Meanwhile, in Jasmine's room Nathan lay unmoving on the king-sized bed, his body a heavy, unyielding weight under the suffocating influence of the drug. His breath was shallow, each inhale and exhale a fragile whisper. His gaze remained unfocused, bleary eyes struggling to make sense of the world around him, but his limbs betrayed him, refusing to respond.

The soft amber glow of the bedside lamp bathed the room in a golden haze, casting long shadows that danced against the opulent furnishings. ...