Chapter 1. Left Just Like That

Jasmine’s lips melted into Xavier’s. They kissed with both tenderness and burning desire. Their hearts pounded wildly, beating stronger the closer their bodies pressed together. Xavier’s hand squeezed Jasmine’s waist, holding her possessively, as though he would never let her go.

Responding to his passion, Jasmine wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Sparks of emotion flared uncontrollably inside her. She craved his intoxicating touch, her body trembling under it. She never wanted to part with his lips that explored hers so hungrily.

“Your lips are always amazing, Jasmine. Sweet… so sweet. I’ll never get enough of them,” Xavier whispered in a husky voice, lingering against her mouth.

Jasmine smiled, brushing her fingers along his jaw. “Yours are just as amazing, Baby. I love them too.”

He gazed at her with soft affection, then stroked her cheek. “I have to go home.”

“You’re going home?” Jasmine raised her brows, confusion slipping into her eyes. “You’re not staying here tonight?”

“No, Baby. I can’t. There’s something I have to do,” Xavier replied, dropping a gentle kiss on her forehead.

For the past three months, Jasmine’s life had been full of color. Being with Xavier made her happier than she had ever imagined. Their story had begun with a dating app, and soon blossomed into love.

For Jasmine Stevanie Welsh, Xavier Coldwell was her missing piece. He gave her comfort, stability, and a love that grew deeper every moment they spent together. In only three months, they already lived like husband and wife. Their bed had become the place where they reunited, where their longing found release.

She had never regretted giving herself completely to him. Because she believed Xavier was the right man. She was sure he loved her just as much as she loved him.

“Where are you going, Honey?” Jasmine clung to his arm, reluctant to let him leave.

“Work matters,” Xavier murmured, brushing another kiss across her lips. “Get some sleep. It’s late.”

Jasmine sighed softly. She didn’t want him to go, but she didn’t want to be selfish either. She finally nodded, albeit reluctantly. “But promise me you’ll call once you’re home,” she said in a firm, almost demanding tone.

“Don’t worry, I’ll call you later.” Xavier kissed her gently. “I’ll go now.”

“Be careful, Xavier,” Jasmine replied warmly.

He gave a slight nod, then walked away, leaving Jasmine frozen on the spot. A ragged breath escaped her lips as disappointment clouded her face while she watched his back disappear from sight.

An hour passed, but still no message from Xavier. Her expression darkened with irritation. She wanted to call him, but held herself back, convincing herself he was simply busy. That was all she could think.

“I’d better get some sleep.” Jasmine climbed into bed, pulling the blanket over her body. Sleep soon began to overtake her. Surely, in the morning, Xavier would send her his usual “Good morning” text.

When her alarm finally went off, Jasmine cracked her eyes open, blinking several times before stretching against the sunlight streaming into her room.

“Morning already,” she murmured, reaching for her phone. It was 8 AM.

She quickly checked her messages, expecting Xavier’s text. But her face fell the moment she saw there wasn’t a single message from him. A frown creased her brow. This was unusual.

Jasmine hesitated, then dialed his number. Once, twice, three times—no answer. Her lips pulled into a tight line. This was the one thing she hated. She couldn’t stand it when Xavier ignored her calls.

Breathing deeply, she tried to calm herself. Maybe he had fallen asleep last night, she reasoned.

“I’ll just cook something for him today. Before heading to class, I’ll deliver it to his apartment,” she said softly to herself.

Jasmine Stevanie Welsh was a final-year college student living alone in her own apartment. Her family was still in London, but she preferred her independence.

Heading into the kitchen, she busied herself preparing his favorite dish. Even though she was upset, she tried to be understanding. She knew Xavier was always busy with work.

Not long after, the food was packed neatly into a lunchbox. Jasmine got ready for class, making sure to stop by Xavier’s place first. After about half an hour, she was finally ready to go. Flagging down a taxi in front of her building, she handed the driver Xavier’s address in Central London.

For some reason, an uneasy feeling followed her along the road. Thoughts she didn’t want to acknowledge pressed in, but she pushed them aside with effort.

When she arrived at Xavier’s apartment building, she paid the fare and went straight to the 28th floor where his unit was. She had been there once before.

Standing in front of the door, she rang the bell. “Xavier, it’s me, Baby,” she called softly. “Xavier?” She called again, but silence answered her back. If only she knew the passcode, she would’ve gone in without hesitation.

Click.

The door opened. Joy lit Jasmine’s face.

“Xav—” Her voice broke off when instead of Xavier, she saw a middle-aged woman in a maid’s uniform.

“Good morning, Miss. Excuse me, who are you looking for?” the maid asked politely.

“Morning. Is Xavier inside?” Jasmine smiled faintly.

“Forgive me, Miss, but are you a friend of Mr. Xavier’s?” the maid pressed further.

“I’m his girlfriend,” Jasmine answered confidently, making the maid frown in confusion.

“His girlfriend?” the woman repeated, unsure.

Jasmine nodded quickly. “Yes, I’m his girlfriend. Where is he?”

The maid hesitated. “Miss… Mr. Xavier left last night. Didn’t he tell you he no longer lives in London?”

Jasmine froze. “He doesn’t live in London anymore?”

“That’s correct, Miss. I don’t know where he went, just that he no longer lives here,” the maid replied.

“That’s impossible!” Jasmine shook her head sharply. She pulled out her phone and tried calling him again. Once, twice, ten times—every attempt met with silence.

“Please, calm yourself, Miss,” the maid urged nervously, seeing her panic.

“No! Xavier wouldn’t leave like this. He wouldn’t abandon me!” Jasmine’s voice cracked as her eyes flooded with tears. She desperately tried his number again, still with no response.

“Tell me where Xavier is!” she demanded, her gaze piercing the maid.

“Miss, Mr. Xavier moved out last night. He has left London. But about where he went, he didn’t tell me either,” the maid explained, watching helplessly as Jasmine broke down.

Jasmine’s body weakened, nearly collapsing to the ground. Flashes of last night filled her mind—the kisses, the warmth, everything still so perfect. And now? She was staring at the cruel reality that Xavier Coldwell had left her without a single word.

Falling onto her knees, tears poured down her face. “Xavier… you’re cruel!”