Don't Fall in Love with the Flirt

Chapter 17: Green-eyed Jasmine

"You look amazing, Jasmine!"

Adelaide beamed at Jasmine and gave her a quick hug. It was the night of the charity event at the art center. As the lead graphic designer for the event's promotions, Jasmine was invited to attend.

Jasmine was wearing a long black dress with a slit up the side. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek bun and she had on minimal makeup.

"Thanks, Adelaide," Jasmine said, giving her a small smile. "You look great too."

"Where's Sebastian?" Adelaide looked around the room as if she expected him to jump out and say surprise.

"We arrived separately," Jasmine said. "He should be here any minute."

In truth, Jasmine had no idea where Sebastian was. Since seeing the woman at his house this morning, Jasmine had not spoken to Sebastian. Jasmine was not ready to know who she was or what their relationship was so she ignored Sebastian's calls and texts the entire day.

She knew it was immature to just ghost him and she would need to talk to him about what she saw eventually. But Jasmine could not bring herself to do it just yet.

She was even tempted not to attend the charity gala, knowing that Sebastian would be here but her professionalism won out in the end. She asked Iris to drive her to the event so she wouldn't be home when Sebastian picked her up.

"I'm going to say hello to the local artists," Adelaide said. "I'll catch up with you later, Jasmine."

"Yes, I'll see you later," Jasmine said, forcing a smile.

Jasmine walked around the room, looking at the art displayed and mingling with some of the other guests. She wanted to get lost in the crowd, hoping that it could mask the ache she was feeling.

Jasmine found herself standing in front of three quilts displayed together on the gallery wall. The quilts had a homemade feel to them but the design and color choices showed the artist's skill.

Jasmine checked the name of the artist and as she suspected, it was Shauna Miller, Sebastian's grandmother. Tears formed in Jasmine's eyes and she quickly wiped them away before anyone could see.

One of the quilts particularly caught Jasmine's attention. It was made with a collection of what looked like boys' shirts, which could've turned out looking juvenile but instead looked whimsical.

Jasmine looked closer at the quilt. It looked like it had a faint pink stain in the middle. She wondered why the art center did not clean it up before exhibiting it.

"That's my favorite too."

She heard his voice before she felt his hand on her arm. She turned to him and found Sebastian standing there, looking handsome in his black suit. His hair was styled perfectly and he had a small smile on his face.

For a moment, Jasmine forgot what she saw this morning. She forgot her hurt and anger. All she could see was Sebastian.

But then she remembered and the hurt came rushing back. Jasmine turned away from him, not wanting him to see the pain in her eyes.

"Let's go outside," Sebastian said quietly. "We need to talk."

Jasmine sighed and followed Sebastian out the door. She didn't want to talk but she knew they needed to. They walked in silence to the garden area outside. The cool night air caused goosebumps on Jasmine's skin.

"Is something wrong?" Sebastian asked. "You've been avoiding me all day."

Jasmine took a deep breath and turned to him. "I saw a woman at your house this morning," she said quietly.

Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise but he did not say anything.

"I was out for a run with Laurel and a woman was hanging out on your front porch. Wearing sleepwear," Jasmine continued. "I don't know what to think."

Jasmine expected Sebastian to deny it or tell her she was seeing things but he did neither. Instead, he just stood there with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Are you jealous?" Sebastian finally asked.

Jasmine started to turn away, but Sebastian reached for her hand.

"It's not what you think," Sebastian said. "You should've answered my calls."

Jasmine kept quiet, she already said her piece. It was up to Sebastian to explain himself now. But before Sebastian could say anything more, a beautiful brunette was walking toward them.

"There you are, Seb!" It was the same woman this morning. She looked more glamorous now with her hair and makeup done. "We were looking for you."

The woman stopped and looped her arm through Sebastian's. Sebastian turned to her and smiled sweetly. Jasmine felt her heart break into pieces. She couldn't stand seeing them together.

The woman turned to Jasmine with a bright smile. "Hi there, I'm Olivia Miller."

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Who is Olivia Miller? Find out in the next chapter!

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