21 Chapter 21: Secrets

"So what's the plan" Grace asked leaning forwards with interest 

I set down my drink and lean back into the couch crossing my arms and glancing at her

 "To tell Aaron to ask out Alyssa on the day of the Hale's and Black's fashion show collaboration, and hopefully get Cecilia and Oliver scheduled for a date by the end of the night"

Grace would have been ecstatic with the amount of words I said, but she just stared at me in utter confusion

"Why would it matter what happens with Alyssa?"

I looked away in thought for a moment before replying,

"Alyssa doesn't like Amelia, and will disapprove of the possibility of her becoming related to us" I narrowed my eyes, " She'll ruin my plan"

Grace chilled at Jasmine's red eyes that seemed to glow with menace 

'Why doesn't she like Amelia. I don't remember them ever encountering each other let alone have a conversation' Grace thought with a hand on her chin

Grace glanced up to look at Jasmine's expression and sighed

"I can tell by the look on your face that you're not going to tell me the reason. Are you?"

I simply shook my head

'Glad she didn't push' I thought internally sighing

"Wait….what if Cecilia and Oliver don't want to be together " Grace asked

"They want to " I looked at her directly in the eyes, " the real question is if they will take the risk"

Grace tilted her head before her eyes lit up with understanding

"I see. The Black's and Hale's are on different social levels" Grace said thoughtfully

I nodded a yes and sighed catching her attention

I grabbed my drink and gazed at the smooth and unmoving surface. My reflection staring back at me

" I haven't been in this "upper" class society that many people call it, but I've learned of the way they think. If someone interacts with another that is on a completely different level, their image gets "ruined" per say" I speak while my left hand hovers over the cup and my middle finger traces the rim slowly

"All these classy people care so much about their image and the way people think about them, that they don't get to experience the things they want and lose the chance to be truly happy. They care more about fame and popularity and end up not minding the conditional love of everyone around them. Though the minute a ripple causes the surface to change, is when they can finally open their eyes to what can be offered to them."

I finished explaining while my finger tapped the surface of the drink and ripples expanded outwards

"I won't force Cecilia and Oliver together if they don't want to, but I will guide them to the opportunity of having that choice"

Grace is left in complete shock at the words Jasmine said, but in her mind she knows that she can't deny anything because everything she said is the truth. Even she kept to her image in the beginning and still does when she thinks it will affect her brother's image as well.

I watch as many emotions pass through Grace's eyes and I smile sadly

'Even though I loved so many things I never had the opportunity to do them. If I can't have it then I want to at least give it to someone else, because I know personally how someone might think that there is no option' I think looking back down at my rippled reflection

'But there is, sometimes you just need a push from someone'

There's complete silence between the two for a solid two minutes before Grace jumps up in shock and points her finger at me with a shocked face

"You spoke more than a sentence!"

I stared at her before a slight chuckle left my lips and then turned into a small laugh

"Pfft, haha. You definitely know how to change the mood" I say bluntly with a smile

Grace stood frozen once again and was awed by the twinkle that seemed to shine for a second in Jasmine's always dull eyes and the genuine smile that graced her lips. The red hued lights capture her pale skin making her seem as if she's glowing.

Grace's whole face bloomed crimson red by the mesmerizing sight before her

"*Cough* I don't think my heart can take anymore shock today" Grace put a hand over heart taking a breath trying to calm herself down, and sat down on the couch across from Jasmine

Jasmine tilted her head confused by the blush on Grace's face, but just shrugged it away

Grace glanced at Jasmine one more time before lay in her head in her hands and mumbling to herself,

"Just change the topic, Grace. Don't focus on the beautiful human that's in front of me. Ugh, I need protection from this cute, devilish angel. Brother, where are you when your sister needs your help."

Grace sighs one last time and lifts her head up schooling her features.

" Why Aaron?" 

"He likes Alyssa"

...

"Do you hate your half-sister"

I look at her with confusion in my eyes

" No"

........

"Then why are you asking Aaron!"

"Cause no matter how much Alyssa denies it. I know she enjoys his company and bickering with him"

'I mean it was like that in the story. I don't think that changed' I thought looking at Grace's expression which seem to have no end 

"Jasmine, you might not know but Aaron is well….Um, not the most respectable guy when it comes to.....well anything" Grace tried to word her words carefully

'Oh! I really should think more highly of the people in this world. It seems some can actually see who he really is behind his perfect CEO ML role'

" I know"

"Huh?" Grace looked at me confused

I crossed my legs and settled my right arm on my thigh. I leaned my head on my right palm and narrowed my eyes dangerously. Releasing a significant amount of KI that caused Grace to flinch involuntarily and her instincts came out, and she became alert.

" That's why I'm going to personally teach him how to treat my sister with respect, and if I find out he's limiting Alyssa's freedom and controlling her actions then-"

I didn't need to finish for Grace to start shaking from the consuming amount of fear that overtook her senses when I fully looked her in the eyes.

" Jasmine" Grace struggled to say while she gasped from air

I snapped out of my thoughts and noticed Grace's condition. I flinch from the guilt that took over.

I immediately ran over to check if she's okay

"Grace, I'm-I'm sorry"

She looked up at me and smiled

"It's okay, I can handle this. I'm stronger than I look" she said flexing her right arm

I sighed in relief

'I need to learn how to control myself better' I think looking at Grace, 'I have people I care about now. I can't hurt them'

Grace observed Jasmine's glazed over eyes and entered her own thoughts,

' What the fuck! Who is Jasmine! She's like a monstrous dragon disguised as an innocent rabbit. Or is she both.'

' How much are you keeping from me. Sigh, no. I'm hiding my mafia status from her. Don't be a hypocrite Grace. We all have our secrets and I know Jasmine means no harm'

*knock* *knock*

"Grace, someone's here claiming themselves to be Jasmine's sisters"