JASMINE
"Stephan, where are you going??" I asked, seeing he was going toward his car.
"I'm taking you home."
I pulled back slightly, shaking my head. "I don't want to go yet. Professor Anderson… he might want to speak with me after the defense. There could be more questions from the investors. I can't just leave like this.. We are not done."
Stephan's jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm, almost soothing. "You already did exceptionally well. Everyone saw that. Professor Anderson congratulated you publicly. You don't need to stay and prove anything else tonight."
"But…" I started, my mind still spinning with the need to appear strong, to show everyone including myself that I could handle this new life without crumbling.
He cut me off gently, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand in a slow, reassuring stroke.
"Jasmine, you are exhausted. Your hands are still shaking. Let me take you home."
