Chapter 103

~Jasmine~ “Make sure you call me once you’re done, okay?” I nodded, adjusting the bag slung over my shoulder. “Thank you, Rose. I appreciate you,” I said before shutting the car door. I stepped back, watching as she drove off, waving until she disappeared down the street. Turning toward the building, I exhaled deeply. This is it, I muttered under my breath before heading inside. The moment I stepped into the office, a wave of familiar voices surrounded me. “Jasmine!” “Oh my God! How have you been? We haven’t seen you since your final presentation!” The enthusiasm in my colleagues’ voices was contagious, their bright energy momentarily lifting the weight from my shoulders. I smiled. “I’ve been… managing. It feels good to be back, even if just for a little while.” “It’s not the same without you,” one of them said, leading me further inside. “We’re making great progress on the new research. Come, we’ll show you!” As we walked through the office, they eagerly shared updates, explaining the