After I Left, The Sextuplets And Their Father Begged Me Back

Jasmines Pov

Please please just help me leave. I cant take this anymore My voice broke as I clutched the phone like it was my last lifeline.

Jasmine? Whats going on? Where are you? a worried voice came through the line.

I wiped my tears roughly with my sleeve, my voice trembling as I whispered, Im done. I cant stay here anymore. Im leaving Henry and the kids.

My hand fell limply, and the phone clattered onto the bed.

I looked at the mirror. The face that stared back was someone I didnt recognize.

Bruised. Bloody. Hollow-eyed. I looked like someone who had crawled from a war zone.

And in a way I had.

Two hours ago

I twirled in front of the mirror, forcing a smile. The royal blue dress hugged my curves, the color complimenting my dark hair. Evelyns favorite color.

Thud!

Pain exploded in my head. I stumbled backward, hitting the dresser with a crash.

My trembling fingers touched my forehead. Blood.

What the hell

Nice shot, Caleb! Cole cheered.

I blinked, dazed, as all six of them stood in a mocking line.

Clara. Caleb. Cole. Chloe. Camden. Charlotte.

My babies.

Or so I had always told myself.

But the way they glared at me now it was like I was nothing. Less than dirt under their designer shoes.

What did you throw at me? I croaked, dizzy.

A rock, Camden smirked. Next time, maybe well aim lower.

You dont belong here, Caleb sneered, stepping forward.

Clara folded her arms. Wearing Moms color wont make you her.

Youre a fake, Chloe said softly. But somehow, her soft voice hurt more than the others.

I bit my lip hard enough to taste blood. But I raised you

Shut up! Cole barked.

They moved together. Like a well-rehearsed pack of wolves.

Before I could react, they dumped bowls of crawling ants on me.

I screamed, slapping at my arms as the ants bit into my skin, swarming into my hair, crawling down my dress.

They laughed.

You witch! Charlotte yelled. You killed our mother!

Youll pay for it, Camden said coldly, eyes gleaming.

I fell to my knees, sobbing, the bites sharp but nothing compared to their words.

They didnt know. They never knew.

Their mother had been my best friend. I carried them inside me. I gave them everything. And now they looked at me like I was a monster.

I didnt kill her, I choked.

Dont speak her name! Caleb shouted, his face twisted with rage.

You wanted her gone so you could take our dad, Cole spat.

Their hatred sliced deeper than any knife.

As I cried on the floor trying to get rid of the ants that had infested my body, Chloe walked up to me with a sad face.

This is unfair, guys, we can't just leave her like this, Chloe said.

Lets help her, she added.

I heaved a sigh of relief, thankful that one of them was sensible enough.

I lifted a hand and extended toward her to help me stand.

Psych! Chloe laughed as she thrust something in my hand.

Only when I felt a painful sting did I realize she had just shoved a small beehive in my hand.

I let out a blood-curdling scream as the pain exploded in my brain making my vision become hazy while I struggled to get rid of the hive.

Pathetic, she thought we wanted to help her, the kids laughed mockingly.

You deserve to suffer and we will make that happen as long as you're here, they said venomously.

My screams attracted a maid who ran in and her eyes widened as she helped me get rid of the hive.

What manner of wickedness is this? she scolded the kids.

Shut up, maid! they hissed at her.

Charlotte stared pointedly at me, Know your place, Jasmine, and that's not here.

They turned and walked out, leaving me shaking, crawling, sobbing on the floor.

Im sorry, Miss, do you need

Just go, I croaked out.

I crawled to the mirror, clutching the edge like it could hold me up while the maid left.

This wasnt me. This couldnt be my life. Thats when I made the call.

I didnt pack. Didnt take anything. Just my phone and wallet.

On the wall, Evelyn smiled back at me from a photo. Beautiful. Perfect. Untouchable.

They didnt know she stole Henry from me.

They didnt know she begged me to keep the truth from them about being their mother.

They didnt know I gave up everything for them.

I touched the frame gently. My heart breaking all over again.

Im sorry, Evelyn but I cant do this anymore.

Footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Jasmine? Henrys voice. Where are you? The partys starting. You need to play the piano for Grandfather.

I said nothing.

When he pushed open the door, his eyes widened, Jesus, Jasmine, what happened?

Blood streaked my face, tears running freely now.

Ask your precious kids! I snapped.

What what do you mean? he asked, surprised.

I want a divorce, Henry, I whispered.

Jasmines Pov

I want a divorce, Henry, I whispered.

He blinked, confused. What what are you saying?

Im done.

He stepped closer, frowning. Is this about the kids? Theyre just acting out, Jasmine. You know how they are.

I let out a bitter laugh. Acting out? They almost killed me.

Theyre just kids

Theyre monsters, Henry. And you let them become this.

He opened his mouth to speak, but I held up a hand.

No more, Henry. I gave you ten years. I gave you everything. And all you did was take, take, take You never even looked at me as your wife.

His face turned hard. Dont be dramatic. You know I had to marry you because of the kids. Evelyn made me.

And I stayed. For them. For you. But not anymore.

I pushed past him, tears blurring my vision.

Im leaving, Henry. For good.

A knock on the door made us both jump.

Sir, its time. Grandfathers entrance, a servant called from the hallway.

Henry straightened his tie, fixing his mask of perfection. Come on, Jasmine. Clean yourself up. Youre still playing the piano for Grandfather. We can discuss this nonsense later.

No, Henry. I said Im done.

His hand twitched like he wanted to grab me but stopped himself.

Instead, he gave me one last cold glance and walked out, closing the door softly behind him like nothing had happened.

That was Henry Darrin. Always pretending. Always brushing things under the carpet.

I sank onto the edge of the bed, exhausted, broken defeated.

But then my gaze caught something odd.

A small slip of paper sticking out from beneath my pillow.

I frowned, pulling it out with trembling fingers.

Photos. No my only photo.

The one of my parents. The one I kept hidden, tucked away safely from everything in this cruel house.

But now shredded. Torn into a hundred tiny pieces.

Each tear sharp. Clean. Intentional.

My breath hitched as I covered my mouth with my hand, but the sob forced its way out anyway.

Then I noticed the note.

Written in childish, messy handwriting.

We told you to leave. Next time, it wont just be a photo.

I crumbled the pieces into my fist, shaking uncontrollably.

Why? Why this?

That picture was all I had left of my parents. My family. My past.

I pressed the pieces to my chest and let the grief consume me.

Memories flooded my mindClara crawling into my bed when she had nightmares. Caleb clinging to my hand when he stuttered in public. Chloe hiding behind me when she was scared.

All those nights I stayed up with them. All those tears I wiped. All those lullabies I sang.

But they never saw me as their mother. Not even for a second.

And now they wanted me gone. Like I was nothing.

I stood up shakily, wiping my face, and began packing.

Only essentials.

Wallet. Phone. My mothers old scarf.

At the back of the closet, I found a small velvet box I had forgotten about.

The bracelet.

My mothers bracelet.

I opened the box, only to find it crushed. Snapped clean in two.

More of me destroyed.

I placed the broken bracelet carefully in my bag. No tears this time. My heart was already numb.

Downstairs, the celebration was roaring. Laughter. Clinking glasses. Henry smiling with the guests.

Like I never existed.

I wrapped my sleeves tightly over the ant bites still burning on my skin, there was nothing I could do about my swollen hand as I opened the door.

I heard them before I saw them.

Wicked witch changed her dress, Clara snickered.

Doesnt fix her face, Cole laughed.

Shhh, Charlotte smirked. She still has to play the piano. Lets not ruin Grandpas party yet.

Their words stabbed me, but I kept walking.

Fake smiles. Fake grace.

I sat at the piano, hands trembling as I forced my fingers to play the song I had practiced for weeks even though my fingers hurt like hell.

All eyes on me. Whispers. Gasps.

But I kept playing.

After the song, I slipped out into the garden.

I needed air. I needed to breathe. I needed Miso.

But Grandfathers voice stopped me.

Jasmine.

I turned, blinking back tears as I faced the only man in this family who ever treated me with a shred of kindness.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa, I whispered.

He frowned, taking in my bruised face. On my happiest day, you look the saddest. What happened?

Before I could answer, they appeared.

All six of them. And Henry.

My heart dropped.

Grandfather turned to them. Did you attack Jasmine?

Henry sighed, already irritated. Jasmine, not tonight. I told you, wed talk later.

Grandfather held up his hand, silencing him. Kids?

It was just a prank, Cole lied smoothly.

Apologize, Grandfather ordered.

Clara stepped forward, wide-eyed and innocent. Were sorry, Aunty Jasmine. We didnt mean it.

Yeah, sorry, Caleb added. We even brought you a gift.

I froze as Clara handed me a neatly wrapped red box.

Youll love it, she said sweetly.

Something inside me screamed not to take it.

But Henry glared at me. They apologized, Jasmine. Dont be petty.

Grandfather nodded. Accept their apology, Jasmine. Children make mistakes.

With shaking hands, I peeled back the ribbon, my breath shallow.

The moment the lid opened, the world tilted.

I screamed.

Miso, my puppy was lying limp and lifeless inside the box. His white fur stained red.

And underneath him, another note.

Youll be next if you dont leave.

I stumbled back, the box falling from my hands.

Henry froze. Grandfather mumbled in shock.

The children they just smirked and turned away.

I couldnt breathe. I couldnt see. Just Misos lifeless eyes haunting me.

Jasmines Pov

Grandfathers cane hit the marble tiles with a loud, bone-shaking crack as he stepped forward.

Who did this? His voice wasnt frail like his age would suggest. It was iron steel and filled with rage.

Silence.

The sextuplets stood there, heads down, shoulders stiff. Pretending to be the innocent little angels they werent.

But I saw it.

Claras lips twitched into a cruel smile before she lowered her head again.

Henrys face had gone pale. I I didnt know. I swear.

Grandfather turned his glare to him. Dont swear, Henry. Your ignorance is your shame.

I cradled Misos tiny body in my arms, his white fur stained crimson, my tears dripping onto his lifeless face.

He was just a puppy, I whispered brokenly. He didnt deserve this.

Grandfather turned back to the children, his cane slamming the ground again.

You think this is a joke? You think its funny to harm the innocent?

They flinched.

You will each receive twenty lashes tonight, he thundered. And for the next month, no outings, no toys, no electronics. You will wake at dawn and scrub every inch of this estate until your hands bleed.

Clara gasped. But Grandpa!

Silence!

But it was a prank

A prank? Grandfather roared. You call this a prank? On a living creature? Shame on you!

Henry tried to speak, but Grandfather cut him off with a glare. This is my house. And Jasmine is still my granddaughter-in-law. If she wants you all thrown out, Ill do it myself.

Henry stepped back, looking as stunned as I felt.

For a fleeting moment, I almostalmostfelt protected.

But it was too late. Far too late for any of them to save me now.

I walked past them, ignoring the whispers, ignoring the hateful glares from the kids.

In the garden, I dug a small grave with my bare hands. Dirt caked my nails, my tears mixing with the soil as I buried the only creature whod ever loved me unconditionally.

Im sorry, Miso, I sobbed, my cries muffled by the night.

He had been my comfort. My anchor in this hellish house. And now he was gone, just like that.

And something inside me snapped.

***

Later that night, I was walking through the east corridor when I heard them.

Whispers and giggles.

The soft, cruel footsteps of six demons in childrens bodies.

I turned around.

There they were. Each holding a candle, their faces glowing in the flickering light, their smiles twisted and cold.

You told on us, Charlotte said sweetly, her voice dripping with venom.

Clara stepped forward, her eyes glinting. Grandpa punished us because of you.

I didnt tell, I muttered, moving to walk past them.

But Caleb blocked my path. You cried like a baby. We saw you.

Wheres your puppy now? Cole sneered.

Tears stung my eyes, but I bit them back. Get out of my way.

Or what? Camden smirked. Youll tattle again?

Youre powerless now, Chloe added with a wicked grin.

They circled me like wolves and slowly they turned the candle as the hot wax poured onto my skin.

Before I could shout, a new voice echoed down the hallway, smooth and sweet like poisoned honey.

Children, thats not how we treat family.

I froze.

She walked in like she owned the place.

Bianca.

The woman the children worshipped. The woman Henry truly loved. The woman who made sure I never forgot I was nothing in this house.

Her emerald satin robe shimmered under the chandelier lights, her red hair cascading over her shoulders like fire.

Mommy Bianca! the kids cheered, rushing into her arms.

My babies, she cooed, kissing them on the forehead. Did you miss me?

Always! Clara beamed.

She finally turned her gaze on me, her smile fake and cold. Oh. Jasmine. Still here?

I clenched my fists. What do you want, Bianca?

Bianca hadnt been at the party. She couldnt. Henrys grandfather despised her. But that didnt stop Henry from parading her around in private.

Id caught him once, video calling her in the bathtub.

He told me coldly, Mind your business, Jasmine. I married you for my dead wifes sake. Youre just a placeholder. I can go out all night with whoever I want.

That was six months ago, I stayed on for the kids, but even that is over now.

I heard about poor Miso, Bianca purred mockingly. Tragic. But maybe now you can focus on healing. Alone.

I clenched my jaw. Get out of my way.

She stepped closer, lowering her voice. You poor thing. Always playing the victim. No family. No friends. No place.

And before I knew it, she grabbed my hair tightly as I tried to scream but she clamped her hands over my mouth and nose.

I thrashed in her grasp, my screams muffled while the children giggled and resumed pouring me hot wax on my body.

Is anyone here? Henrys voice sounded down the hallway.

The kids pulled away while Bianca pushed me aside as I gasped from air, my eyes red and bloodshot and my body caked with hot wax and pain.

Bianca had almost smothered me to death.

Bianca beamed. Henry! She wrapped her arms around him. I was just comforting Jasmine. Shes been so overwhelmed.

Henry looked at me, frowning. Jasmine, whats going on now?

She yelled at us! Caleb piped up.

She said she hated us, Camden added quickly.

She scared Charlotte, Clara whimpered.

Still gasping for air, I snapped. What? Thats a lie!

Shes upset about the dog, Bianca said with a fake sigh. Lets be patient with her.

Henrys eyes hardened. Jasmine, this is getting out of hand.

I turned away, my heart shattering all over again.

They would never see me. Never hear me.

I went back to my room where my suitcase sat waiting. Like me.

Ready to go.

I checked my phone.

My flight confirmation came in.

And the documents Id requested would arrive by morning.

All I had to do was survive until then.

***

The next morning, my phone buzzed violently.

A message.

Aunty Jasmine, help us! Weve been kidnapped!

Another message followed.

They took us to the forest behind the estate. Please dont tell Grandpa or Daddy. Theyll kill us if you do.

My heart stopped.

Even though the sextuplets don't love me and often bully me, they are still children, six lives, and I can't just ignore them.

I grabbed my keys and ran.

The estate woods were dense. The GPS pin they sent led me to the cliffs edge.

Kids? I called, panting. Clara? Caleb?

I heard Rustling followed by cruel laughter.

You fell for it, Clara grinned.

Six figures emerged from behind the trees, dressed in black and holding crossbows.

The sextuplets quickly surrounded me on the other three sides, and behind me were cliffs and bottomless cliffs!

You actually came, Charlotte giggled.

You shouldve left when we told you, Caleb sneered.

Youre ruining everything! Clara screamed.

You took Daddy! Charlotte yelled.

Time to take it back, Caleb hissed.

And avenge our mother! Chloe roared.

As soon as Chloe finished speaking, the sextuplets stared at me fiercely. They drew their crossbows at the same time and aimed at my temples, the center of my forehead, my heart, my eyes, and my legs.

No pleaseMy heart thundered in my chest.

The next second, six sharp arrows flew towards me from six directions!