Chapter 6 Party Saga

Asher took a step forward, his presence commanding attention. "Hello, there," he greeted in a tone that barely concealed his amusement. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting. I'm Asher Delvin." His words flowed smoothly.

Yazmin's heart pounded erratically as his introduction washed over her. The memories of their past together surged to the forefront of her mind. How was it possible for him to stand before her, acting as though they were strangers, when their history was etched into every corner of her being.

Ramona's gaze darted between Yazmin and Asher, a hint of suspicion flickering in her eyes. "Yazmin, do you two know each other?"

Yazmin steadied herself, her voice composed despite the anger she felt. "Know each other?" she repeated, her tone measured. "Yes, indeed. Asher and I were once very well acquainted."

Asher's lips twitched in a smirk, "I'm sorry," he said smoothly, his tone dripping with feigned innocence. "I have to confess, your face does look familiar, but I can't seem to place where we might have crossed paths."

Yazmin felt a mixture of shock and hurt, as if a knife had twisted in her chest. How could he pretend not to recognize her? The six years they spent together, the memories they shared-it all seemed to mean nothing in that moment.

"Is that so?" Yazmin responded, her words laced with coolness. "It's quite remarkable how memories can be so selective."

Ramona's expression remained neutral, her curiosity growing more palpable. "Perhaps you moved in different circles before. Regardless, it's a small world, isn't it?"

Yazmin locked eyes with Asher. "Yes, it certainly can be," she replied, her gaze unwavering. "Especially when it comes to unexpected reunions."

Then, with a practiced ease, he shifted his attention back to Blaine and Ramona. "Well, it was lovely meeting you all," he declared, "Shall we go, darling?" he asked, subtly distancing himself from the uncomfortable situation.

Ramona beamed at Asher and nodded, taking his arm. "We have a charity function to attend. We'll talk later, Blaine" she said and turned to Yazmin, "Bye, Yaz"

Yazmin watched as they walked away, leaving her feeling bewildered and hurt. It was all too much to process. Before she could get over the whole situation, Blaine broke into her thoughts.

"We have a business function tonight, be ready before I'm back" he said and walked out before Yasmin could even object.

Yazmin rolled her eyes at Blaine's controlling behavior. Who did he think he was? Angrily, she made her way up the stairs. She suddenly stopped in her tracks when she noticed a door to one of the rooms were opened and the teenage girl she had seen yesterday was slouched on her bed, knee to her chest.

Yazmin could see that she had been crying, she walked in as their gaze locked and she could see her eyes burning with an intensity that spoke volumes.

Yazmin steps faltered as she contemplated approaching her but the teenage girl's gaze said otherwise.

"Little girl, are you alright?" Yazmin managed to say as she walked closer to her bed.

"I'm Ayra and please mind your business!" she snapped turning away from Yazmin dismissively.

Yazmin took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I'm not sure why you hate me so much, but I just wanna let you know that I'm here for you"

The gaze on Ayra's face turned into something far more sinister and she exploded, "Oh! Please! Cut the charade! Dad isn't here so you don't have to pretend to be all goody-two-shoes. All step mom's are terrible and I hate you! You just came out of nowhere and disrupted mine and dad's ecosystem. Just leave me alone" she fired.

Yazmin was shocked by her words. This was all her fault. All these wouldn't have happened if she had just minded her business. Why was she trying to be there for Ayra? She should never have tried to comfort her! She was only Blaine's wife by arrangement, she didn't have to put on the mother role as well. This would all be over in a year, it didn't matter if she bonded with the daughter or not.

Angrily, Yazmin turned to leave but she suddenly stopped when she realized Ayra had started sobbing. Slowly, Yazmin walked to her side anh gently sat beside her.

"Hey," She whispered gently, "Ayra, what's wrong?"

She let out a shaky breath, "I... I don't want to go back to boarding school," she confessed, her voice quivering.

Yazmin was shocked. How could a father send hi only daughter to a boarding school? He knew Blaine wasn't a good person but this had gone beyond what she expected.

Ayra's gaze met Yazmin, desperation swimming in her eyes. "Please... can you talk to Dad? Beg him not to send me away?"

Yazmin held her gaze. "I promise you, Ayra, I'll do everything I can to make him reconsider. You deserve to have your voice heard."

A fragile smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she sniffled. "Thank you."

Yazmin slowly stood up, took one last look at Ayra and left the room. Although, she wasn't sure how she would talk to Blaine because she was in no position to, sh decided to try her luck anyways. What was the worst that could happen?

As the evening drew closer, Yazmin started getting ready for the function because Blaine had texted her two minutes ago to remind her.

She slipped into the dress, the cool silk caressing her skin like a gentle embrace. The deep sapphire fabric flowed gracefully, hugging her figure in all the right places before cascading into a floor-length skirt. Delicate silver embroidery adorned the bodice heels she wore. She sighed and stepped outside her room.

A sleek car awaited, Yazmin hesitated for a moment, then gracefully slid into the backseat and soon. They soon arrived at the venue, a sprawling mansion nestled amidst manicured gardens and shimmering fountains. The grandeur was undeniable. Yazmin exited the car, her heels clicking against the cobblestone path as she made her way towards the entrance.

Just as she entered, she caught sight of Blaine. He extended his hand, and Yazmin placed hers in his, their fingers intertwining. His voice was a whisper, carrying a command only Yazmin could hear.

"Yazmin, remember, tonight is important. Be on your best behavior."

As they stepped forward together, Yazmin nodded in silence, her gaze locked with his for a moment before they mingled with the gathering crowd.

As the evening unfolded, Yazmin tried very hard to fit in but at a point, she felt she didn't belong here. She watched from afar as Blaine freely interacted with others and at that moment, she knew their worlds were very different. She wasn't used to any of this, at all.

When she noticed Blaine was alone, she went to his side and grabbed his arm, pulling him to one corner of the room."Mr Sinclair, we need to talk about Ayra."

Blaine yanked his arm away, his voice tinged with irritation. "Yazmin, this is none of your business."

Yasmin felt that familiar tingling feeling of anger. She was fed of people telling her to mind her business. Even if she was Blaine's wife by design, she was still his wife and Ayra deserved to be heard.

Yazmin's eyes flashed with determination. "It is my business when you're sending her away against her wishes!"

Blaine shot back, his voice growing sharper. "I'm her father. I know what's best for her."

Yazmin's voice rose as well, her tone adamant. "And what about what she wants? Have you even bothered to listen to her?"

Blaine's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "I don't owe you an explanation for my decisions."

Yazmin's voice shook with a mix of anger and exasperation. "She's your daughter, Mr Sinclair! She deserves a say in her own life."

He scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, and you suddenly care so much about her?"

Yazmin's eyes blazed. "Yes, I do care, because unlike you, I actually care about the people around me!"

Blaine's face flushed with anger, his restraint crumbling. "You think you can waltz in here and start dictating how things are done?"

Yazmin's voice was unwavering, her resolve solid. "I won't stand by and watch you make decisions that hurt her."

Blaine's voice rose to a shout, drawing the attention of those nearby. "You have no right to interfere in my family matters!"

Yazmin's voice cut through the air, equally loud and heated. "When your decisions affect someone's life, it becomes everyone's concern!"

And then, it dawned on them. Their argument had attracted everyone's attention and eyes now dug holes into the newly weds as a hush fell over the room.