Welcome to My World

She could hear him take a step closer, his footsteps echoing in the silence of the room. She could feel that what he will do or say next will change everything.

"If you can't get me a new watch or fix this within two days, then get ready to dance to my tunes. Your time is ticking." he said, causing shivers to run down her spine. "Leave," he commanded as soon as he was done, his voice cold and hard. 

She left immediately afraid that he would stop her again. Her legs felt too heavy to lift but she still forced herself. While running towards the elevator, she bumped into P.A Ivan and Liam who were just coming in.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled the apology as she rushed past them, avoiding their gaze. 

Ivan gave her a cursory glance before turning his attention back to Liam, but Liam's eyes were fixed on her. He squinted, trying to figure out what she was doing there. It didn't make sense, why would she be in Clyde's suite?. 'What could she be doing in this Suite' he thought, then he noticed the uniform she was wearing, he then waved it aside. 

Just as she was about to step into the elevator, P.A Ivan took notice of the wrist watch with her, "hey, excuse me Miss," he rushed towards her but Liam put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. "Let her be," he said, Ivan glanced at him, surprised by his tone. For a moment, he could have sworn he saw a strange look in Liam's eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it had appeared. 

Meanwhile in the Suite, Clyde stood in his suite, a small smile playing on his lips. He had changed into a casual wears and he looked more relaxed than he had a few minutes ago. 'She's interesting' he thought. "Welcome to my world, Jasmine," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

He had intentionally left the wrist watch slightly wrapped with the bedspread, knowing she wouldn't see it. And he was so sure that she wouldn't be able to repair it nor pay it back. It was a limited edition, after all. 

He walked over to the bay window overlooking the cities, he lit up his cigarettes, poured the drink she brought into a glass cup when the door opened, it was P.A Ivan and Liam who walked in.

P.A Ivan submitted the reports he brought to Clyde and waited for his instructions. When none came through, he took it as a cue to leave, he gave a small bow and left the room, closing the door behind him, leaving behind Liam with Clyde.

"She was here. I saw her at the elevator, looking worried, with your wristwatch. What happened here?" Liam started, pouring himself a drink too.

"What made you think something happened?" Clyde asked back, earning himself a look from Liam.

"You set her up, isn't it?" Liam asked, already believing it himself.

"She's not Janice," Clyde said, ignoring Liam's question. 

"How did you know?" He asked, not surprised. 

"Fox contacted me with her background. She was taken to the orphanage after encountering an accident which took her parents' life." Clyde puffed out smoke 

"So why are you still going after her?" 

… 

"How did this happen, baby Jas?", Brad asked worriedly after Jasmine recounted everything to him. She came back with Ava and hearing it for the first time, Ava was surprised too. Jasmine didn't tell her what transpired between her and Clyde in the presidential suite.

"I honestly have no idea how it happened," Jasmine said helplessly, her beautiful eyes filled with worry. "I didn't see the watch when I pulled the bedspread off, I guess it must have been hidden underneath." She knew that her explanation sounded weak, but she couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Let me take a look," Ava requested, stretching her palms towards Brad who gave it to her. After inspecting the watch, she let out a gasp, "oh my, Jas, Brad, this is a limited edition watch. If I remember correctly, it was released two summers ago and there are only three of them in the whole world. It's very expensive," Ava reported.

Jasmine held her breath as she waited for Ava's to be done with her report, her heart almost jumping off her chest. She knew that this watch was expensive, and that it was worth a small fortune. But she hadn't expected it to have all these qualities Ava just mentioned. Ava's words confirmed her worst fears. This was more than just a watch - it was a rare and precious object, one that its money could last her a lifetime. 

"Is it from 'The ICON'?" Brad asked curiously, his voice betraying his fascination with the watch. Forgetting the seriousness of the situation for a moment, he took the watch back from Ava and studied it in greater detail. "Wow, this is beautiful," he said, his eyes lighting up as he inspected the design. "The detail is incredible. I can't believe something like this even exists."

"The ICON" was a fashion brand that had become increasingly popular in recent years. The release of the limited-edition wristwatch had only served to increase its prestige. It was the ultimate status symbol, worn only by three people in the world.

Jasmine could see that Brad was captivated by the watch, but she knew they had more important matters to discuss. "Brad, please," she said, trying to get his attention. 

"Guys, please help me. I don't really know what to do. If it's a limited edition as you said, Ava, then the only option is to repair the screen, right?" She asked worriedly, a ray of hope shining before her.

"Yeah, if it's an ICON, we can definitely go to one of their stores and see what they can do for us," Ava said, a hint of optimism in her voice. "And even if the warranty has expired, we might be able to get the screen replaced at a reasonable cost. I know this is a lot to deal with, but I promise we'll figure it out. You're not alone in this." She gave Jasmine's hands a reassuring squeeze.

As Brad drew close to Jasmine, he sat beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder, "we will get through this, Baby Jas. All of us. Together. So don't worry, okay?" He consoled her, "we are all in this together.

As Jasmine exhaled, she felt the anxiety in her began to loosen, ever so slightly. The warmth and love of her friends was undeniable, and it made her feel safe and supported. But a small part of her still worried about what Clyde had said - was she really being scared by him? She pushed the thought to the back of her mind, not wanting to dwell on it right now.

"Uhmm, why don't we do something fun while waiting for tomorrow. Let's cook together, hmm," Brad suggested.

"I think we should take a walk down the street. Let the cool air blow our hair, let's watch the cars drive by. Or we can even go to the neighborhood park. Let's bond with nature. It's been a while." Ava suggested. 

"I never knew you could be this intelligent, Ava," Brad teased, earning himself a glare from Ava. Brad pretended like he never said anything to Ava, she feigned annoyance and threw the cushion at him.

"You idiot. What's your point?" She fumed, standing up to box him causing Jasmine to laugh out loud.

"Ava, you need to see your face in the mirror," Jasmine laughed.

As if a switch was pressed, Ava's mood turned hurt. She feigned hurt and started crying, causing Brad and Jasmine to laugh more.

"I hate y'all," she yelled and ran outside while the duo followed her, still teasing her.