Chapter 8 - The Empire He Walked Away From
Derek recovered.
But the consequences of his choices were enormous.
He testified.
He handed over documents.
He closed illegal businesses.
He sold properties tied to the organization.
For the first time in decades, the Drake name appeared in newspapers for something other than fear.
Some praised him.
Some condemned him.
Others waited for him to fail.
Jasmine stayed by his side.
She left her position as his secretary.
Derek didn't like it.
“You're quitting?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I don't want our relationship tied to my paycheck.”
He smiled.
“That was the smartest thing you've ever said.”
“I've said smarter things.”
“Probably.”
He pulled her close.
“What will you do?”
“I don't know.”
“Good.”
“Good?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because you spent your entire life doing what other people expected.”
He kissed her forehead.
“Now you can choose.”
Jasmine chose to open a small legal-support nonprofit for women trapped by financial abuse.
Her mother helped.
Marcus invested quietly.
Derek funded it anonymously.
Months passed.
The danger faded.
The fear disappeared.
The apartment felt brighter.
The city seemed less cruel.
One evening, Derek took Jasmine back to the subway station where she had accidentally taken the wrong train.
She frowned.
“Why are we here?”
He smiled.
“Because this place changed my life.”
“What?”
“You were late.”
“I took the wrong train.”
“You disappeared.”
“You called twelve times.”
“I called fourteen.”
She laughed.
“You said twelve.”
“I was too angry to count properly.”
He took her hand.
“The night you came home late was the night I finally understood that I couldn't spend the rest of my life pretending you were just my secretary.”
Jasmine smiled.
“And now?”
“Now you're the woman I want beside me when I wake up.”
He reached into his pocket.
She froze.
“Derek…”
He knelt.
A small ring appeared.
No diamonds the size of a house.
Just a beautiful stone surrounded by a simple gold band.
“Jasmine Cole, I loved you when you thought nobody could notice you.”
Her eyes filled.
“I love you now that you finally know how impossible it is not to notice you.”
She laughed through tears.
“That's a terrible proposal.”
“I practiced a better one.”
“Did you?”
“No.”
She laughed.
Then whispered:
“Yes.”
Derek smiled.
The man who had once terrified Manhattan looked happier than he had ever been.
But before they left the station, Jasmine noticed something.
A small envelope tucked inside her coat.
She opened it.
May you like
Inside was a handwritten letter.
From her father.
