Page 7 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

"You're divorced?" her eyes widened in shock. "You finally came to your senses?"

I shrugged. "He divorced me so I don't know how to answer that."

"What the fuck?" my baby sister was angry. "How dare he divorce you? Does he know who you are? The stupid fuck."

"He still has no idea who I am," I told her as I snatched the bag from her hand. "Luckily he showed his true colors before I did."

"You didn't tell him?" she asked softly. My family was wealthy and while growing up our parents advised us to keep our wealth a secret until we were sure we could trust that person. I guess I didn't fully trust Ethan since I kept something like that from him and it turned out I was right not to.

"It's all over now," I told her, ready to move on from this conversation. "Now are you going to help me dye my hair or are you going to stand there?"

"I'll help," she said as she walked over, taking the box from my hand to open it. "Why are you dyeing your hair?"

I shrugged. "Rafe suggested it and I want to."

She paused. "Wait, hold up, who's Rafe?"

"Oh right," I smiled sheepishly in her direction. "I might have made an agreement with Ethan's ex-best friend to help me get revenge on him."

"Dad is not going to be happy about any of this," she groaned. "This is such a mess."

"I know but it'll all work out, do you trust me?"

She sighed. "Of course, I do."

"Then relax, help me dye my hair, and let's go shopping afterward. I need a few things."

"Fine."

-6-

Rafael

I sat at my desk, the sunlight casting a warm glow over the paperwork spread out before me. The contract from the club I was eyeing was open in front of me, the words blurring together as my mind wandered to thoughts of Yasmin.

Her smooth brown skin, her vibrant hazel eyes. How was Ethan dumb enough to lose someone as beautiful as her? I knew he was stupid and that his family would likely be the end of him, but I would have expected him to know when not to let them win. I wasn't even mad about it; his loss was my gain. I could still remember how stunning she looked wearing nothing but my shirt and the rush of emotions that threatened to consume me the longer I stared.

I shook my head, running a hand down my face as I tried to rid myself of all Yasmin-filled thoughts. She was about to be my fake wife, nothing more. My mind shouldn't be consumed by her like this, I had to get myself under control. Just as I was about to delve back into the intricacies of the contract, a sharp knock interrupted me.

I frowned, setting the contract aside and checking the security camera feed on my computer screen. It was Roman, my best friend and the CEO of Vitale Airlines. A smile tugged at my lips despite how busy I was, and I buzzed him in.

He strolled into my office with a lively energy, his amber eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Rafael, my friend, you wouldn't believe the rumor going around," Roman exclaimed, barely containing his excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his sudden burst of energy. "You know I'm not one to believe in rumors. What are the people saying now?"

"They're saying that Ivan Rashid is coming to the US."

Ivan Rashid—the name resonated through the business world like a thunderclap. He was the epitome of wealth and power, a titan in the Middle East, and rumored to be the richest person on the planet. My mind raced with possibilities as Roman spoke.

"Are you serious?"

Roman nodded eagerly. "Dead serious. And guess what? He's attending my gala next week."

I couldn't contain my shock and excitement. "Ivan Rashid at your gala? That's incredible news, Roman!"

My mind raced with possibilities. If I could strike a deal with Ivan Rashid, it could mean a significant boost for Amato Industries, especially if it involved a project in his country. "This could be huge."

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