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The house smelled like good food, cologne, and candle wax. A week had passed since the chaos in Los Angeles, and even though the noise of it still lingered in Jasmine's chest, tonight felt lighter. Aubrey's album had gone number one across every chart. The world was talking about how "old Drake" was back and she wanted to celebrate him the way he deserved.
Laughter filled the living room. Oli and Chubbs were teasing each other near the couch while 40 leaned back with a drink in hand, shaking his head at them. OB and Mark were standing by the island, talking with Roxx about old tour stories. The air felt alive again, warm and safe.
Aubrey was by the speakers, flipping through his phone for the next song. "I swear if Oli touches my playlist one more time, I'm changing the Wi-Fi password," he said, voice playful.
Oli grinned. "I run the vibes tonight, bro. You just sing the songs."
Everyone burst out laughing, the sound bouncing off the high ceilings.
Jasmine stood near the kitchen counter, pouring a Sauvignon Blanc and soaking in the sight of it all. The last few days had been heavy. The media hadn't been kind. Every photo, every clip of her face from LA had been dissected and criticized. But right now, it wasn't about her. This was his moment, and she wanted to show up for him the way he always did for her.
Sandi walked over quietly and touched her arm. "You've really outdone yourself tonight, sweetheart. Everything looks beautiful."
Jasmine smiled softly. "He deserved it. After the week he's had."
Sandi looked at her for a moment before lowering her voice. "And what about you, baby? How are you really doing?"
Jasmine blinked, surprised by the gentleness in her tone. "I'm okay. Just trying to keep everything together. Focus on the kids. On him."
Sandi tilted her head. "That's not what I asked."
Jasmine let out a breath, her eyes dropping to the counter. "It's been rough. I'm trying not to let it swallow me. Some days I'm fine. Others..." She shook her head lightly. "I just remind myself I've got people who need me."
Sandi nodded, her expression soft. "You've got people who love you too. Including me. But you can't pour from an empty cup, Jas. When's the last time you did something just for yourself?"
Jasmine gave a quiet laugh. "I can't even remember. I'm still on maternity leave, but that ends soon. Just a couple weeks left."
"You're going back to work?" Sandi asked.
"I want to. Aubrey's been saying I should quit, especially after everything that happened with Jon. He thinks it's the perfect time to walk away, but..." She trailed off, swirling the champagne in her glass. "I don't know. I feel like I still have something to prove. To myself, maybe. I just can't imagine being away from my girls."
