genuinely stunned by how gorgeous they were.

“Could I get this dress in a different color?” I heard someone ask.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I peered to see which dress the person was referring to. To my surprise, it wasn’t what I expected.

The man standing beside the woman requesting a new dress was someone I recognized all too well.

I stepped back and tried to get a better view, thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me. But I wasn’t mistaken. It was Noah, and he was with another woman.

I shook my head and pinched myself multiple times, hoping that this was a mere illusion and not reality.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t mistaken; it was indeed Noah standing there.

The urge to approach him and ask what he was doing in the mall with another woman surged within me. Could he possibly be cheating on Jasmine? I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I remained frozen, my legs rooted to the spot as I watched them, contemplating who this woman could be and if my suspicions were accurate.

I observed as Noah paid for their purchases, leaving me even more bewildered. Jasmine had mentioned that he was an orphan. Where could he have suddenly acquired so much money?

I reached into my pocket for my phone. Having evidence for the future would be invaluable.

Just as I was about to take a photo of them, my phone rang, and it was Jasmine calling. I brought the phone to my ear and turned away.

“Where are you, Mia?” She inquired urgently, “I’ve been waiting for you. Where are you?”

“I’ll be there in a minute, Jasmine,” I responded, ending the call quickly so I could capture the image.

When I turned back, they were no longer there. It was just the attendant left. Confusion intensified within me.

Had it all been my imagination? Was I merely envisioning things? I hoped against hope that my suspicions were untrue, that Noah wasn’t cheating on Jasmine.

Nevertheless, I remained resolute in my determination to uncover the truth about Noah.