"Are you sure you are recovering well?" Allison asks again; concern filling her voice. I sigh, letting my brush aside. "I am doing better, no panic attacks or anything triggering. I think I am fine to go for this trip" I reassure her, already moving to the bathroom to clean up before dinner

"I am sorry, I am just making sure. Remember to pack your pills in case of emergencies" she adds. I nod even though she can't see me. I set my phone on the counter as I wash my hands and face after completing the painting.

Everything is packed for our flight tomorrow at noon. While Jasmine and I will leave first, Liam and Stella will join us later when we reach Rajasthan for Veer's wedding.

Due to my last panic attack, Allison, being an attentive therapist, had to check up on me to make sure I wouldn't face any problems. As much as I am not a fan of travelling, I don't have a problem with flights

"Also, keep another family on your emergency contact. I am going on a small vacation" she adds, making me surprised. I quickly dry my hands and pick up the phone "Wow, really? That's a surprise, as you don't really go on vacations," I reply, the amusement still visible.

She sighs through the phone. "I wouldn't have taken it if my boyfriend didn't insist", she says, making me even more surprised to know about her boyfriend. Allison doesn't mention her private life much but it's a rare moment. I don't wanna dig deeper or invade her privacy so I don't ask anything further

"Anyways, you gotta remember what I told you. Have a safe" she adds, her tone stern for me to obey. "Yes, I will. Thank you"

After hanging up, I put my phone aside, taking a glance at the finished painting.

The painting of Jasmine standing at the edge of the yacht at the graduation party. I tried to recreate the scene of her carefree yet thoughtful expression from that night.

How she stood there silently watching the water, her hair flowing along the rhythm of the breeze. How breathtaking she looked in that red dress.

Despite the teasing, the intense mocking flares my jealousy. I couldn't take her off my mind, the way she smiled - her crimson-coloured lips curving up whenever she found me annoyed.

The way she walked, swaying her hips to tease me. The floral fragrance that she carried around has been carved into my senses.

She has become the definition of distraction that has turned into attraction.

I carefully put the painting aside for it to dry. I will move it back to the studio before the flight. This is my third painting of Jasmine, yet she hasn't seen any of them yet.

I make my way downstairs, Liam and Stella are joining us for dinner. It's a whole get-together for our departure and also for Liam and Stella's engagement.

As I reach downstairs, I am met with an unexpected scene. In the middle of the living room, Mia is aggressively accessorizing Jasmine. And Jasmine is sitting still without doing anything. This is the longest I have seen her sit silently

"What is going on here?" I question standing in front of them, my hands shoved into my pockets as I examine Jasmine half buried. A thick scarf wrapped around her neck, a cap over her forehead, oversized sunglasses and those giant noise-cancelling headphones

Mia grins proudly as if she has done the impossible task "I am preparing Jasmine for her flight tomorrow!"

I raise my eyebrow, feeling unimpressed "By making her look like an undercover criminal?"

"Okay that's surprisingly the most relevant thing you have said today" Jasmine lets out a groan, moving a bit to adjust the scarf around her neck "but I don't wanna die out of embarrassment on the plane"

I sigh shaking my head "I don't know about the embarrassment but that is a good way of calling for suffocation upon yourself" I vaguely gesture to her attire

She sighs and lays back on the couch, spreading her arms wide "I had the best airport fit but nope. Remove being someone's airport crush from my bucket list"

You are already someone's crush, no need to work so hard on that

I pinch the bridge of my nose, seeing Mia add more onto her; at this point, she looks unrecognisable if I didn't see the mole on her wrists. "I leave the room for a few hours and I am met with this nonsense" I comment

Mia glares at me, crossing her arms defensively "It's not nonsense! I am trying to blend Jasmine in with the crowd!"

I try to hold back my laughter. "Blend in? You are making her grab more attention than anyone!" I point out. "Firstly, she will be suffocated with all that, and secondly, she has to identify herself at the airport, so all that has to go", I add.

The realization draws upon Mia's face and even on Jasmine's too but I can't see her face behind all that good for nothing things

It's making me frustrated than her

"All this for nothing!" Jasmine grunts in annoyance, kicking her feet. "I am sorry, jazz" Mia mutters as Jasmine waves her hand It's alright," she says, her voice still muffled

"Why all that effort?" I ask moving closer to her and removing the scarf first. Seeing no objection from her, I continue to remove the other things Jasmine lets out a sigh of relief as she looks at me, sweat forming on her forehead. Her eyes held slight disappointment

"Why? Scared of heights? Planes? People?" I ask, trying to keep my tone as soft as possible.

Jasmine shakes her head and leans back "Bad history with planes. I always end up embarrassing myself, getting sick and people look at me like I have grown wings" she mutters, I can see the dismissive tone in her voice indicating that she doesn't wanna talk about it

I nod and step back giving her space. I turn to face Mia and hand her stuff back "Put them away"

She sighs softly and marches back to her room

As I was about to speak to Jasmine again, the distant rumble of motorcycles echoed outside. Jasmine's head shots up in my direction "they are here!" She jumps up excited, that smile appearing back on her face which I have been waiting for

The main door shoots open revealing Stella walking in dressed in her gears, the helmet held in her left hand as she opens her right arm for Jasmine's bear hug

"Damn, you look so hot", Jasmine says teasingly, holding Stella's finger and spinning her around to see her outfit. "My girl can slay in everything" Stella giggles at Jasmine's continuous compliments but before Jasmine can catch her, Liam comes into the view, wrapping his arm possessively around Stella's waist and pulling her back to his chest

"Nope, none of that anymore", he says, kissing the side of Stella's head and making her smile. Jasmine lets out a dramatic gasp "Gosh, he is already getting into that possessive finacé phase?"

Stella just grins widely, leaning against Liam "And I love that so much" Hearing this, Jasmine rolls her eyes playfully.

A smile forms on my face watching their interaction. Liam still holding Stella while her smile never leaves. They are happy, glowing better than ever. Both of their rings shine on their fingers.

Jasmine crosses her arms, an expression forming on her face that means one thing - banter

"Oh please, don't forget I have been the best wingwoman during your early crush on Stella, remember Brother? In.law" Jasmine reminds, emphasizing his relationship status

Liam shrugs nonchalantly "I do remember and I am very much grateful" he trails off, lifting Stella's left hand and showing the ring on her finger "This because of me though," he says proudly

Jasmine scoffs, a playful smirk forming on her lips as she pulls Stella back and pecks her cheeks, taking both Liam and me by surprise.

Jasmine is the biggest supporter of Liam and Stella, but today she is enjoying trying to make Liam jealous and even he is playing along

"Oh please, this is girlhood", Jasmine teases more, hugging Stella and to spark more into this game, Stella wraps her arms around Jasmine. Sticking like they are glued together

"She is my finacée now", Liam says, stepping forward and pulling Stella towards him, but Jasmine holds her arm "She was my best friend first!" She protests tugging Stella back

They are having a tug-of-war with Stella

Liam glances at me and back at Jasmine, his eyes silently pleading for help. Usually, I wouldn't and stay back to enjoy. But an idea pops into my head that could benefit both of us at this moment.

Jasmine may or may not have a reaction to this

I take a deep breath and decide to step in; without any noise, I stand behind them, my arm snaking around her waist, gently lifting her off the ground with my arm.

For a few seconds, I stay that way holding her before moving her away from the scene

Jasmine yelped in surprise, her grip loosened on Stella, and she landed back into Liam's arms.

"What!" She yells, subtly kicking her feet until I let her go. "Let them enjoy, wildcat" I whisper against her ear making her shoot me a glare before stepping away

Liam stands beside me, wrapping her arm around my neck with a victorious smile "And this is brotherhood" He says mockingly to Jasmine

I shake my head "I didn't do this for you", I say in a low murmur, only for him to hear. Liam blinks in surprise and looks at me, removing his arm "Oh" he reacts bluntly

But as I move away, his expression shifts - eyes widen and his smile drops. "Oh!" He exclaims making Stella and Jasmine stare at him in confusion. I shake my head in a no for any slip of reaction, he catches on and composes himself

Liam clears his throat "Seems like I won this round"

Jasmine sighs in defeat. "For this time," she pauses for a second, her eyebrows frown,s, thinking of something. Suddenly she snaps her fingers "Maybe you both should adopt me. I would love to be the IT couple's daughter" she jokes lightly

Liam nods "Sure, I will give you some of my inheritance" he follows up

What is going on here

First the undercover accessorizing, competition and now this?

"I am gonna be a Williams happily" Jasmine sings, holding her palm on her heart like she is taking a pledge.

"You know there are other ways to become a Williams" Aunt Lia chimes in, her eyes shooting me a teasing look. For a moment my eyes widen at the implication, Liam and Stella exchange a glance understanding the meaning

While Jasmine remains unfazed, her expressions thoughtful

"But you will also be family, with or without the name", Liam adds, his words genuine, making her snap out of her thoughts. She blinks in surprise, "don't say things like that to make me cry" She mumbles crossing her arms and looking away

I know she has been emotional, she doesn't wanna leave for some reason. She has grown an unexplainable attachment from here. And whenever there's a mention of leaving, she gets overwhelmed

Stella's expression softens. "Aww, it's alright", she says, pulling Jasmine into a hug. "But what he said is true", she adds, making Jasmine tighten her grip.

Mia comes downstairs, watching the scene with a confused look but she doesn't say anything. Aunt Lia lets out a heavy sigh, she will also miss Jasmine.

Everyone will miss her

"I don't mind her being a Williams, though", Liam speaks suddenly, taking everyone by surprise. I shoot him a glare which he ignores skillfully, shoving his hands in his pockets. He stands beside me, "right, Lucas?" He asks with the most innocent expression as if he isn't stirring this pot

"Well, I only consider the first way I mentioned, for now," she says before walking away towards the kitchen along witStellala. I stare blankly at the empty space she stood in earlier with a dumbfounded expression

"Wow, we should proceed with the dinner", Aunt Lia chuckles, following Jasmine like she hadn't suggested something complicated a while ago. I take a deep breath to calm down and process her words, what does she mean by it? She didn't consider it? For now? That means there's a chance of considering it in the future? Or no?

"Better luck next time" Liam pats my shoulder with a fake empathetic. I roll my eyes and slide his hand off my shoulders, "let's just eat", I mutter in annoyance, dragging myself to the dining table.

I was about to take my usual seat beside Liam when he casually made Mia sit there, making me frown. Usually, I sit beside Liam and Stella, but if Mia is sitting here, then I have to sit in her place.

That is beside Jasmine

Liam just grins at me, he is being extremely expressive with his intentions tonight. I walk around the table and plop myself beside Jasmine. Jasmine looks at me surprised "Well hello new neighbour" she nudges my elbow playfully

"You don't mind?" I ask, expecting her to change her seat or ask me to change it. Maybe after the graduation night, her perspective changed. The silent rhythm of understanding.

I don't wait for her to answer, I grab her plate and serve the food on her plate. Others don't notice or they just pretend not to, engaged in their own conversations.

Jasmine shrugs, her shoulders unaffected "It's alright, I gotta get used to you now", she says casually; I nod in understanding. We are getting used to each other, already have.

Without missing a beat, she grabs my plate. Like it's something so normal, she doesn't ask - she just serves exactly what I eat.

A hair strand falls over her face, coming into her eyelashes. She tugs it behind her ear while I clench and unclench my head trying to prevent myself from reaching out to do it myself.

Her bangles crinkle on her wrist due to her movements, a sound that I never paid attention to now seems like the most important sound that I would like to hear

She slides the plate in front of me. My hand stays frozen holding her plate, "why?" I question in a low murmur.

"Why not?" She answers my question with another question.

"I didn't ask you why you did that, so you can't either" Her fingers brush against mine as she takes back her plate, a small smile lingering on her lips.

She doesn't realise what kind of tightness she caused in my chest. The conversation and the laughter fade away, and I just stare at her, watching her eat silently as if she is used to this.

I should have pointed it out, teased her about it, try to get a reaction out of her but at this moment. That didn't matter anymore.

Only she did

The realization slowly sinks in. We are friends now. This is a sign of it maybe

And in a while, we will be pretending to be something more. It made me wonder, while I would act like this all means nothing to me - will she catch how much this all means to me?

✄-------

"You are free?" I ask entering the study and closing the door behind me silently. Liam looks up from the desk, a smile forms on his face as he puts the album down.

Our family album

He wouldn't show it, taking in all the responsibility silently like he has always been prepared for it. But deep down, Dad's death affected him the most. He didn't tell or ask for help but dealth with it silently. He even developed a way to escape from this long ago.

"Of course, tell me," he says, standing up and walking around the desk.

I scratch the back of my neck awkwardly. I haven't asked something like this before. Our dynamics have changed a lot in the past few years.

I don't know if I even deserve to ask something from him when I haven't done anything for him.

"Take your time" he adds, noticing my behaviour change. He watches me with a calm expression, silent and understanding. I take a deep breath, looking at him "I was thinking if it's alright if we take the family jet to India?" I say as if suggesting

I wait for his reaction, expecting questions but he just nods. "Yeah, that's good" he comments.

"No, I mean I am asking if that's alright with you. If you permit it"

He looks at me with an amused expression like I said something unreasonable "You are asking for my permission?" He asks, his tone filled with disbelief. I nod in confirmation making him scoff

"You don't need to ask me or take my permission for something like that, Lucas. As much as these things belong to me, they belong to you and Mia too" he assures

"I just wanted to make sure. You are the holder now-"

"Just because I am the holder or the CEO doesn't make me superior to you or Mia. You both are family; you both have rights. You are a Carter, a Williams, too, Lucas. Don't forget it" he cuts me off, his voice stern with a reminder.

I sometimes don't feel it, I feel like I don't belong here or deserve this

"Lucas" he calls my name, making me snap out. I nod, trying to maintain my breathing. "Yes, Thank you,," I mutter. He looks at me with a narrowed gaze, trying to understand. As much as he tries, he doesn't push me out of my comfort zone until I tell him first. I admire that about him, he is always around like a silent support

He does his best to be there like dad did

"If it's alright, why the sudden change of plans?" He asks

"It's for Jasmine; she isn't comfortable with commercial flights", I reply, I could have said something else or tried to hide it. But Liam knows well, he has caught on long go

Liam nods in understanding. "I get it; I have been there", he says with a small chuckle, his eyes softening. A clear indication that he is referring to Stella

"I will forward you the contacts and details for tomorrow" Liam says, pulling out his phone while he walks over to the desk and grabs something. He forwards me the details and hands me a book with a blank cover

I frown in confusion, flipping it open "A dictionary?"

Liam nods with a smirk "You will need it"

I definitely do