Jasmine wasn’t one to tough things out. Back in her room, she collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming. Between sobs, she grabbed a pillow and pummeled it, pretending it was Damien. “How dare you treat me like that! Jerk!”

Once the storm passed, she lay staring at the ceiling. She thought, “If it hurts this much now, what happens when I fall deeper?”

“Damien is all wrong for me. He’s cold and unfeeling. I want someone warm and devoted. He’s none of that. And he’s already taken!”

The memory of that perfume made Jasmine seethe. She thought, “Why torture myself over him? I have to let go!”

The next morning, Shermaine woke early for high-intensity training. A day of rest had fully restored her.

Jasmine showed up while Shermaine was training. Her eyes were puffy and red-rimmed, and she looked pale.

Shermaine raised an eyebrow. “What did you do last night?”

“Binged a show,” Jasmine lied.

Shermaine’s gaze lingered skeptically.

Jasmine fidgeted. “What’s first?”

Shermaine said, “Train with me.”

“Okay,” Jasmine nodded.

Shermaine didn’t press. She had a feeling this had something to do with Damien, but since Jasmine didn’t want to talk about it, she dropped it.

Jasmine struggled through the run, legs turning to jelly by the end. Shermaine, however, breezed through effortlessly.

Returning, they found Joshua and Damien waiting.

Jasmine’s face soured at the sight of Damien.

Joshua handed them water and towels.

Damien stepped forward. “Jasmine, we need to talk. Alone.”

Jasmine shot back, “I’m busy.”

She thought bitterly, “He probably wants to finish what he started last night. Another warning to stay out of his business.”

Her tone turned sharp. “Don’t worry. I swear I won’t ask about your privacy ever again.”

Damien’s eyes darkened.

Chugging her water, Jasmine turned to Shermaine. “When do I start mecha training?”

“Now,” Shermaine smiled. “Let’s go.”

“Great!” Jasmine skipped after her.

Damien’s expression darkened dangerously.

Joshua observed with quiet amusement, having no intention of intervening. It was far too interesting. Besides, Damien’s reaction spoke volumes. The only things that ever unsettled the unflappable assassin were mission failures and Jasmine.

Jasmine resolutely ignored Damien’s presence, pointedly avoiding any mention of the red-haired woman.

When Damien attempted to approach her several times, she deliberately evaded him, not wanting to see the man who had hurt her.

Jasmine’s days were consumed by rigorous mecha training under Shermaine’s guidance. Within a week, Jasmine could pilot the mecha with surprising competence.

But nights were torturous. Anxiety gnawed at Jasmine – not just over Damien, but the looming departure of Shermaine and Joshua. Every skill mastered brought their farewell closer.

Exhaustion finally claimed Jasmine. One afternoon, dizzy from sleep deprivation, she collapsed mid-training, tumbling into a lake and emerging with a sprained neck and scraped limbs.

When Shermaine heard what happened, she was furious and amused. But when she learned that Damien had pulled Jasmine out of the water himself, taken her to get treated, and then carried her back to her room, her mood softened.

Shermaine went to see Jasmine and found Damien keeping vigil by the sleeping girl’s bedside. “How is she?” Shermaine asked in a low voice.

“Minor injuries,” Damien replied.

Shermaine examined Jasmine. These superficial wounds could be healed within days. Then, she said, “Damien, I need you to handle something.”

Damien said, “Go ahead, please.”

“In one week, I’ll host a banquet.” Shermaine produced intricate designs for a gown and matching shoes. “Have these tailored to Jasmine’s measurements by a master craftsman.”

She hadn’t been joking before when she said she wanted to find Jasmine a boyfriend. This matchmaking banquet was very much real.