Submission is Not My Style novel Chapter 161

And just when I think things can’t get any more chaotic, Jasmine’s body shimmers again–her wolf form fading as she shifts back into her human skin. Caspian immediately shrugs off his jacket, wrapping it around her bare

shoulders.

She looks up at him, eyes shining with tears and a soft smile playing on her lips.

“I love you too,” she whispers.

Caspian exhales shakily, his hand cupping her face as he presses his forehead against hers. Then he kisses her- deeply, desperately, like the world has finally righted itself.

Jack sighs beside me, rubbing his temple. I smile faintly, slipping my hand into his.

“See?” I murmur. “Sometimes love doesn’t destroy–it saves.”

He doesn’t answer, but the tiny ghost of a smile tugs at his lips as Jasmine and Caspian cling to each other.

And somewhere deep down, I know this isn’t the end of their story.

It’s only the beginning.

****

The dining room glows with soft amber light from the chandeliers, laughter and music echoing gently through the marble halls. It feels intimate–warm in a way royal dinners rarely are. Just family. Just peace.

For once, Jack isn’t pacing like a storm waiting to happen. He’s seated beside me, relaxed–or as close to relaxed as he ever gets–his fingers brushing against mine beneath the table. Across from us, Jasmine and Caspian are laughing together like a pair of lovers lost in their own little world.

I can’t help but smile. The air feels lighter tonight.

Jack clears his throat suddenly and raises his glass, his expression softening. “I’d like to make a toast.”

The room falls quiet. Even the candles seem to steady their flames.

He stands, turning toward Caspian. For a heartbeat, it looks like he might back out–but then he exhales slowly, the weight of years settling across his shoulders.

“Caspian,” he begins, his voice rough, “I owe you an apology.”

Caspian looks up in surprise. Jasmine straightens beside him, her hand instinctively reaching for his.

Jack continues, “I was wrong about you. About your intentions. I saw threats where there weren’t any because …” He hesitates, glancing toward Jasmine. “Because I failed her once. I wasn’t there when she needed me most. I couldn’t protect her. And that guilt–it eats at me every day.”

Jasmine’s eyes glisten. Her lips part slightly, but she doesn’t speak. I reach under the table and squeeze Jack’s

hand.

He swallows hard. “But you-” he nods toward Caspian “–you did what I couldn’t. You protected her. You gave

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her back her light. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.”

A heavy silence follows, thick with emotion.

Caspian rises slowly, meeting Jack’s gaze head–on. “You don’t have to apologize to me, Your Majesty,” he says quietly. “You’re a brother first–a king second. I understand what it’s like to lose sleep over someone you love.” His voice softens. “But I give you my word–I will never hurt her. Not even with a word. If it ever comes down to choosing between my life and hers…” He glances at Jasmine, his eyes burning with devotion. “…then she lives. Always.”

Jasmine lets out a shaky laugh, tears spilling down her cheeks. “You idiot,” she whispers, grabbing his face and kissing him fiercely.

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