Chapter 1134
Glancing up at Raymond, Jasmine inquired, "Dad, is everything alright? Aren't you eager to see the gift I've prepared for my nephew?"© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.
Spotting the sizable box nearby, Asher's eyes lit up with excitement. Without hesitation, he dashed over and eagerly opened the box. "I want this gift!" he exclaimed with enthusiasm. As the box popped open, it revealed a large, meticulously crafted cake that resembled a work of art.
The guests were captivated, some even reaching for their phones to capture the moment.
As Raymond's eyes fell upon the cake, a sigh of relief escaped him. With a complex expression, he addressed Jasmine, "I hadn't anticipated you arranging such an elaborate surprise."
Aware of Alison's desire for divorce and assuming that Jasmine wouldn't accept Asher, Raymond had prepared himself for an imminent separation.
However, Jasmine's unexpected gesture left him pondering-could this be a sign of a potential reconciliation?
Meanwhile, Luna's apprehension only grew deeper as she laid eyes on the cake.
Moments ago, she had been nervous about what the box might contain, fearing it could hold something harmful. However, to her surprise, it was just a cake.
But what had prompted Jasmine to suddenly act so kindly, sending over a cake and addressing Asher as her "nephew" so casually?
With Asher beside her, Jasmine lit the candles and spoke to him, "Asher, you're now a part of the Shelbert family. Everything in our home is now yours. Your life will be different from this day forward. Please, make a wish."
A smile appeared on Raymond's face as he stood next to Jasmine, visibly relieved.
In a hushed tone, he said to her, "If you can find it in yourself to accept everything, it would be the best possible outcome."
Jasmine sliced a piece of cake and
handed it to Raymond. "Dad, I've come to realize that my past actions were impulsive and immature. But now, I've had a genuine change of heart.
"Asher is a part of our family, and there's no reason for me to react so strongly. I've also spoken with Grandpa Ernest and Grandma Irene, and they're supportive."
Raymond's expression shifted to one of surprise. "Really? So, your grandparents are on board, but what about your mother?"
"Mom hasn't outright agreed yet, but she's not as opposed as before. Dad, trust me, I'll win her over. After all, both of you have built so many years of love together. "We can't let something as insignificant as this drive us apart. Plus, I've been longing for a kid in our home, someone to bring warmth and joy to our family."
Raymond let out a sigh of relief after hearing Jasmine's words, his face reflecting contentment as he gently patted her shoulder. "Jazzy, I'm truly glad to hear you say this. It seems all my efforts in raising you weren't for nothing."
"Dad, you can count on me. I've had a genuine change of heart. I won't react the same way I did in the past. Asher is now part of our family, and I'll treat him accordingly.
"I'll work on persuading my
grandparents to provide him with all the resources and support he needs. As a family, we'll stand together and move forward, rather than holding each other back.
"This is a lesson you've taught me, and though I didn't fully grasp it before, I understand it now."
Raymond was surprised by Jasmine's maturity. "That's wonderful, Jazzy. You've truly exceeded my expectations."
Turning to Luna beside her, Jasmine teased, "Isn't that right, Luna? We're family now."
Luna's expression turned pale within moments, staring at Jasmine in disbelief.
"
She never anticipated Jasmine could be so adaptable, embracing Asher's presence and even convincing her maternal grandparents, Ernest Moore, and Irene Calahan, to do the same. This new development was indeed a troubling twist for Luna.