Jasmine and Dmitry are now inside the room. Dmitry has closed the door and swiftly turned back to her. His face still shows the intense tension caused by the mention of Ziaisko.
"Be calm, Jasmine," Dmitry said in a hushed voice. "You have brought up one of the most critical weaknesses of this clan. Alia and Victor are extremely cautious about this."
Jasmine stared at him with determination. "Since it's a weakness, I want to know about it. Why didn't Ziaisko Volga marry? Why was his engagement broken?"
Dmitry sighed deeply. He knew it was impossible to stop Jasmine now. And he also knew that if he trusted Jasmine, this information would add a new dimension to their game.
Dmitry sat on the edge of the bed, his blonde hair falling over his face.
"You're right, marriage in this clan is a power contract," Dmitry began. "Ziaisko's marriage was arranged with the daughter of a powerful, yet ancient, wealthy family in Turkistan. That marriage would have secured our Central Asian routes, and Victor's power would have doubled."
Dmitry lowered his head. There was a deep annoyance in his voice.
"But Ziaisko... he broke the principle of our clan. He is not like his brothers. Even though he is tough, his core is weak."
Dmitry slowly revealed the actual reason.
"Ziaisko Volga could not marry because he fell in love with an ordinary woman."
Jasmine was stunned. Another brother of the mafia boss, a man as tough as them, broke their clan contract because of love?
"Who is she? Who is she?" Jasmine demanded to know.
"The name... no one in our clan ever utters it," Dmitry said. "But she was not from our world. She was an artist... from a small Italian town. Ziaisko cancelled the engagement for her. Victor almost wanted to kill him for this display of emotion and weakness. Alia stepped in and handled the situation."
Dmitry smiled bitterly. "You think I am a doll, Jasmine? But seeing Ziaisko's fate, I understood that the principle of this clan is—emotion is weakness, and weakness must be destroyed."
Dmitry stood up. The delivery of the information was complete.
"Now you understand, Jasmine. How ruthless Alia and Victor are. Because of Ziaisko's love, he is now in exile. I am sending you to Korea because I fear that my frantic love for you will also earn us the same punishment one day. You will go, but you will be my eyes. You will exploit this weakness."
You Are Bad People!
The pain of Dmitry's slap was still in Jasmine's eyes. She gently touched her cheek, where the imprint of Dmitry's hand was still visible.
"But... you slapped me," Jasmine whispered, the unspoken anguish in her voice. Her eyes filled up, as if she couldn't bear the weight of the physical and mental trauma. "I got hurt."
Jasmine wiped her tears and looked at Dmitry.
"Ziaisko Volga... he is as bad as you," Jasmine said. Her voice was firm now. "I know Ziaisko Volga well."
Dmitry was bewildered. "What do you know? He made a mistake out of emotion, but he was obsessed with an innocent person like you. And I…"
"The two of you are the same," Jasmine cut him off. "You do the most heinous things in your world for the sake of love. How can the two of you be the same?"
Jasmine's comparison was a severe blow to Dmitry's ego. He forgot that he had just hit Jasmine moments ago. His blue eyes began to blaze with rage.
"What did you say!" Dmitry roared, his blonde hair dishevelled. He leaned towards Jasmine. "Is our love bad? Are we bad people?"
Jasmine did not hesitate this time. She stared steadily into Dmitry's burning eyes, her own anger even more intense than Dmitry's.
"Yes," Jasmine screamed. "You are both bad. You ruin other people's lives with your love. And I am getting out of this game now!"
Dmitry froze. His rage instantly transformed into a deep anguish. Jasmine's hatred wounded the 'tiger' inside him fatally.
Dmitry backed away. "Alright, Jasmine," he said slowly. "Your game begins. You go to Korea. But remember… you are not alone. I am your shadow."
Dmitry did not say another word. He quickly left the room, finally and definitively this time. Jasmine remained alone, the fire of revenge in her mind and the pain of the blow on her body.
Ziaisko's Call: Weaponizing Emotion
After Dmitry left the room, Jasmine quickly composed herself. She closed the door and looked at her packed suitcases—her journey to Korea was no longer just a mission, it was a personal war.
She reached for the phone beside the bed to call Ana (the Head Maid). Just then, the phone rang. An unknown, encrypted number flashed on the screen. Only people in the mafia circle use such numbers.
Jasmine answered the call with annoyance.
"Hello," Jasmine answered in a cold voice.
On the other end of the line, a grave, cold voice was heard, which was more calculating and dangerous than Dmitry's frantic tone.
"Jasmine," the man said. "I am Ziaisko Volga."
Jasmine's heart skipped a beat. This was the man whose name Dmitry had just revealed as a secret weakness.
"What do you want?" Jasmine asked directly.
Ziaisko Volga chuckled. The laugh was harsh and mocking.
"I heard you're going to Korea. My brother told you the story of my broken engagement, didn't he? A tale of emotion!" Ziaisko said, hatred in his tone.
Jasmine's anger returned. "Yes, he did. And I know you broke your contract for that artist-lover of yours. Your love is bigger than your clan."
Ziaisko's laughter intensified, but this time there was no joy in it, only extreme ridicule.
"My love?" Ziaisko began to talk nonsense. "Emotion and love—they are all names for weakness, Jasmine. And for girls like you, emotion is the best weapon."
He added, "Did you think a man like me would break such a big contract for a simple artist? I only wanted to foil Victor's move. And that girl… she was just an excuse. You and Dmitry make me laugh. You are still caught up in that Persian cat and tiger game! You are fools drowned in emotion."
Ziaisko's words were extremely insulting. He not only regarded Jasmine's love but also Dmitry's love as a pathetic weakness.
Jasmine felt her blood boil. Her cheek was still burning from Dmitry's slap. This man was mocking their emotions.
"Stop it!" Jasmine screamed.
Jasmine's blue eyes began to blaze with rage. She gripped the phone tightly.
"You are bad people!" Jasmine burst out in fury. "You are all bad! You use love and emotion as weapons! You turn people into dolls for your contracts! Dmitry, you, Alia, Victor—you are all disgusting, bad people!"
Ziaisko Volga said calmly from the other end of the line, "That's right. We are bad people. And you, Jasmine, you are also going to participate in this game. See you in Korea. And remember, use emotion, don't drown in it."
The call ended.
Jasmine threw the phone onto the bed, trembling with rage. Ziaisko's words echoed in her ears—'emotion is the name for weakness'. This conversation intensified the fire of revenge in Jasmine's mind. She was convinced—her trip to Korea was now imperative. This mafia family must be made to pay the price for her pain through their own weaknesses.
The Supermodel's Armour
After Ziaisko Volga's phone call and the mix of pain and emotion from Dmitry, Jasmine reached a final resolution. She was ready to go to Korea, but her mind was agitated.
A short while later, Ana (the Head Maid) brought a pile of magazines for Jasmine and placed them on her huge bed. These were prepared for her pre-arrival publicity in Korea.
Jasmine quickly walked towards the bed. Forgetting Dmitry's violence, her focus was now entirely on her professional life.
Jasmine looked at the magazines placed on the bed. She picked up the proof of her international modelling career. Her eyes quickly scanned the headlines on the covers:
Vogue UK: The first cover was her favourite. Headline: "The Ice Queen's Reign". Her white hair and blue eyes shone with cold majesty on the cover.
Tatler Magazine: Next, she picked up this high-society magazine. Cover headline: "New Russian Royalty". This cover had earned her a mysterious fame due to her association with the mafia circles.
i-D Magazine: This magazine featured one of her boldest works. Cover headline: "The Spy Who Styled Me". She knew Ji-Han saw this cover and never suspected her true identity.
Harrods & Selfridges Fashion Campaigns: Not magazines, but high-quality catalogues from these luxury stores were also there. These catalogues proved her direct reach to influential buyers.
Burberry: Then there were photos and catalogues from Fashion Week. Her pictures in the classic and aristocratic attire of Burberry had established her as a symbol of British fashion.
Stella McCartney: This catalogue featured a glimpse of modern and environmentally conscious fashion. Jasmine quickly looked through the photos.
Richard Quinn and JW Anderson: Photos from the experimental and artistic fashion shows of these two designers were also present. She had walked as the showstopper on these runways.
A cold smile appeared on Jasmine's face as she looked at these magazines. Dmitry, Ziaisko, or Alia—none of them could use her easily. Her international fame was not just for modelling; it was now the biggest shield for her new spy agenda.
"I am no one's doll anymore," Jasmine whispered. "These covers are my strength. In Korea, this fame will bring me closer to Ji-Han. And I will play my game on my own terms."
She quickly folded the magazines and put them in her suitcase. It was time to start her mission.
The Queen's Command
Jasmine finished packing the magazines. There was no more hesitation in her eyes, only hardened self-confidence. She knew how crucial this fame was for reaching her next destination.
She looked at Ana (the Head Maid) and the other maids standing before her. Their eyes were still a mixture of curiosity and fear.
Jasmine gave them a cold smile, one that was as perfect and artificial as her modelling covers.
Jasmine shook her white hair and stood straight. Her voice was authoritative and clear.
"Go tell your bosses," Jasmine said. "I am not merely Dmitry's lover, nor Alia's doll."
She pointed her finger towards the bed, where the magazines had been placed moments ago.
"I am an international model."
"My name, my fame, my work—these are all my weapons. When I step onto Korean soil, I will not go as a fugitive or a mafia boss's companion. I will go as a global supermodel."
"Make sure this news reaches Korea before I do. This game is starting, and I am the Queen of this game."
The maids bowed their heads, astonished by Jasmine's self-confidence and power. Jasmine quickly walked towards the door. No more delays now. For her mission, her revenge, and her freedom—she was setting off for Korea.
The Final Confrontation
Jasmine's voice was full of intense confidence and authority as she addressed the maids and declared her position. At that very moment, a door adjacent to the corridor slightly opened. Dmitry was standing there, listening to everything Jasmine said.
When Jasmine said, "I am not merely Dmitry's lover… I am an international model," and "This game is starting, and I am the Queen of this game,"—Dmitry's intense rage returned. His eyes blazed.
Jasmine's declaration of independence, her refusal to consider herself subordinate even after his slap—it was a severe blow to Dmitry's frantic possessiveness.
Dmitry rushed towards Jasmine down the corridor without a sound. His long blonde hair seemed to fly with rage.
Jasmine was approaching the door, just then Dmitry came close to her with intense fury.
"You think you are a Queen?" Dmitry roared, his voice low but intense. He glanced at the maids, who shrank in fear and quickly left the room.
Jasmine calmly looked into Dmitry's eyes. There was no fear in her eyes, only a challenge.
"Yes, Dmitry," Jasmine said. "I am the Queen. And you hit your Queen. Now you cannot control me."
Dmitry grabbed Jasmine's hand and pulled. "You are my property, Jasmine! Your fame will be used for my game, not for your personal freedom. You will go to Korea, but you will act as I instruct!"
Dmitry's rage was boundless. His reaction only strengthened Jasmine's resolve. Jasmine knew this relationship was toxic. She would not surrender to Dmitry anymore.
The Unthinkable Rejection
As Dmitry tried to assert his authority over Jasmine's decision by grabbing her hand, the last thread of patience within Jasmine snapped. Dmitry's slap, his betrayal, and his absolute possessiveness—everything combined to make Jasmine's resolve as hard as steel.
Jasmine showed no emotion this time. She looked into Dmitry's eyes with a steady, cold stare.
"I will not listen to you," Jasmine said calmly, but definitively.
This brief sentence was a clear rejection. It denied all of Dmitry's authority.
Dmitry froze. His rage instantly turned into astonishment. In the mafia world, no one dared to say 'no' to his face, especially not his lover.
"What did you say?" Dmitry couldn't believe it. "You won't listen to me? Are you forgetting who you are talking to?"
Jasmine pulled her hand free. Dmitry could not stop her this time.
"No, I haven't forgotten," Jasmine said. Her white hair spread over her shoulders. "I remember that you hit me. I remember that you used other girls as my reflection. And I also remember that your brother Ziaisko Volga and you—you all consider me just a piece in a move."
Jasmine quickly stepped back.
"Your relationship with me ends right now," Jasmine declared. "I am going to Korea. I am an international model. I will do my job there. You can keep an eye on me, but you will have no control over my decisions, my work."
Dmitry's face turned pale. He realized Jasmine had slipped out of his grasp. This Jasmine was not the weak lover who cried for him.
Jasmine turned around. She walked towards the suitcases behind her. No more discussion now. Jasmine's final rejection, "I will not listen to you,"—these words pierced Dmitry's heart like an arrow. Dmitry, who was always at the centre of power and control, was personally defeated for the first time.
When Jasmine turned and walked towards her suitcases, Dmitry could not stop her. All his rage and possessiveness vanished in an instant.
Dmitry slowly sat down on the soft carpet of the corridor.
He pressed his long, blonde hair with both hands. His eyes were fixed on the floor, as if he had suddenly fallen from the highest peak of the mafia world. It felt like something precious was lost forever.
He had not just lost a lover; he lost the only person in his life who could calm him, to whom he could reveal the ferocious 'black tiger' inside him. Dmitry lost his Persian cat.
Dmitry's face was now a picture of extreme despair. He looked at Jasmine once.
Jasmine was pulling her suitcase and quickly heading towards the door. She did not look back even once. Her tearless departure was the biggest punishment for Dmitry.
Jasmine opened the door and walked out. Her white hair merged into the last glimpse of light in the corridor.
Dmitry remained seated in silence. He had a vast empire, immeasurable wealth, but now he was completely alone. He knew Jasmin will leave, and she could not be brought back.
Dmitry's defeat would now start the new chapter of the story. Jasmine would now go to Korea, in the midst of Ji-Han and Alia's game, but she was her own controller.
Tyi Ne Uyeedish Menya Odina?
Dmitry was still sitting in the corridor, his hands on his head. He watched helplessly as Jasmine quickly walked away. When Jasmine was almost past the door, Dmitry suddenly raised his head. Extreme pleading was in his eyes now.
His voice, though weak, became tragically intense. He called out Jasmine's name, directly in Russian, the language of their intimate emotions.
"Zhesmin!" Dmitry shouted.
Jasmine paused for a moment just before exiting the door, but did not look back.
Dmitry then expressed his genuine fear, in the same Russian language, which could hurt Jasmine's most vulnerable spot.
"Tyi ne uyeedish menya odina?" (Ты не уйдешь меня одна?)
(Translation: You won't leave me alone?)
This final plea was not of a mafia boss, but of the little boy who was afraid of losing his 'Persian cat' friend. This question was the last expression of his indomitable dependence on Jasmine.
But Jasmine remained silent. Her hand gripped the doorknob firmly. Dmitry's plea could no longer stop her. Dmitry's abuse and betrayal were stronger than this love.
Jasmine opened the door and walked out. As the door shut, a terrifying silence fell in the corridor. Dmitry remained seated alone in that silence; his vast empire could not comfort him at this moment. Jasmine was gone.
Final Tears and Vengeance
Jasmine quickly walked down the corridor, Dmitry's tragic plea still ringing in her ears. Her heart was torn between the conflict of Dmitry's abuse and that plea. But she did not look back. She knew that if she did, her resolve would break.
She exited the massive house and got into the luxurious armoured car waiting outside. Ana, the Head Maid, and the other bodyguards silently followed her.
As the car door closed, Jasmine's tough composure shattered.
She slumped into the seat. All her rage, hatred, and the childhood memories that Dmitry brought up—everything combined to create a deep anguish. Her tough resolve seemed to falter.
Jasmine now broke down in tears.
Her white hair became dishevelled. She touched her cheek where Dmitry had hit her. This weeping was not just for the physical pain, but an expression of the agony of her final liberation from this toxic relationship. She took extreme risks for love, but in return, she received betrayal and pain.
Even while crying, Jasmine quickly composed herself.
She wiped her tears and looked at the car's inner glass. Her blue eyes seemed to grow even more intense there.
"No crying," Jasmine whispered to herself. "Tears are just weakness. And I cannot afford to show weakness now."
She remembered Ziaisko Volga's words: 'Emotion is the name for weakness.'
After weeping, Jasmine fixed her face. As the car sped towards Korea, her mental anguish transformed into the intense fire of revenge. This time, she was going to Korea, not to model, but to force Dmitry and his entire family to pay the price for her pain.