Page 26 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

"I've been good," Ivan's smile faltered briefly, and I caught the hesitation in his eyes. "I noticed you came with someone," he remarked casually, trying to mask the underlying curiosity in his tone. I wasn't at all surprised he mentioned Yasmin, how could I be when he was asking about his daughter? It was clear that he wanted me to acknowledge him as her father, but I wasn't about to do that, not without her consent.

I chuckled a twinkle of mischief in my eyes. "Ah, yes. That's my fiancée," I replied with a grin.

He raised an eyebrow, I had to study him closely so as not to miss the subtle shift in his demeanor. "Your fiancée?" He asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone. "You never mentioned her before."

"Well, it's recent. We wanted to keep it private for a while."

He nodded, though I could tell there was a lot more he had to say. "Congratulations," he offered quietly.

"Thank you," I replied, my smile widening.

Ivan faltered then excused himself to join Ethan and the others at the table. I couldn't help the rising annoyance as Ethan smirked in my direction, but I pushed the feeling aside as the gala continued. I reminded myself that Yasmin would set things right when she spoke to her father and Ethan's joy right now would be turned into sorrow.

Minutes passed, and Yasmin still hadn't returned from the bathroom. Frowning, I decided to check on her. I rounded the corner just in time to witness Cheryl and Ava, cornering Yasmin.

My protective instincts flared, and for a moment, I considered recording the interaction to use it against them later. But with a quick look above me, I was reminded of the security cameras installed for this reason. It was alarming how much rich people liked intimidating people they thought weren't on their level. Instead, I watched them. Yasmin could handle herself, so I chose to wait and humor myself as she put them in their place.

It helped that she was fucking sexy while she did it. Her eyes narrowed on them in warning, her lips pursed as she stared them down.

"I'd hope for something more drastic than this," she began, shifting her eyes to Cheryl. "Ganging up on me outside the bathroom. How unoriginal."

"You have a lot of nerve," Ava glared. "Not only have you been gone for days but you dared to show up here on the arm of another man."

Yasmin shrugged. "I fail to see the problem here."

"You're a slut!" Cheryl snapped. Her words triggered something in Yasmin, I knew it the second I saw her fingers clench into a tight fist. If I were unbiased, I would warn Cheryl to choose her next words carefully, it was unfortunate that I could care less about her well-being. "I told Ethan marrying you was a big mistake."

"Of course you did," Yasmin's reply was quick and to the point, her lips spreading into a big smile. She stepped in her direction, forcing Cheryl to take a shaky step back. "All this bickering and chasing women away won't end with him in your arms forever. You do know that he'll never marry you, right?"

Ava gasped, while Cheryl stared in horror. "I'm not in love with my son. I love him like any good mother would."

"A good mother would know when their son has found a good woman," Yasmin laughed, the sound hollow and forced. "A good mother knows when to let go. A good mother doesn't go out of her way to destroy her son's marriage. A good mother is something you'll never be, you're not capable of such a thing."

"That's rich coming from you," Ava finally spoke, since Cheryl was far too stunned to speak. "You showed up with your husband's best friend."

I could see the exact moment Yasmin rolled her eyes. "It must suck defending a guy who couldn't be bothered to tell you that he requested the divorce." She laughed as their eyes widened in disbelief. "Shocking Isn't it?" Yasmin continued to mock them. "Seems the love isn't as strong as you thought, I'm going to leave you here to let my words sink in."

I watched as Yasmin turned to step away from them. The sudden movement jolted Cheryl from whatever daze she was in, and she raised a hand to grab at her. Before she could reach her, I stepped out of hiding, making my presence known.

"Is everything alright here?" I asked evenly, my gaze flickering between the trio.

Cheryl smirked, her eyes narrowing as they landed on me. "Everything's just fine, Rafael. We're chatting with Yasmin here," she replied, her tone dripping with malice.

I took a step closer, positioning myself between them and Yasmin. "I think it's best if you leave her alone," I stated firmly, my voice brooking no argument.

Ava scoffed, her gaze challenging. "And who are you to tell us what to do?"

Before I could respond, Yasmin spoke up, her voice firm and resolute. "He's my fiancé."

I glanced at Yasmin, who looked unfazed by the entire interaction. I wasn't expecting her to tell anyone that she was my fiancée, but I already loved how those words sounded coming from her lips. "Let's not ruin the evening with unnecessary drama. You'd hate for me to retaliate," I said evenly, my voice carrying a warning. Cheryl and Ava exchanged glances before backing off, their bravado deflating.

Once they were out of earshot, I turned to Yasmin, concern etched on my face. "Are you okay?" I asked softly, my hand resting gently on her arm.

Yasmin nodded, offering me a bright smile. "I'm fine but I wouldn't mind going home," she said softly.

I nodded, hiding the smile that threatened to escape at her calling the penthouse home. Just as I turned to guide her to the door Ethan appeared, his usual arrogant demeanor on display. "Yasmin, darling, there you are," he drawled, his eyes flicking to me with undisguised disdain. "I was starting to wonder if I'd never speak to you."

I gritted my teeth, resisting the urge to lash out at him. "Stop pestering my fiancée, Ethan," I said, my voice cold and clipped.

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