Jasmine's POV
Tears streamed down my face as I buried myself deeper under the blankets. My fists pressed against my chest while my whole body shook from the overwhelming pain. Everything felt so hopeless, so utterly broken.
The mattress dipped as Jayden slipped under the covers beside me. His strong arms wrapped around me with careful gentleness.
"I'm here," he murmured against my hair. "You don't have to face this alone, Jasmine."
Something inside me cracked at his words. I pressed my face into his chest, breathing in his familiar scent that always made me feel protected. The warmth of his skin and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat began to calm my racing thoughts.
Sleep started pulling me under as his breathing created a soothing lullaby.
The bedroom door opened with barely a whisper.
"How is she doing?" Aunt Naia's concerned voice drifted through the room.
Jayden responded quietly, but exhaustion was already dragging me into darkness before I could make out his words.
