The duo stepped out of the boutique, only to find themselves face-to-face with Jackson and Zoe emerging from the bridal store next door. The two were all cozied up, arm in arm, radiating a closeness that could make anyone a tad jealous.
Their affection was so obvious, it was almost too sweet to handle.
“Well, isn’t this a small world!” Jasmine exclaimed, rolling up her sleeves. She wasn’t about to let any Summer family ties hold her back; she was ready to throw down, and nothing was going to stop her.
“Jackson, you can just drop dead!”
Her fist swung past Jackson’s face, and he had the nerve to dodge it!
Just as she was about to land another punch, Fiona caught Jasmine’s wrist, shooting her a look. “Jasmine, don’t go overboard.”
Overboard? Jasmine’s temper was about to hit the roof.
“Fancy bumping into you, brother, brother,” Fiona’s voice came out awkward and dry.
“We’ve got things to do, so we’re heading out.”
Fiona didn’t waste a second, quickly pulling Jasmine away from the shopping center.
“Fiona,” Jackson called after them.
He noticed Fiona pause, her expression softening, but only for a split second.
Watching Fiona walk away, he felt utterly helpless.
He hadn’t even touched Zoe; she claimed to have twisted her ankle and grabbed his arm for support. He hadn’t managed to shrug her off before Fiona saw them.
Now, how was he supposed to explain this mess?
“You set this up,” Jackson snapped, shaking Zoe off with a glare. “Cheap trick.”
Jackson stormed off, leaving Zoe sitting on the ground with a sly grin. She knew Jasmine would be here today to pick out dresses and had deliberately chosen this spot for her engagement dress fitting. She’d spotted Jasmine and Fiona earlier, and everything was going just as she’d planned.
Jackson was hers!
Fiona got out, swaying a little. Jackson caught her by the shoulders, helping her steady herself.
“Fiona, have you been drinking?” Jackson sighed, gently pulling her along, his gaze soft and caring. “Come home with me; there’s always room for you at the estate.”
“You’re getting engaged, then married,” Fiona suddenly smiled, the sunlight filtering through the leaves casting a pretty glow on her flushed cheeks. “I’m going to have a sister-in-law.”
“Fiona, it’s not what you think...”
Jackson started to explain, but Fiona was already asleep in his arms.
He carried Fiona back to the estate, leaving Jasmine waiting at the corner, waiting and waiting, but Fiona never returned.
“That girl, she must’ve gotten smashed!”
Muttering a few choice words under her breath, Jasmine reluctantly drove off into the night.
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