Jojo Arias, a Spanish-Filipino mestizo, didn’t expect to meet a U.S. Marine in a tony bar in the Philippines. But, Jojo can’t deny the electricity they have once he meets Adam.<br><br>Although they come from different worlds, they struggle to keep their relationship private to protect Jojo’s status and position as an heir to one of the wealthiest and powerful families in Filipino society. Billions of dollars could be easily lost if his family business is jeopardized by Jojo’s secret love affair.<br><br>Because of his standing in society, Jojo is pressured to abandon Adam and live a life in the closet. But he doesn’t want to leave the man he loves. As he struggles to maintain their secret romance, things begin to unravel and Jojo has to make a life-changing decision. Should he choose to stay with his family, or does he have the courage to pursue the love of his life?

Under the Jasmine Flowers

But, when James Arthur’s song “Say You Won’t Let Go” played, Jojo tightened his embrace of Adam. He didn’t want to let him go. The song’s lyrics moved him to tears.


“Change the song, babe. We don’t have to listen to that. I thought you would like it.”


“I do. It’s us, it’s you and me. ‘Don’t let go,’ it says. I don’t want to. But…”


“You’re eventually going to leave. And I don’t want you to. But I can’t make you stay. You’ve made promises to your family.”


“I’ve made promises to my family.”


Jojo nodded and moved to the next song. But, the song changed to Sam Smith’s “Too Good at Goodbyes,” and Jojo continued to sob. The lyrics cut into him. Jojo’s heart filled with regret and longing.


Chapter 67