drench to wake him up if she weren’t driving right now.
“Love isn’t determined by how long you’ve known someone, but by the connections you share. You and Serenity are not meant to be. So what if you’ve known each other your whole lives? Even without Zachary in the picture, you and Serenity wouldn’t work out. Why can’t you grasp that? Why are you so fixated on the duration?”
“Serenity doesn’t love you, and that’s the most important point. If she loves you, Zachary doesn’t stand a chance. She only sees you as a brother.”
Shawn tugged at his hair in frustration. “Jas, I don’t want to be her brother. We’re not related by blood. I just want to try, Jas. I won’t be able to move on without giving it a chance.”
“How do you plan to try? Hasn’t Serenity made her feelings clear to you?”
“What? Are you suggesting I announce to the world that I’m pursuing her?”
Shawn was momentarily speechless; that thought had indeed crossed his mind.
“You haven’t heard a single word I’ve said, Shawn. Your feelings for Serenity are hurting her. Not only are you creating conflict for her and Zachary, but your parents will never approve of you chasing after Serenity.”
“Your family won’t accept this relationship, and you don’t have the means to make it on your own. Your constant pestering will only bring harm to Serenity. Is this what you call love?”
“Shawn, love is not possessive; it’s about letting go. If you truly love her, you should wish her the best. Your happiness should come from her happiness, even if she’s not with you.”
Shawn was left speechless.
Realizing that Jasmine was driving him home, he asked, “Are you taking me home, Jas?”
“Yes, I’m taking you home. My aunt should still be at home at this time. I want you to see your mom’s reaction when she finds out that you like Serenity. Then you might understand the true nature of your feelings.”
“Serenity would bring.” At first, Jasmine had no intention of revealing Shawn’s feelings for Serenity to her aunt. She knew her aunt well enough to anticipate a negative reaction once the truth came out. However, because of Shawn’s persistent harassment of Serenity, Jasmine felt compelled to inform her aunt and break Shawn’s heart in the harshest way possible. Keeping his mother’s favorable opinion of Serenity in mind, Shawn replied, “My mom will be happy. She loves Serenity.” Jasmine smirked, thinking to herself that Shawn was naive and had much to learn about his mother.