Competing For Hollywood's Superstar

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty- One

Regret.

That was one feeling that gnawed at Jasmine the moment she had agreed to accompany Alec back to L.A with him. She didn't know why it sat in the pit of her stomach through the rest of yesterday's dinner and into the morning of her departure. Maybe it was just her nerves going into overdrive at the thought of being back in the spotlight. She disliked being at the centre of attention, but unfortunately she knew there were no way of avoiding it. A plain girl like her would stick out like a sore thumb standing next to a famous actor like Alec. She couldn't hide between a pair of barbies like she did during the reality show.

Jasmine sighed as the black Audi came to a stop in front of a large familiar mansion. Somehow she didn't even believe her own reasoning. There was something else that made her feel this way, something she couldn't put a finger on. As she continued to mull over those thoughts, a couple sharp knocks on the passenger side window brought her into reality. She didn't even have to glance up to know that Alec was impatiently gesturing for her to get out of the car.

Ah yes reality, where Alec is a total ladies man... Not.

As Jasmine stepped out of the vehicle, the doors of the mansion flew open and out came running a petite girl with an elderly woman chasing right after her. Their expressions were utter opposites. While the small child had a look of excitement plastered on her baby face, the nanny had a contorted grimace that looked like she was about to have a heart attack.

"Miss. Dalton slow down, it's not healthy for you to be running around like that! Come back here!" called out the caretaker between pants of breath, but the small girl only ignored her and continued to run faster.

"Jazzy! Jazzy! Jazzy!" screamed Madeline in delight as she jumped into Jasmine arms. "I'm so glad you're here! We could do so many things like dress up, go to the beach, make sandcastles, have a picnic, eat ice cream, go to Disneyland and...and-" she spluttered into a couple of coughs before taking a deep breath to finish her sentence. "And just enjoy this absolute perfect day!"

Jasmine held the child tighter in her arms and laughed. "Of course, that sounds fun! I promise that we will get through everything you want to do, but first you also have to promise me to take it easy. We don't want you getting hurt or anything like that," she replied gently while carefully placing Madeline onto the ground.

The girl wrinkled her nose at the thought of taking it easy, but eventually gave a reluctant nod. "Yes, yes I promise," she grumbled unhappily.

"Now that's what I like to hear," said Jasmine with a grin as she gave Madeline a once over. Within seconds of seeing her appearance, her smile faltered. Alec's little sister definitely looked worse than she did a month ago. Her complexion was paler, making the girl seem frail and easily breakable. The once beautiful long hair she had was cut short and the slight hollowness of her cheeks suggested that she may have lost some weight. Suddenly her heart ached for this small girl who had barely started to live and for her brother who had lost too many close loved ones.

As they made their way to the mansion door, more words poured out of Madeline's mouth and for a moment, she looked like she was the happiest child on earth despite her illness. "I knew Alec would come for you like I asked him to! Now we can be like a mini family and have fun together!"

Jasmine managed to chuckle at the little girl's bright spirit. Maybe it was just the hot summer sun beating down on her, but all of the sudden warmth filled her heart and she felt a lot better for her decision to come back here. It was probably the least she could do to make Madeline happy. After all, she did come here for this child and her alone right?

Upon entering Alec's estate, a blonde female in a skimpy black dress was quick to strut in their direction. Her pale blue eyes immediately flashed in disgust when she saw Jasmine standing by the doorway, but it quickly softened when she met her fiancé's gaze. Plastering a superficial smile, she ran over to a wary Alec and embraced him, making sure to put on a show in front of Jasmine.