Chapter 17
Johnny struggled to keep a straight face. “Yasmine? She’s not yours, you know. She’s got her own family”
Xavier shot back, “But she doesn’t have a family.”
Johnny was momentarily at a loss for words, then gently admonished, “We can’t talk like that. It’s disrespectful to her.”
Xavier ignored his father’s lecture. Truth was, he was seriously thinking about taking Yasmine back home with him, but he knew it wasn’t the night time to discuss it
Jessica was anxiously biting her lip, surprised at how much Xavier cared for Yasmine. She lowered her gaze, hiding the jealousy in her eyes, before sofily asking. “Did you get hurt while protecting Yasmine?”
Xavier settled back on the bed, his tone turning cold as he looked at Jessica. “Who told you that?” His aloof, almost imperious manner was a mirror of Rachel’s arrogance.
Jessica’s heart clenched as she replied, “That’s what everyone’s saying”
Xavier’s eyes snapped to Johnny, “Do you think the same?”
J
Johnny shook his head, “What does it have to do with Yasmine? But if you did protect her, that’s a good thing. It shows you’re growing up, taking responsibility, and looking out for the vulnerable”
Xavier’s expression softened a bit, and he countered with, “So, will you let me go back and keep protecting the vulnerable!”
Johnny said, “Call your mom first. She’s worried sick about you”
Xavier paused, then quickly asked a crew member for a phone. As he dialed Rachel’s number and waited for her to pick Jessica and said “Don’t act like we’re close.
- up. he turned to
Jessica clenched her fists, her expression almost slipping. She turned to Johnny, hoping for him to speak up for her with his usual gende grace. But Johnny just waved her off, and the two of them left the room, leaving Xavier alone to talk to his mother.
“Xavier has always been particular about who he lets in,” Johnny explained as they walked down the hall. “He’s clear about his boundaries and doesn’t allow anyone to cross them.”
[Super Dad! Totally supportive of his son’s personality and preferences.]
[Indeed, it’s great for Xavier to have this attitude, so he won’t grow up to be a heartbreaker with a new girl every week]
[Yeah, I despise men who fall for every girl’s advances. What’s with needing a harem of female friends? Tch.]
Jessica feels a bit out of her league here.]
[Never mind, she’s still young I
Jessica struggled to keep her body from trembling as she asked Johnny, “What can I do to make Xavier like me?”
Johnny looked at her closely. “Why do you need him to like you so much?”
Jessica felt nervous with Johnny staring at her, but she answered softly. “I want everyone to like me. It scares me when they don’t.”
Someone commented, [Ah, so she’s the type to please everyone? That’s a bit disheartening.]
Johnny understood what she meant. “I see what you mean, but… Xavier is kind of a tough nut to crack.”
Jessica wondered why, but she didn’t say anything.
On the phone, Rachel was giving Xavier some advice. “You should wait until your injury is all better before you go back.”
Xavier disagreed. “Mom, I’m not that easy to break.”
“Have you thought about how Yasmine feels?” Rachel asked.
10:07 AM
Chapter 17
Xavier was confused. What are you getting at
When you got hurt. Yasmine must have been really upset. She might think it was her fault. If you go back now with your injuries showing, it just remind her and make her feel worse.”
Savier took a deep breath. “Alright. I’ll wait until I’m fully healed. But that nitwit Alaric can’t look after Yasmine the right way
Rachel didn’t pay attention to him calling Alaric a nitwit. She reminded him, Yasmine did just fine by herself before you came picture.
ame into the
Xavier didn’t have a response to that. After a bit, he admitted, “I just care about her.”
Is your dad there with you?” Rachel asked.
Yeah, and he brought a kid. It’s annoying how she’s acting like we’re close.”
Treat girls with respect. Rachel said. She paused for a moment, then added. “If you’re really worried about Yasmine, have your dad pick up some gifts for her. She’d appreciate that.”
Xavier gave in. “Mom. I get it.” He ended the call, deciding not to go back just yet.
People watching the live were impressed.
[Rachel sure knows how to handle her son.]
[She’s really good at convincing people.]
Johnny returned swiftly, and Xavier quickly brought him up to speed on his mom’s plans.
With a friendly smile, Johnny, the influential figure that he was, agreed. “Alright, I’ll handle it. What should we get for Yasmine?”
Xavier leaned back against the headboard and casually listed off. “New clothes, shoes, a couple hats to keep her warm in winter. Two umbrellas, a lunchbox, lights and a heater for her place. And new stationery, a backpack too–her old cloth bag is about done for…
Johnny’s forehead wrinkled, a vein pulsing as he teased, “You’re not seriously thinking of moving an entire street’s worth of stuff for her. are you?”
Just a couple of stores worth. Xavier joked.
Despite his doubts, Johnny acted on his son’s suggestions, assigning the shopping task to his team.
Jessica followed, stunned. She had never anticipated that Xavier, known for his arrogance, would recall every tiny detail about Yasmine. down to the holes in her bag, and be troubled by them. Her happiness soured into sharp envy.
The audience’s comments poured in.
[Xavier cares so much about Yasmine.]
[Is he really that into Yasmine?)
He’s harsh with Jessica… She’s the one who switched lives with him on the show.]
[Yasmine better appreciate Xavier’s care.]
She definitely does! Guys, check out Yasmine’s side]
Puzzled viewers switched over to see what was going on with Yasmine.
In the scene, Yasmine had sorted the mushrooms and packed the eggs, then sat staring at her large basket. Resting her chin knees, she whispered. “Can’t make it to town now.”
Xavier wai
her
supposed to take her to town to sell these mushrooms, but now he’s away. Why doesn’t she ask for help from Alaric?]
Look at these mushrooms she sorted. They’re rare wild edibles! They’re worth a fortune at the market. And the middleman only offers three buckl
10:07 AM
Chapter 17
(Yasmine, don’t sell them. Wait for Xavier to get back.l
As their comments continued, Alaric entered from outside. The poor conditions hadn’t bothered him too much. He had found a large rock to sit on and read a book for hours, until hunger pangs finally hit
“Where are we eating?” Alaric asked, his brow furrowing.
Yasmine glanced up and pointed at the ground.
“Here” Alaric questioned, appalled. “What are we having?” he pressed.
You’re on your own for food.” Yasmine informed him.
Alaric felt absurd. I have to find my own food?”
Yasmine didn’t respond, leaving him with just the sight of her furry head.
The viewers were in disbelief.
[She’s completely ignoring Alaric!]
Yasmine, you didn’t let Xavier down. He’d be thrilled if he knew you weren’t giving Alaric the time of day]
Is this the first hiccup in Alaric’s charmed life?)
Alaric found himself in a situation he wasn’t used to. Despite his gloomy demeanor, he had a strong personal charm that attracted many followers
He had no intention of engaging with anyone in Lexerity, unlike Xavier who seemed to connect with everyone. But Yasmine’s disregard for him was unexpected. Alaric shrugged it off, figuring a few skipped meals weren’t the end of the world,
As the moon rose, Yasmine squatted by the door, counting money under its light
Alaric approached, curious. “Is this your money or from the production team? Can’t we use it for food?”
“No.” Yasmine replied without looking up.
“How abour 1 borrow it? Ill return it ten times over,” Alaric offered.
“No way.” Yasmine said, her voice firm. “I can’t afford to support you,” she paused, then added. “This money is for Xavier.”
Alaric was taken aback.
The viewers exploded with laughter. [Hahaha, she’s got him there.]
[Alaric might be feeling a bit jealous of Xavier.]
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