Jasmine's Freedom, (Paperback)

The world saw Jasmine Amir as perfect. A straight-A student,

the daughter of a powerful businessman, and a poised young

woman who never stepped out of line. Perfection was expected.

No, demanded. And she had never disappointed.

As she sat at the grand dining table in her family's estate-a long

stretch of polished mahogany that could seat twenty but only

ever held four-she stirred her tea slowly, watching the golden

liquid swirl in its delicate porcelain cup. Across from her, her

father scrolled through his phone, his expression unreadable,

as always. Her mother, impeccably dressed in a pearl-white

dress, barely glanced up as she nibbled at her toast. Her younger

brother, Rami, tapped his fingers against the table, bored but

silent.

Jasmine exhaled softly. Every morning was the same. Orderly.

Predictable. Suffocating.

"You have a meeting with the scholarship board after school,"

her father said without looking up. His voice was clipped,

efficient. "I expect you to impress them."

1JASMINE'SFREEDOM

"I always do," she replied, taking a sip of her tea. The warmth

did nothing to ease the cold weight in her stomach.