Jasmine's POV
"Be my girlfriend."
Palmer's words hit me like a physical blow. My heart was still raw from Jayden's betrayal, and now this unexpected proposition left me reeling.
"What did you just say?" The question escaped my lips in a breathless whisper. "Are you being serious right now?"
Palmer's expression remained steady, though something flickered in his dark eyes. "Completely serious. We could fake a relationship. Make it convincing enough that everyone believes we're together."
I felt my world tilt slightly. Nothing made sense anymore.
"But why would you want that?"
His gaze shifted away briefly before returning to mine with renewed intensity. "Because I can't stand watching how he treats you."
Neither of us needed to speak Jayden's name. It hung between us like a heavy weight.
"You deserve so much more than his indifference, Jasmine. Maybe seeing you with someone else will force him to recognize what he's throwing away."
