Page 83 of A Million Shades Of Love and Betrayal

Rafael reached across the table, his fingers lightly brushing against mine. "I can't believe the wedding is just a few weeks away," I said, my eyes twinkling with excitement.

Rafael's grin mirrored mine. "I know. It feels like just yesterday we were talking about our future, and now we're getting married again. Have you thought about where you'd like to go for our honeymoon?"

"I have a few ideas," I replied, sipping my sparkling water. "What about a tropical island? Somewhere that's secluded where we can relax and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe the Maldives or Bora Bora?"

Rafael nodded thoughtfully. "That sounds perfect. I've always wanted to visit the Maldives. Imagine waking up to the sound of the ocean and spending our days lounging on the beach."

"Exactly," I said, picturing us lying on a pristine white beach with the turquoise waters stretching out before us. "It will be the perfect start to our married life."

Rafael was about to respond when I noticed two familiar faces entering the restaurant. Ava and Cheryl. They spotted us almost immediately and started making a beeline for our table. My heart sank. What could they possibly want now?

Rafael followed my gaze and sighed. "Looks like we have company," he said, his tone resigned.

I straightened in my seat, preparing myself for whatever nonsense they were about to spew. As they approached, I could see the desperation etched on their faces. Cheryl, with her perfectly styled hair and designer clothes, looked particularly anxious. Ava, her ever-present sidekick, wore an expression of strained determination.

"You two again," I said, unable to hide my irritation. "How do you always find me? It's like your bloodhounds tracking the scent of my happiness so you can destroy it."

Ava looked down, avoiding my gaze, while Cheryl shuffled nervously. "We’re sorry for showing up like this, Yasmin," Ava began, her voice trembling. "But we need to talk to you now."

I arched an eyebrow, not bothering to hide my irritation. "About what?"

Ava chimed in, her voice slightly trembling. "Please, Yasmin, hear us out. This is important."

I glanced at Rafael, who shrugged. It was clear he was leaving the decision up to me. His calm demeanor helped me steady my own emotions. I sighed and nodded. "Fine. You have two minutes. Say whatever it is you need to say."

Ava and Cheryl exchanged a look before Cheryl began speaking. "Look, we know you're planning to sue Ethan. But we’re here to beg you not to."

I felt a surge of anger rise within me. "And why would I do that? After everything he’s done, you think I'll let him off the hook?"

Cheryl's composure faltered for a moment. "We know he’s made mistakes but taking him to court will ruin him completely. He's already lost so much."

I laughed, a harsh, mirthless sound. "Ruin him? Do you think a court case will ruin him more than he tried to ruin me? He blackmailed me, photo-shopped images, and hit me. Do you have any idea what I've been through because of him?"

Ava stepped forward, her voice pleading. "We know, Yasmin, we do. But Ethan has already been publicly humiliated. Please, if you have any compassion left, reconsider."

I narrowed my eyes at them. "Compassion? You want to talk about compassion? Where was Ethan's compassion when he tried to destroy my life?"

Rafael, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "You two have a lot of nerve coming here and asking for mercy on his behalf."

"No one will work with him and every day he gets dirty looks," Cheryl sighed. "He's been reduced to nothing, isn't that enough?"

"No, it’s not enough," I said firmly. "Public humiliation doesn’t erase the pain and damage he caused. It doesn’t make up for the lies, the manipulation, the abuse."

Cheryl reached out as if to touch my arm but stopped herself. "Yasmin, please. We're begging you. If you take him to court, it will destroy him completely. We understand you're angry, and you have every right to be. But suing Ethan? Is that necessary? Can't we find another way to resolve this?"

I felt a spark of anger ignite but held it back, letting them continue. They needed to dig their graves before I responded.

"You have to understand, Yasmin," Ava said, leaning forward earnestly. "Ethan made mistakes, yes. But dragging this through the courts will ruin him even more. His career, his life... It's just too much. Can't you find it in your heart to forgive him?"

The anger flared hotter, and I clenched my fists under the table. They spoke as if Ethan's actions were mere mistakes, trivial errors that could be brushed aside. They didn't know the half of it, and their ignorance was infuriating.

"Forgive him?" I repeated, my voice rising despite my efforts to keep calm. "You think this is about forgiveness?"

Ava and Cheryl exchanged a look, clearly not expecting my reaction. I could see the uncertainty in their eyes, the cracks forming in their confident facade. I couldn't help it. A laugh bubbled up from within me, and I let it out, the sound harsh and cold. They both flinched, their expressions shifting from confusion to fear. I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms as I regarded them with a smirk.

"Do you have any idea what kind of person Ethan is?" I asked, my voice cutting through the air like a knife. "Do you know the pain and suffering he's caused? You come here, pleading for his sake, but you don't understand the depths of his cruelty."

They remained silent, their faces pale as they absorbed my words. I could see the fear growing in their eyes, and I decided to press my advantage.

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