CHAPTER NINE – A BOLD FACED LIE

When he caught sight of her approaching form, Ethan immediately surged to his feet, shifting his weight anxiously. "You came," he breathed out, the simple statement laced with so many fathoms of conflicted emotion. Jasmine jutted her chin defiantly, already instinctively girding herself against whatever reasonings or artifice he intended to wield. "I said I would, didn't I?" A flicker of what might have been shame passed across Ethan's chiseled features. "Yes, you did. Always a woman of your word..." He trailed off, clearing his throat awkwardly. They both knew small talk and verbal niceties were rendered utterly obsolete by the nature of their circumstances. The time for games was long past. "There's no way to make this sound better," Ethan said, his voice low and strained. "I screwed up big time and broke your trust in the worst way." Jasmine crossed her arms, fighting to keep her expression neutral despite the storm of emotions churning inside her. "You think?" she couldn't h