CHAPTER ONE: THE ROOTS OF JASMINE
There lived a family called the Jasmine family.
Now, this wasn't just an ordinary family tucked in the corners of a city where nothing happened. No. This family was the kind that people spoke about in awe at dinner tables, in newspapers, on radio shows, and in crowded marketplaces where whispers travel faster than light.
At the head of this family stood Mr. Jasmine — a name that echoed through the corridors of power and purpose. He wasn't just any politician. He was a very rich politician, the kind whose influence wasn't built on shaky foundations or stolen opportunities, but on integrity, determination, and a genuine love for his country. His wealth wasn't just counted in currency, but in respect, honor, and the countless hearts he had touched through his leadership.
He was the Minister of Mineral Resources — a position many dreamed of but only one like Mr. Jasmine could carry with pride, without letting the weight of greed rest on his shoulders. He walked into his office not with the intention of enriching himself but enriching the lives of the people. He never paved a way for corruption to exist in his cabinet, and that decision alone made him stand out like a diamond among stones. That is one of the major reasons why people loved him that much. In a world where shortcuts are common, Mr. Jasmine chose the long, honest road — and the people followed him, not because they had to, but because they wanted to.
By his side was the indomitable Mrs. Jasmine, his wife, his partner, his equal in strength and ambition. She wasn't just sitting pretty beside a powerful man; she was a powerful woman in her own right. Known for her trading activities in large quantity, she had built an empire that stretched even outside the country. When people heard her name, they thought of shipping containers, bustling ports, foreign currencies, and successful negotiations that ended with firm handshakes and glowing smiles. Her success was loud, not because she shouted it, but because the world couldn't stop talking about it.
People often wondered how two powerhouses could remain so humble, so grounded. But the Jasmines didn't live for applause — they lived for purpose.
Yet, despite all the fame, fortune, and fulfillment in their public lives, the Jasmine family had a silent story — a private page in their book that they rarely opened to the world.
They had been married for five years without any child.
Five long years.
In many households, this might have caused bitterness. In many hearts, it could have planted seeds of doubt. But not in the Jasmine household. For Mr. and Mrs. Jasmine, it was never a burden, never a cause for shame, never something to cry endlessly over. It was simply a chapter still being written by God Himself.
It was not bothering them because they were fully aware — not half-aware, not maybe-aware — but fully aware that God would bless them some day.
This awareness wasn't just a thought; it was a conviction. A fire in their souls. A light in their eyes. They woke up every morning not counting what they lacked, but counting what they had — and they had each other, they had love, and they had faith.
When nosy relatives asked, "So, any good news yet?" Mr. Jasmine would flash a smile and say, "God's timing is always perfect." And when market women, out of concern, offered strange herbal remedies, Mrs. Jasmine would thank them kindly, knowing full well that no root or leaf could do what only God had planned.
Together, they stood like a rock in a river — unmoved, unshaken, undefeated. Their love grew stronger. Their laughter never stopped. Their home was filled with warmth, kindness, and the kind of joy that couldn't be dimmed by a missing cradle.
Mr. Jasmine's honesty in politics made him a beacon of hope, and his wife's success in trading made her a symbol of power. And even though they didn't have children yet, they were parents in spirit — giving life, hope, and joy to everyone who encountered them.
And so they lived… not in sorrow, not in waiting agony, but in absolute faith that someday — when the time was right, when the stars aligned, when heaven smiled — a blessing would arrive.
And that, dear reader, is how the story of the Jasmine family began.
A family of power, a family of patience, a family of purpose.
CHAPTER TWO: THE Whispers Behind Smiles
One day, as the golden rays of morning crept gently through the large windows of the Jasmine mansion, Mrs. Jasmine sat at the breakfast table, staring thoughtfully into her teacup. The clink of the spoon, the chirping of birds, and the hum of life outside created the perfect backdrop for a conversation that had waited quietly in the shadows of their hearts.
She looked up at Mr. Jasmine, her eyes warm and honest, and said, "My dear, I think we should see the doctor... not because anyone is giving me pressure — not at all. But we must think ahead. One day, we'll need someone who will look after all this — everything we've worked for."
Her voice was calm, steady, and full of love, not desperation. Mrs. Jasmine was a strong woman. No one had forced her. No one had nagged or whispered behind her back. But she knew that time waits for no one, and when you have been blessed as they had, you begin to think about who will carry the legacy forward.
Now, Mr. Jasmine, being the understanding man he had always been — the same man who had served his country without corruption, who loved his wife with unwavering loyalty — looked at her and nodded with gentle agreement. "You're right, my queen," he said, "Let's go."
Without fuss, without delay, and without fear, the Jasmines walked together into a new chapter of hope. The day they met the doctor was quiet, yet filled with silent prayers. The doctor was kind, professional, and after thorough checks and smiles of reassurance, he recommended a procedure. A procedure that, if followed with care and faith, would surely lead them to their greatest joy — a baby.
The Jasmines left the hospital with hearts lighter than they had been in years. Not because they had all the answers now, but because they had a way forward. And hope, once again, danced in the air around them like sunshine on water.
Later that evening, as the glow of sunset kissed the mansion walls, Mrs. Jasmine picked up her phone to call her best friend, Julian.
Julian had been her friend for years — through laughter, business talks, holidays, and birthday parties. But Julian had a secret, one she buried behind lipsticks and laughter. She was envying Mrs. Jasmine. You see, Julian had once believed that she was meant to be with Mr. Jasmine, not her friend. But life had chosen differently, and instead of truthfully moving on, she put on the mask of acceptance and played the role of the "supportive bestie."
So when Mrs. Jasmine told Julian everything that had happened at the hospital — every detail, every hopeful word from the doctor, every smile shared between husband and wife — Julian smiled and nodded. She pretended to be happy. She acted interested. But behind that smile, her heart was burning with envy like a candle trapped in a box.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the story, Mr. Jasmine was also sharing the news. But his choice of friend was different — not just in personality, but in loyalty.
His best friend was Drake.
Drake wasn't just a friend. He was a brother in spirit, a man who had stood by Mr. Jasmine through thick and thin. A man who celebrated his victories without jealousy and held his hands in moments of uncertainty. Drake was one of the best friends in the whole world — the kind you don't find easily, the kind who sees your dreams and adds fuel to them. To Mr. Jasmine, Drake wasn't just a friend — he was more than that.
So when Mr. Jasmine sat with Drake and told him all about the doctor's visit, the plan, the hope, and the next steps, Drake didn't fake a smile. He laughed in joy. He shouted with excitement. He even lifted Mr. Jasmine off the ground in a dramatic hug that nearly knocked the tea table over.
And that, right there, showed the difference between a friend and someone who only pretends.
On the surface, everything looked calm. Mrs. Jasmine had shared her heart with her best friend. Mr. Jasmine had confided in his closest brother. But what lay ahead… was a test not of procedure or medicine — but of loyalty, secrets, and truths hidden behind false smiles.
The Jasmines had taken the first bold step.
But in the shadows… someone had already started plotting the next move.
CHAPTER THREE: Shadows in Bright Places
One day, a dark cloud hovered in the minds of some of Mr. Jasmine's work members.
Behind the polished doors of their offices, hidden under their fine suits and polished speeches, a plan began to form — a dangerous, selfish plan born not out of loyalty to the country, but out of frustration with a man who simply refused to bend to their crooked ways.
They met quietly, away from curious ears and loyal eyes. These were the very people who were supposed to stand with Mr. Jasmine, work beside him, and serve the people. But instead, they were growing restless. Mr. Jasmine seemed not to understand — or rather, refused to accept — anything that would benefit them more than the country. To them, politics was a game of personal gain. To Mr. Jasmine, it was a duty to the people.
He was always about the country. He was always about the people. And that made him a problem in their selfish world.
At the center of this growing bitterness was Mr. Kelvin — a man who saw himself as the rightful heir to the position of Minister of Natural Resources. He had been in silent competition with Mr. Jasmine for years. But while Mr. Jasmine rose through hard work, Mr. Kelvin schemed through ambition.
So as the group leaned in and shared their complaints, Mr. Kelvin spoke the most chilling words of all.
He suggested that Mr. Jasmine should be killed.
His voice was low but sharp, cutting through the air like a blade. His reasoning was cold — once Mr. Jasmine was gone, the path would be clear. He could inherit the seat or at least be appointed as the new minister of the state. To him, this was not just strategy — it was opportunity dressed in darkness.
But the plan stopped before it could breathe life.
Because they had no means to do that. No access. No plan. No courage. In fact, the more they thought about it, the clearer it became — it would be very difficult to even attempt such a thing. Mr. Jasmine was not just a minister. He was a symbol. Touching him would be like striking the heart of the nation.
So, defeated for the moment, they gave themselves time to think — to come up with a plan, to lay low in the daylight while plotting in the dark.
But while their minds twisted in evil, Mr. Jasmine's world was glowing with light.
That night, Mr. Jasmine was spending proper time with the ones who brought joy to his heart — his beloved wife, his best friend Drake, and his wife's best friend Julian.
They had come together for an evening of laughter, warmth, and peace. Around the long dining table in the heart of their home, they shared stories, jokes, and plates full of delicious food. The table shook with laughter, and for a few precious hours, the worries of the world melted away.
Dinner stretched into the night, and as time ticked on, the room was filled with the soft music of joy and togetherness. Mr. Jasmine looked around the table and smiled deeply — at his beautiful wife, his loyal friend, and even at Julian, who was as charming as ever.
But as the night wore on, the warmth of the food and the joy of the moment took their toll.
Mrs. Jasmine and Mr. Drake, full and happy, fell asleep on the dining table. Their heads rested gently, their breathing steady, their dreams beginning before they even reached their beds.
That left only Mr. Jasmine and Julian awake.
And that was when everything changed.
In the quiet that followed the laughter, Julian tried to seduce Mr. Jasmine.
Many times.
She leaned closer. Her eyes were different now — not filled with friendship, but something else. Something bold. Something dangerous. Her voice softened. Her hands reached. Her words twisted into suggestions she had never dared say before.
But Mr. Jasmine resisted.
Every time.
He didn't move. He didn't give in. His loyalty to his wife was stronger than temptation. His character was too rooted in truth to be shaken by a moment of weakness. Even when Julian tried again and again, Mr. Jasmine stood firm. His love for his wife, his honor, and his self-control built a wall no charm could break through.
Eventually, the moment passed, and the silence returned.
---
The next morning, as the sunlight filtered through the curtains and the world began to stir again, Mr. Jasmine woke up with a heavy heart.
He wanted to tell his best friend Drake what had happened the night before. He wanted to clear the air, to speak the truth, to let his friend know that something serious had taken place.
But then he paused.
He thought about the consequences. About what it would do to the bond they shared. About how it might spoil the relationship between them. He didn't want suspicion. He didn't want conflict. He didn't want to ruin the trust that had taken years to build.
And so…
He stopped.
He said nothing.
But deep inside, the moment lingered — a secret wrapped in silence, sitting quietly between truth and protection.
And outside that house, in hidden corners, other plans were growing. Dark ones.
CHAPTER FOUR: The News That Shook Joy and Evil Alike
Exactly twenty days after the memorable visit to the hospital — the visit filled with hopeful words and gentle procedures — something unexpected happened.
The morning sun had risen softly, spreading golden light across the mansion as if blessing it from above. Mrs. Jasmine had gone about her day as usual — smiling, managing her business calls, and exchanging sweet banter with her husband over breakfast. Everything was calm. Everything was normal.
Until, in a sudden and shocking moment, Mrs. Jasmine collapsed.
There was no warning. No pain. No shout. Just silence — then her body falling gently but lifelessly into the arms of her housekeeper.
Within seconds, chaos erupted. Mr. Jasmine rushed to her side with fear written all over his face. His voice trembled as he called her name again and again, but she was unconscious. His wife — his queen — the strongest woman he knew, was lying still.
Without wasting a heartbeat, she was rushed to the hospital.
Sirens wailed, the car sped, and Mr. Jasmine sat beside her holding her hand, whispering silent prayers that only heaven could hear. He didn't care about titles. He didn't care about politics. All he wanted was for his wife to wake up.
At the hospital, doctors moved quickly. Tests were run, screens were scanned, and then… the doctor came out, smiling.
"Mr. Jasmine... congratulations," he said.
Mr. Jasmine blinked. "What?"
"Your wife is fine. In fact, she's more than fine. She is... one week pregnant."
For a second, the words didn't register.
Then they hit him — like fireworks in the heart.
She was pregnant.
She was one week gone.
She didn't even know it. There had been no signs, no symptoms, no idea. But inside her, a new life had begun — the very miracle they had waited for. The very answer to the prayer they whispered night after night.
When Mrs. Jasmine regained consciousness and the doctor told her the news, she couldn't believe it. Her hands went straight to her belly, as if she could feel the small heartbeat already.
She looked at Mr. Jasmine with teary eyes.
And in that moment, nothing else in the world mattered.
Not politics. Not power. Not pressure.
Only the joy that after all the years of waiting, they were finally about to bear their own child.
Their home that night was filled with laughter, hugs, dancing, and happy tears. Every room seemed to glow with new light — the light of life, love, and legacy.
But while joy was rising in the Jasmine home… evil was plotting once again.
That same day, Mr. Jasmine's co-workers — the same group who had been secretly scheming against him — gathered again.
They had grown impatient. Their plan to eliminate Mr. Jasmine had been stuck in dreams and whispers for too long. Now, they wanted action.
As they met behind closed doors, one man leaned forward with a dark idea.
He said, "The only way this will work… is if we get someone close to them to do it."
That's when the name was spoken — Julian.
Mrs. Jasmine's best friend.
The one with the fake smile. The one with the hidden jealousy. The one who had tried and failed to seduce Mr. Jasmine. The one who carried bitterness in her heart and envy in her soul.
She was the perfect choice.
Mr. Kelvin — the ambitious man who had suggested murder in the first place — arranged a private meeting with Julian. The moment was tense. Secret. Silent.
In that meeting, he laid it all out — the plan, the reason, the reward.
At first, Julian didn't accept. She played innocent. She told Mr. Kelvin that she wasn't ready for such a thing. But inside, something else was growing.
Because Julian remembered.
She remembered how she had once wanted Mr. Jasmine to be hers — but he chose her friend instead.
And now… her friend was pregnant.
It was too much.
So her pain twisted into anger, and her anger twisted into revenge. If Mr. Jasmine was gone, her friend would lose everything — not just her husband, but her peace. Her world would fall apart.
And Julian wanted that.
She didn't show it on her face, but deep down, she made her decision.
She would kill him.
Not out of loyalty to Mr. Kelvin.
Not because she believed in their politics.
But because Mr. Jasmine chose her friend over her, and she wanted her friend to feel the pain of losing him — just like she had once felt the pain of losing him to her.
So, at last, Julian accepted the proposal.
And Mr. Kelvin, with a wicked grin, promised her something that sealed the deal — if she did a successful job, she would be paid a huge amount of money.
And just like that… while the Jasmine family celebrated new life, someone close was planning death.
CHAPTER FIVE: The Day Light Faded
The night after Julian made her deadly decision with Mr. Kelvin, she dressed herself with elegance and grace — the kind that gave no hint of her true mission. She walked confidently toward the Jasmine residence, smiling, laughing, and pretending as if everything was perfectly normal.
Mr. and Mrs. Jasmine welcomed her with open arms, as they had always done. There were no raised eyebrows, no suspicion. The house was still glowing with happiness from the news of Mrs. Jasmine's pregnancy. Laughter still lingered in the corners of the rooms. Joy still danced in the air.
But Julian's heart was cold.
Her visit that night was not out of friendship, and it was not for celebration.
Her only purpose was to turn off the CCTV cameras in the house — to blind the only eyes that could catch what she was planning to do.
As the Jasmines relaxed, full of trust and comfort, they didn't even realise that their cameras had gone dark. Their joy had distracted them, their trust had left them open, and Julian had succeeded in the first phase of her mission.
Once she was sure every camera was off, she calmly made an excuse, smiled sweetly, and took her leave, disappearing into the night with a dark heart and an evil plan.
The next morning arrived like any other, soft and quiet, with the birds singing and the sun gently warming the windows of the Jasmine home.
Mrs. Jasmine, still glowing from the inside out, woke up early and lovingly prepared breakfast for her husband. She set the dining table herself, humming with happiness, proud to be carrying his child and excited to spend another beautiful morning together.
After setting the plates, she went upstairs to call him.
But just as she did, Julian sneaked into the house again.
Silent. Swift. Deadly.
She entered the dining hall, and without a trace of emotion, put poison in Mr. Jasmine's food.
It was quick. Clean. No trace.
And then she vanished — slipping out of the house like a shadow.
Moments later, Mr. Jasmine came downstairs, smiling and cheerful as always. He kissed his wife, thanked her for the breakfast, and sat at the table — completely unaware that his own best friend's betrayal had already crept into his plate.
He took a few bites.
Then suddenly… the joy disappeared.
His chest tightened. His breath shortened. His world began to spin. His voice, once strong and confident, now filled with pain, shouted her name:
"My wife! Help me!"
She came rushing down in fear and confusion, only to find Mr. Jasmine collapsing, his face twisted in agony.
Panic broke loose.
He was rushed to the hospital, the same hospital where just days before they had received the best news of their lives.
But this time, there was no congratulations. No celebration. No smiles.
Despite every effort, Mr. Jasmine could not survive.
And just like that… he passed out.
The news hit like a hammer to the heart.
And far away, in the shadows, Mr. Kelvin smiled — ever happy, as his wish had finally come true. The seat he wanted was now empty. The man he envied was gone.
Meanwhile, Drake, Mr. Jasmine's best friend, was not in the country when it happened.
But the moment he heard the news, he boarded the next flight home, his heart broken into pieces. He couldn't believe it. His friend — the one who had resisted temptation, loved his people, and stayed true — was gone. That day, Drake was so sad, he couldn't even speak. The pain was too deep.
But worse was yet to come.
The next day, the police arrived at the Jasmine residence.
With cold expressions and sharp questions, they began throwing out suspicions — accusing Mrs. Jasmine of being the one who killed her husband.
She tried to defend herself in every way she could. She cried. She begged. She explained. She even pointed toward the CCTV system and asked them to check the recordings.
But it was too late.
All the cameras were off.
There was no evidence, and the police had already made up their minds.
The woman who had stood beside her husband for years… who had loved him, waited for their miracle, and just days ago carried his child… was now being painted as the killer.
Drake did everything he could.
He used his name. His influence. His voice. He pleaded with them to listen. To think. To look deeper.
But there was nothing he could do to save her, because they had already decided her fate. To them, the case was closed.
And so, in one cruel twist of fate, the family that once danced in joy had fallen into a nightmare, with a child on the way and no father, and a mother now seen as a suspect in the world's cruelest misunderstanding.
CHAPTER SIX: Caged but Not Crushed
The courtroom was filled with silence. Not the silence of peace, but the silence of confusion, betrayal, and heartbreak.
Mrs. Jasmine, still in the early stages of pregnancy — just two weeks gone — stood trembling before the judge. Her hands were clasped tightly, her eyes swollen with tears, and her body barely strong enough to hold the weight of her pain.
She wasn't standing there as a wife mourning her husband.
She wasn't standing there as a woman celebrating new life within her.
She was standing there as a criminal in the eyes of the law, accused of murdering the very man she had loved with all her soul.
The judgment came down like a bolt of lightning.
"Fifty years in prison," the judge declared.
Gasps filled the courtroom.
Fifty years.
A lifetime.
Mrs. Jasmine's knees buckled, but she didn't fall. Her heart broke, but she didn't scream. Her voice cracked inside her, but she held her head high. Because deep down, no matter what the world said, she knew the truth.
She was innocent.
She was two weeks pregnant… and now, sentenced to give birth, raise, and possibly die in prison.
Inside her prison cell, the walls felt colder than death.
She lay curled on the hard, cold bed. Her thoughts weren't just of herself, but of her husband — now buried in the ground — and of the tiny life growing inside her. The same life they had prayed for, hoped for, and celebrated together just days before everything crumbled.
She was heartbroken, angry, and lost.
But even in her darkest moment, light found her.
One afternoon, as she sat staring blankly at the window bars, her silence was broken by the footsteps of the one person who had not abandoned her — Drake.
He had abandoned his work, his own life, his plans — all for the sake of his late best friend's family.
When he stepped into the prison to visit her, he looked like a man who had aged ten years in ten days. His face was tired, but his eyes were filled with fire.
He sat across from her and held her hands through the glass.
"Jasmine, you're not alone," he said, voice shaking but strong. "This isn't the end. The truth always finds a way out. One day — soon — you'll walk out of here free. Not just free, but victorious. And I'll be here... every step of the way."
His words became her anchor.
His loyalty became her breath.
And his faith became the only thing keeping her from drowning in despair.
But prison wasn't just emotional pain.
It was physical.
Some of the prisoners didn't care who she was. Some were cruel. Some were jealous. And some simply enjoyed causing others pain. They mocked her. They insulted her. They maltreated her.
Even some of the prison officers weren't any better.
They made her feel less than human — as if being accused made her guilty beyond doubt. She was forced to clean toilets, punished without cause, and often left hungry. No one cared that she was carrying a child. No one cared that she was grieving.
She cried herself to sleep. Often.
But then… someone new entered her story.
A man with a sharp uniform, commanding presence, and strangely kind eyes.
His name was Inspector Bumble.
He was the head of all the inspectors in the prison, and though he ran the place with firm authority, there was something different about him.
From the moment he first saw Mrs. Jasmine, something didn't sit right with him.
He had read her case file. He had listened in court. And unlike the others, he believed she was innocent. There was something in her eyes that didn't lie — a brokenness that only came from being wrongly accused.
But she had no proof.
And that's what kept her in the cage.
Inspector Bumble didn't shout his beliefs to others. He didn't protest in the open. But he became close to her — quietly, respectfully. He started having small conversations with her. At first, just brief words about her welfare. Then deeper talks about her late husband, her unborn child, her pain, and her hope.
And over time… a bond was built.
Not one of pity — but one of quiet trust.
It wasn't long before Inspector Bumble became the link between Mrs. Jasmine and Drake. Letters passed. Words of encouragement delivered. Even secret updates about Drake's search for the real killer were shared — all through the hands of a man who, deep down, wanted to see justice win.
Mrs. Jasmine still slept in a cell.
She still faced cruelty.
But now, for the first time in weeks… she felt seen. She felt heard. And slowly, she felt strong again.
Because though she was locked behind walls, the fight for her truth… had just begun.
CHAPTER SEVEN: Born Behind Bars, Raised with Purpose
The months passed like a slow-turning clock inside the cold prison walls. Every tick, every day, every week brought Mrs. Jasmine closer to the moment that both terrified her and gave her hope — the birth of her child.
From two weeks pregnant to nine months, she endured it all within the narrow walls of a prison cell. She endured the hard stares, the cold meals, the back pain, the loneliness — and still, she remained strong.
She wasn't just carrying a child.
She was carrying a legacy.
And now, the time had come.
She was nine months gone, and her body had started showing the signs. So, without delay, the prison officers took her to the prison hospital for her delivery.
There were no flowers. No family. No warm water and soft music. Just pale walls, strict nurses, and the scent of sterilized loneliness. Yet, in the middle of all that, a miracle cried out into the world — the cry of a newborn.
Mrs. Jasmine had delivered her baby.
A beautiful boy.
Back outside the prison gates, Drake, who had never stopped watching, never stopped fighting, heard the news immediately. The moment the information reached his ears, he dropped everything.
He raced to the prison.
His heart beating with hope.
He had one purpose: to collect the child — to take him in, raise him like his own, and ensure he never lacked anything. He wanted to protect that child the same way he had tried to protect his parents.
But when he arrived at the gate, the prison authorities denied him.
They wouldn't allow it.
They said custody couldn't be handed over to someone not legally recognized as the child's guardian.
Drake tried to reason.
He begged.
But their answer remained no.
That's when Inspector Bumble, the same kind-hearted man who had believed in Mrs. Jasmine from the start, stepped in once again.
As head of all inspectors in the prison, he had enough authority to act.
He decided that if Drake couldn't take the child… then he would.
And since he lived in one of the inspectors' bungalows near the prison compound, it would be the safest place — a quiet, private home within the secured quarters.
And so, with the silent blessing of Mrs. Jasmine and the quiet courage of Inspector Bumble, the baby was taken home.
The prison had birthed a child, but the prison would not raise him.
The bungalow became his first crib. The hands of a just man held him through sleepless nights. And slowly, that child began to grow, fed by the love of those who knew how precious he was.
Mrs. Jasmine, lying on her prison bed, shed tears — not of pain this time, but of relief.
She had one wish.
That her child would carry his father's name.
So when the birth certificate was signed, the name was written in full, bold letters:
Junior Jasmine.
A name that carried both pain and pride.
A name that echoed honor, justice, and love.
And Junior Jasmine's upbringing began — inside Inspector Bumble's house, but far from the shadows of hate.
Time flew again, and before long, Junior Jasmine turned one.
He was bright.
He was full of laughter.
He was starting to walk and speak — and every day, he looked more and more like his late father, Mr. Jasmine.
On his first birthday, there was no huge party. No balloons or cake with cartoon characters. But there was love. There were hugs. There were prayers.
And that was more than enough.
One morning after his birthday, Inspector Bumble visited Mrs. Jasmine in her cell as usual. But this time, he came with important news.
He said gently, "Madam Jasmine, I have been thinking… Junior is getting bigger now. He's very smart and active. And I'd like your permission to send him to school — the same one where the prison officers' children school."
For a moment, Mrs. Jasmine couldn't speak.
Her hand went to her heart.
That was one of her biggest worries — how her child would get education while she remained behind bars.
And now, here was a man not related to her, not required to help, yet offering her son a future.
She looked at him, eyes filled with emotion, and smiled through her tears.
"Thank you, Inspector," she whispered. "You don't know what this means to me…"
She didn't need luxury.
She didn't need freedom.
As long as her son had a chance — a real chance — she had hope.
And with that, Junior Jasmine — a boy born in the shadow of injustice — took his first steps toward a life of light.
CHAPTER EIGHT: The Rise of a Seed Planted in Pain
The first day of school is supposed to be exciting.
But for Junior Jasmine, it was anything but.
He was only a small boy when he was admitted to Primary One at the Prison Officers' School — the same place where children of respected officers learned and played. His books were new. His uniform was pressed. His tiny shoes squeaked on the tiled floors as he stepped into his first classroom.
But the whispers started before the lessons did.
"That's the prisoner's son."
"His mother is in jail."
"He shouldn't even be here."
The other kids laughed. Some pointed. Some stared like he didn't belong. To them, he was different, not because of what he did — but because of who his mother was.
They didn't know his story.
They didn't know his father was a national hero, wrongly killed.
They didn't know his mother was innocent.
But none of it mattered to them.
And Junior Jasmine was never happy.
Day after day, he came home to Inspector Bumble's house, shoulders low and eyes full of questions no child should have to ask.
But Bumble saw it.
He saw the pain behind the brave face. So he encouraged him, fed him wisdom, and reminded him, "You are not your mother's shame. You are your father's greatness."
Junior listened. And slowly… something changed.
By the time he reached Primary Six, Junior was no longer the same boy.
The teasing still came — but he didn't care anymore.
Because now, he had something they didn't:
Brains.
Junior Jasmine had become one of the most brilliant students in the school. Whether it was math, science, reading, or public speaking, he topped every subject like a natural-born scholar. Teachers praised him. Other students started respecting him.
Some of the same kids who used to mock him now wanted to sit beside him.
His name was no longer just "that prisoner's son."
Now, he was Junior Jasmine — the pride of the class, the child who refused to be broken by his background.
And behind the scenes, Inspector Bumble watched in awe, his chest swelling with pride. To him, Junior wasn't just another boy — he was proof that your beginning doesn't define your end.
He saw greatness in the boy. And he silently hoped that Junior would one day take this success far beyond the walls of the school.
Then came a visit that would change everything.
One sunny afternoon, after school, Junior took his usual walk to the prison. It was his routine now — to visit the woman who had given him life, and whom he had never seen outside of bars.
When he entered the visitor's room, Mrs. Jasmine's face lit up like sunrise.
They shared a long, warm hug through the security screen, and talked like they always did — school, food, dreams.
But then Junior asked a question he had never dared ask before.
"Mama… how did you get here?"
The room went quiet.
Mrs. Jasmine's smile faded into a long sigh.
And for the first time, she told him everything.
The happiness that turned into horror. The joyful dinner before his father's death. The betrayal by Julian. The courtroom. The cameras that never worked. The false accusations. The cruel silence of justice.
Junior listened with his whole heart.
And when she finished, he didn't cry.
He didn't shout.
He just clenched his fists, looked at his mother with fire in his young eyes, and whispered to himself:
"Whoever is behind this… they will pay."
He said it not with hate, but with purpose.
From that day forward, something awoke inside him.
A mission.
A desire not just to succeed… but to clear his family's name. To shine light on the darkness that stole everything from them.
And Junior wasn't just brilliant with books — he had fire in his feet too.
He had become a top basketball player in the school.
His energy was unmatched. His coordination was sharp. His strength and speed left everyone in awe. And when the school organized sports tournaments, he led his team like a true leader.
He didn't just play — he won.
He dribbled, passed, shot, and dunked with precision.
It wasn't long before he was chosen as the Captain of the Junior School Basketball Team — a title only given to the best of the best.
That role showed everyone that Junior Jasmine wasn't just a boy with a story — he was a boy with power, discipline, and destiny.
And deep down, he knew it too.
He was no longer a prisoner's son.
He was a warrior's seed, growing, rising, and getting ready to change the world.
CHAPTER NINE: Dreams Revived, Doors Opened
For years, Inspector Bumble had watched over Junior Jasmine like a guardian angel in uniform — feeding him, encouraging him, and protecting him like his own child.
He was proud of Junior's academic brilliance. He was proud of his leadership. He knew Junior had a big future ahead.
But what he didn't know… was that Junior was also a basketball genius.
One sunny afternoon, out of nothing more than fatherly concern, Inspector Bumble decided to check up on Junior at school. He wore his casual clothes instead of his uniform and walked through the gates quietly so no one would notice.
He asked one of the staff where Junior was and was told he was at the school's basketball court — practicing.
Curious, Inspector Bumble strolled over.
And what he saw that day would stay with him forever.
There, in the middle of the court, was Junior Jasmine — leaping, running, spinning, and shooting with unbelievable talent. He wasn't just playing. He was commanding the game like a true captain. His every move was graceful, fast, and sharp like a professional.
The crowd of students on the benches was cheering. Teachers were watching in awe. Every pass, every bounce, every dunk felt like a storm under control.
Inspector Bumble stood still. Shocked. Speechless. Then… smiling.
Because in that moment, he saw a reflection of his own dream.
Many years ago, before the weight of poverty forced him into the police service, Inspector Bumble had dreamed of becoming one of the greatest basketball players in the world.
He trained day and night as a boy, and he was truly talented. But life had its way. Money was scarce. Opportunities were fewer. And that dream slowly faded into duty and responsibility.
But now… seeing Junior… that dream sparked again.
He didn't feel regret. He felt hope.
And from that day, he made a silent promise: "If I couldn't become what I dreamed of… then I will train him to become it."
And so, every weekend, Inspector Bumble would take Junior to the court.
He became not just a father figure, but a coach. A mentor. A motivator.
He taught Junior the footwork, the mindset, the drills, the tricks. And Junior, hungry for growth, learned quickly. They sweated together. They trained until dark. They laughed, challenged each other, and pushed each other to new limits.
The bond between them grew even deeper — no longer just a child under care, but a shared purpose between two generations.
As time passed, Junior's greatness only expanded.
By the time he reached Form Three in Junior High School, his talents were impossible to ignore. He wasn't just the top of his class; he was the top of his school — in both academics and sports.
So it came as no surprise when he received a life-changing scholarship.
He was selected to attend one of the most prestigious schools in the entire country:
The School of Academy, Science and Technology.
The halls of that school were known to produce presidents, inventors, national athletes, and world changers.
And now, the boy who was born in a prison hospital, who was once mocked as the prisoner's son… was about to walk through its gates on merit and greatness.
When he arrived at the academy, his life changed instantly.
There were students from all backgrounds — sons and daughters of politicians, business moguls, professors, and millionaires.
And that's where Junior met Williams.
From the very first day, Williams stood out.
He wore expensive clothes, had bodyguards at the school gates, and everyone knew his name. He was the son of one of the richest men in the country — and more importantly, his father was also one of the best lawyers in the land.
Many expected Williams to be proud, arrogant, or unkind.
But to everyone's surprise, he wasn't.
He was kind. Curious. Respectful.
And when he met Junior Jasmine, he didn't judge him for his past.
He didn't look at his shoes or where he came from.
He saw his mind, his discipline, and his heart.
The two boys became friends. Real friends.
They studied together, trained on the basketball team together, and shared their dreams under the trees during break time.
One day, when Junior felt the time was right, he finally told Williams the truth — about his father, about his mother in prison, about how they had suffered, and how his mother was still in jail for a crime she didn't commit.
Williams didn't laugh.
He didn't walk away.
Instead, he said something Junior would never forget:
"My father is one of the best lawyers in the country. You should come and tell him everything. Let's see what he says."
Hope lit up in Junior's chest like fire.
A few days later, Williams took him to see his father.
Junior sat down and told him everything — from the poisoning, the broken cameras, the betrayal by Julian, the rushed court trial, the lack of evidence, and his mother's painful journey.
When he finished, Williams' father sat back in silence, staring at the boy before him.
Then he leaned forward and said:
"I believe you. And I'm going to help you… for free."
Junior's eyes watered.
And in that single moment… the door to justice finally opened.
CHAPTER TEN: Truth in Sight, Justice in Motion
The future had never looked so alive for Junior Jasmine.
After years of hard work, consistency, and unshakable determination, he earned another scholarship — this time, to further his education to the next level.
It wasn't luck. It was earned through sweat, tears, and grit.
And now, he had stepped into a world many could only dream of — Level 100 in a prestigious university, where the competition was tough, the lectures long, and the pressure overwhelming.
But Junior was not afraid.
Life had trained him harder than any university ever could.
Even when the stress hit, even when the nights felt longer than the days, even when assignments piled up like mountains, he never gave up.
Every time doubt crept in, he remembered the voice of his mother.
He remembered Inspector Bumble's sacrifices.
He remembered the man his father was — the man he was becoming.
He reminded himself, "I didn't come this far just to come this far."
And so he pressed on, with fire in his spirit.
Back home, the man who had promised to seek justice — Lawyer Prince, Williams' father — had begun to move into action.
He had heard the entire heartbreaking story from Junior himself, and now, it was time to face the truth at its root.
So on his first official day of investigating, he made his way to the very place where the pain started — the prison where Mrs. Jasmine had been locked for years.
He arrived in silence, but with purpose.
As he was led into the visitation area, he was surprised to find that Drake and Inspector Bumble were already there, sitting with Mrs. Jasmine, as they often did, encouraging her and keeping her spirit alive.
The moment Lawyer Prince walked in, all three turned their heads with cautious curiosity.
He greeted them calmly, introduced himself, and then looked into Mrs. Jasmine's eyes with a gentle seriousness.
"I'm here," he said, "because your son told me everything. I believe him. And now, I want to hear your side — straight from you."
Mrs. Jasmine nodded, her voice steady, though weighed by years of sorrow. And then, like a mother fighting for her last breath of justice, she began to speak.
She told him what happened that morning.
She told him she was pregnant, had made breakfast for her husband, went upstairs to call him… and by the time she came down, he was dying.
Lawyer Prince listened without interrupting, jotting notes with focus.
Then, he asked the question that shifted the entire room:
"Who was in the house before the incident happened?"
Mrs. Jasmine paused.
Her heart thumped.
Her eyes blinked slowly as she searched her memory, and then she said softly, but clearly:
"My best friend. Julian. She was there the night before."
At that moment, Lawyer Prince leaned back and made a declaration — one that stunned everyone at the table.
"If your best friend was the only one in the house before the incident… and if you were upstairs… then you didn't kill your husband. She did."
The room went silent.
Mrs. Jasmine's mouth parted slightly.
Inspector Bumble sat up straight, stunned.
Drake furrowed his brow in disbelief.
Could it really be Julian?
Lawyer Prince continued, "Think about it. Cameras were off. No signs of forced entry. And you were upstairs. But your best friend was downstairs alone for a time — unaccounted for. The same best friend you once trusted with everything."
Mrs. Jasmine covered her mouth.
Tears welled in her eyes.
It wasn't that she hadn't thought about it before. It was just too painful to accept — that someone she called sister could do such a thing.
Drake shook his head, still trying to make sense of it all.
Inspector Bumble nodded slowly. "It makes sense… but we need proof."
Lawyer Prince rose to his feet.
"We'll get it," he said. "But for now, let's stop here. Our next meeting will be soon. I will develop a plan. A real plan. To unmask the truth and overcome the evils that were planted in this family's life."
With that, he left the room, his footsteps echoing like thunder — not of destruction, but of justice rising.
And for the first time in many years, Mrs. Jasmine felt something again.
Hope.
Real, breathing, undeniable hope.
The storm was not over… but the sky was clearing.