Page 27 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

"Yes. Your fiancée," he stared at her, a mixture of hurt, anger, and confusion merged into one. "It hasn't even been a month and you're already engaged. This proves you are a slut."

Yasmin's hand tightened around mine, her eyes shooting daggers at him. Ethan's smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. "I'd love to set the record straight, but I was raised to ignore bitches" she muttered, tugging me behind her.

As we walked away, I couldn't help but feel annoyed at how Ethan and his family managed to ruin our night. We were supposed to be the ones making everyone uncomfortable, yet we were the ones caught off guard.

Outside, the cool night air was a welcome relief. Yasmin sighed, leaning against the wall, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "I'm sorry about all of this," she apologized, her voice tinged with frustration.

I shook my head, reaching for her hand. "Don't apologize. None of this is your fault," I reassured her, squeezing her hand gently.

We stood in silence for a moment, the events of the evening sinking in. Despite the unexpected twists and turns, I couldn't deny the growing connection between us. As we walked away from the gala, hand in hand, I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.

-19-

Yasmin

The night had left Rafael and I drained, our energy levels plummeting as soon as we entered the penthouse. I could feel the day's events pressing down on me, each step towards the bedroom feeling heavier than the last. All I wanted was to collapse onto the soft comfort of my bed and let sleep claim me.

But just as I was about to shut the world out and succumb to exhaustion, my phone pierced the air with its insistent ringing. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was my father calling. Without hesitation, I answered, my mind racing with questions.

"Hi, Dad," I greeted, my voice betraying the curiosity and concern swirling within me.

"Yasmin, my dear," his familiar voice sounded, tinged with a hint of disappointment. "I wanted to talk to you about something important."

My heart skipped a beat, wondering what new development had occurred in my father's world. He'd surprised me with the potential partnership with Ethan and now there was something else... I was not prepared. "Of course, Dad. What is it?"

"It's about my potential partnership with Ethan Williams," he began, and I felt a jolt of annoyance shoot through me at the reminder that my dad was potentially working with my ex. Ethan, my ex-husband, a name I would like to forget, and certainly not one I expected to be associated with my father.

"Oh?" I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral despite the flood of memories and emotions his name evoked.

"Yes, and I think it would be beneficial for you to join me in a meeting with him," my father continued, his words drawing me in.

"You do?"

"He wants to discuss the details further," my father continued, "and I thought it would be best if you were there too. After all, you'll be taking over the hotel business."

I blinked, surprised by his suggestion. "You want me to meet with Ethan?"

"I'll be there as well and you can bring someone," the way he stressed the word someone had me thinking he had someone in mind, but I wasn't sure. "I think it's important for you to be involved in these discussions."

I hesitated, tempted to reveal the history between Ethan and me, but ultimately decided against it. How could I tell my father that I was engaged, married, and divorced, all without him or any of my family present? It would undoubtedly break his heart and I wasn't willing to do so. "I'll be there."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow then," he said warmly.

After bidding my father goodnight, I turned to Rafael, who had been silently observing the conversation. His expression was a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "My father wants to talk business with Ethan tomorrow and wants me there. Can you join me?"

He nodded without hesitation. "I'll be there with you," he stated, his unwavering support a comforting anchor amidst the uncertainties swirling in my mind.

The night passed by in a blur of restless sleep and tangled thoughts. When morning came, I woke up late, the sunlight streaming through the windows reminding me of the impending meeting with Ethan and my father. Rushing through my morning routine, I joined Rafael in the kitchen where he had prepared breakfast.

"Morning," he greeted me with a small smile.

"Morning," I replied, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. "Did you sleep well?"

He shrugged, pouring me a cup of coffee. "As well as can be expected."

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