CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE – ABRASIVE RAQUEL

As she showered, the events of the past few days caught up with her. The fire, the threats, the hasty escape – it all felt like a surreal nightmare. Tears mingled with the shower water as she allowed herself a moment of vulnerability. Once she had composed herself and returned to her natural appearance, Jasmine made her way back downstairs. Raquel was in the kitchen, aggressively chopping vegetables. "Feeling better?" Raquel asked, not looking up from her task. "Yes, thank you," Jasmine replied. "Can I help with anything?" Raquel gestured to a pile of potatoes. "You can peel those." They worked in silence for a while, the only sounds the rhythmic chopping and peeling. Finally, Raquel spoke. "I suppose you're used to fancy meals and restaurants," she said, her tone accusatory. Jasmine shook her head. "Not really. I enjoy cooking, actually. My mother taught me-" "Well, don't expect any gourmet meals here," Raquel interrupted. "We eat simple food. If you don't like it, you can go