Chapter 9 - The Letter Samuel Left Behind
My little girl,
If you're reading this, then I didn't get enough time with you.
Jasmine's eyes blurred instantly.
Derek read the letter over her shoulder.
Your mother will tell you many things. Some will frighten you. Some will hurt. But there is one thing I need you to know.
None of what happened was your fault.
Jasmine covered her mouth.
Samuel continued.
I chose to fight because I believed a better life was possible.
I failed to give you that life while I was alive.
So promise me you'll build it yourself.
Do not let fear become your inheritance.
Derek wrapped his arms around her.
She cried against his chest.
Later that evening, they visited her father's grave.
Her mother stood beside her.
For the first time in twenty years, she allowed herself to grieve openly.
“I should have told you sooner.”
“I know.”
“I thought if you hated me, you would survive me.”
Jasmine smiled sadly.
“I survived because you loved me.”
Her mother shook her head.
“I survived because you loved me first.”
Derek stood a short distance away.
Jasmine walked toward him.
“I’m ready.”
“For what?”
“For the rest of my life.”
He smiled.
“So am I.”
Three months later, they married.
There was no Mafia wedding.
No army of armed men.
No dramatic display of wealth.
They chose a small garden ceremony.
Jasmine wore a simple ivory dress.
Derek looked at her like the world had stopped.
Marcus stood beside him.
Jasmine’s mother cried before the vows even began.
When Jasmine reached the altar, Derek whispered:
“You're late.”
She laughed.
“By thirty seconds.”
“I almost called fourteen times.”
The ceremony ended with laughter.
They danced beneath strings of lights.
For once, there was no gunfire.
No threats.
No secrets.
Only music.
And peace.
But their happiness did not erase their past.
Derek knew that.
Jasmine knew that.
They simply refused to let their past decide their future.
A year later, their nonprofit had helped hundreds of women.
Derek worked legally.
He built companies that employed people instead of controlling them.
Marcus became head of security for the nonprofit and complained constantly about working around children.
Jasmine discovered she loved being a mother.
When she became pregnant, Derek cried.
Actually cried.
He denied it for three days.
Jasmine teased him mercilessly.
“You were more emotional about the baby than the wedding.”
“I wasn't emotional.”
“You cried.”
“I had dust in my eye.”
“In both eyes?”
“Yes.”
She laughed.
One evening, Derek placed his hand gently over her stomach.
“What do you think?”
“I think our daughter is going to destroy me.”
Jasmine smiled.
“You have no idea.”
He kissed her.
For the first time in his life, Derek Drake wasn't afraid of losing power.
He was grateful for the things power could never buy.
A home.
A family.
A woman who loved him without fearing him.
Then Jasmine felt the baby move.
Derek's eyes widened.
“She kicked.”
Jasmine laughed.
“She likes you.”
“I hope so.”
“You're already terrified.”
“Of course I am.”
“Why?”
He looked at her.
“Because now I have more to lose.”
Jasmine touched his cheek.
“No.”
May you like
She smiled.
“Now you have more to live for.”
