Page 66 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

We completed the check-in process and headed toward the private lounge. My parents were still trying to wrap their heads around the situation, occasionally shooting me incredulous looks. Yasmin and I exchanged amused glances, enjoying their reaction. They were a lot calmer than I expected them to be.

As we settled into the lounge, Ivan and my dad began discussing business, quickly finding common ground. My mom and Yasmin continued their wedding talk, with Amirah joining in and adding her ideas. Khalid, Roman, and I discussed the logistics of the trip and our plans once we arrived in Dubai.

"I still can't believe this," Dad said at one point, shaking his head. "Ivan Rashid, right here with us."

"Believe it, Dad," I said, clapping him on the back. "This is just the beginning."

Our flight was announced, and we made our way to the private jet. The aircraft was luxurious, with plush seats and ample space. My parents were visibly impressed, their earlier surprise giving way to excitement.

As we took our seats, Yasmin leaned in and whispered. "Think they'll ever get used to this?"

I laughed softly. "Probably not. But that's part of the fun, right?"

-45-

Yasmin

The hum of the plane's engines was a comforting white noise that lulled me to sleep for most of the flight to Dubai. The hours blurred together in a haze of dreams and fleeting consciousness. When I finally stirred, my eyes flickering open, I realized we had just under three hours left in the air. My thoughts inevitably wandered to the letter from Ethan. It was still unopened, buried deep in my suitcase. I wondered for the thousandth time if I'd done the right thing by not destroying it.

I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind. Opening that letter could unleash a torrent of emotions and doubts, things I didn't want to confront just before my wedding. I hadn't told anyone about it, not even Rafael. The only person who knew was Amirah, and I had sworn her to secrecy. Another sigh escaped my lips as I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes, dismissing all thoughts of Ethan. Exhaustion soon overtook me, and I drifted back to sleep.

Sleep came surprisingly easy. When I woke, Rafael was shaking me gently. "Yasmin, we're here. Time to wake up."

I blinked a few times, disoriented. "Already?" I mumbled, stretching my arms. The bright light streaming through the airplane window confirmed it. We had arrived in Dubai.

I opened my eyes fully and smiled at him, still feeling the grogginess of sleep. "Thanks for waking me," I said, stretching my arms. I looked around; the cabin was bustling with movement as everyone gathered their belongings.

After retrieving our luggage, we headed towards the exit. Rafael's parents walked ahead of us, chatting excitedly and taking in the sights. Rafael, ever the gentleman, carried my heavier bags without a word of complaint. His parents looked around in awe at the towering skyscrapers and luxurious cars lining the streets. It was almost funny seeing their reactions, considering they were the parents of a billionaire.

"Look at those skyscrapers!" Rafael's mom exclaimed as we stepped out of the airport. "And the cars! So many fancy cars!"

"It's like a city from the future," his father added, his eyes wide as he took in the bustling scene.

I smiled at their enthusiasm. Dubai had that effect on people, with its dazzling architecture and vibrant energy. I couldn't wait for their reaction in the daytime when they could see everything in daylight.

"Excited to see your mom?" Rafael asked, interrupting my reverie.

"Yes, very much," I replied. "It's been too long since I've seen her."

"The cars are here," Dad spoke loudly, pointing to two range rovers.

The drive was relatively short, and soon we pulled up to my parents' house. It was a beautiful, sprawling mansion with lush gardens and a stunning view of the city. My mom greeted us warmly at the door, her face glowing with happiness.

"Mom!" I called out, unable to contain my excitement as I bounded up the steps. The door swung open, and there she was, her face lighting up with joy.

"Yasmin, Habibti!" She enveloped me in a warm hug, and for a moment, I felt like a child again, safe and loved. We just stood there, holding each other. It's been a while since I've had a proper conversation with my mother and even longer since I've seen her in person. Being here with her now, was everything. I slowly pulled away, blinking away the tears that threatened to come.

"Mom, this is Rafael," I said, turning to introduce him. Rafael stepped forward, a broad smile on his face.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Rashid," he said, extending his hand. My mother took it warmly.

"Please, call me Sarah," she replied. "And it's wonderful to meet you too, Rafael. Yasmin has told me so much about you."

Just then, Rafael's parents joined us on the porch. "Hello, Mrs. Rashid. I'm Carina, and this is my husband, Angelo," Rafael's mother said with a polite nod. "Oh, and that's Roman, Rafael's best friend."

"Welcome, everyone," my mom said, her smile never wavering. "Come in, all of you. It's so good to have you here."

We followed her into the house, the familiar scent of home wrapping around me like a favorite blanket. The air-conditioned interior was a relief after the humid evening outside. My mother led us to the dining room, where a late dinner waited. The table was set beautifully, with candles flickering gently, casting a warm glow over the room.

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