Page 68 of The Ex Factor

It was easier said than done, though, because I couldn’t access my wealth. Not without my family finding out about it. I couldn’t request a charter plane through my office, nor put any big expense without raising suspicions. By snitching on me to my brother, the world had effectively stemmed my resources. Thankfully, I was friends with one of the country’s most powerful couples.

I texted Mary Beth. They had properties all over the Caribbean.

Without any questions, she texted back.

Mary Beth

I’d recommend St. Martin. I’ll arrange for the smaller jet, and you can use the château. The staff resides on the property. They’ll have everything ready for you.

I had an unabashed demand.

I was thinking something cozier.

There’s a beach house closer to the sea, which Ezzie and I use when we travel alone.

I can’t thank you enough.

Since when do you need to thank me?

♥?

I still think you should sleep with him. This obsession with him is clearly getting out of hand.

??

That week, I had another important matter to settle. After my visit to Ms. Dina’s, I had contacted Walter and we had finally fleshed out the details. Using a subsidiary of our company, I bought the diner from Walter. Ms. Dina would never again feel threatened about losing her cherished place, and Sujit would never lose his sanctuary. I requested Walter to keep this information from both Ms. Dina and Sujit because they really didn’t need to know.

Sujit had talked about selfless love that day, and he was right. Doing something good for someone wasn’t selfless, for it brought immense joy, satisfaction, pride, or whatever else we were hoping for. I had decided that once I had enough money of my own, I would buy the diner and transfer it to Ms. Dina’s name. It was not possible for me at the moment, with Dad holding all of the executive power, and he wouldn’t be amenable to helping if he knew Sujit was somehow a part of my calculations. For now, I did have the power to protect her lease.

On Friday morning, I sent Sujit a text.

How much do you trust me?

Sujit

Enough

Enough to let me take over your weekend?

Definitely that much.

Do you have anything planned for the weekend that can’t be rescheduled?

There’s nothing that can’t be rescheduled for you.

And yet, our connection needed to be kept hidden, an embarrassment we couldn’t share with the world. A dash of anger coursed through me as I typed.

Pack a bag and be ready at 5.

Any hints on what to pack? Tux or Tees?

I smiled. Even when I was feeling the worst, he could always make me smile.

Tees and shorts. Don’t forget the swimming trunks. A rash guard if you’re averse to showing off your body.

Think turquoise waters.

Mauritius, Maldives, Maui, or the Mediterranean?

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