Chapter 25- The surprise meeting

Later that day…

The classes were finally over. Yasmin and Lisa stopped by the cafeteria for some snacks. But Yasmin was so lost in her thoughts that she forgot to eat. She dazedly stared at the sandwich in her hand. She seemed to be unaware of the people around her. Every time she remembered his wild kissing, her body tingled and her stomach fluttered.

Lisa, who was sitting beside her and eating a sandwich, peered at her. The curiosity piqued her mind when she noticed Yasmin smiling and blushing at the same time.

"Care to tell me what keeps you so occupied?" Lisa's sharp voice, followed by a nudge on her arm, snapped her out of her trance.

Yasmin grew self-conscious, looking at her teasing smile.

"Nothing," she said, not willing to disclose anything. She began eating her sandwich, making her face stern.

"Uh…" Lisa sighed. "Don't try to lie to me. I can tell how distracted you are. Your mind was not in the lectures either. And…" She poked her cheek with her index finger. "Why are you blushing all the time? What makes you so happy that you can't stop smiling?" She nudged her again, waggling her eyebrows up and down. "Are you thinking about Declan?"

Yasmin blushed, even more, when she heard her mention Declan. Her stomach suddenly flip-flopped. She bit the corner of her bottom lip as she struggled with the urge to smile.

"Oh, my… These flushed cheeks and shy smile. Something must have happened. What did he do early this morning?" Lisa tugged on her arm, eagerness brimming in her eyes.

"Nothing has happened." Yasmin grimaced and swatted her hand away. She pretended to be annoyed. But her crimson face contradicted her actions.

She had not hesitated to describe exaggeratedly her and Declan's intimacy. But she couldn't say a word when he finally kissed her.

"Still denying!" Lisa shot back, a glint of disappointment in her eyes. "You used to explain everything. Why are you hesitating now?"

"Do you intend to stay here for the rest of the day?" Yasmin rose from the chair, dropping the remaining sandwich on the plate. "If yes, you are free to stay here. I am going home." She dashed out of the cafeteria, thinking returning home was the only way to avoid her interrogation.

"Wait for me." Lisa also hurried after her. "Is your handsome driver coming?" She asked, her gaze wandering in search of the red Bugatti she had seen the day before.

"He is the Wilsons' youngest son… pampered, spoiled boy." Yasmin sneered. "He is not my driver."

"I like that rich brat." Lisa's eyes sparkled as she recalled Derrek's attractive appearance. "He is so handsome, not less than Declan. I wish he would fall for me." She smiled in a daze.

"Oh, hello…" Yasmin tapped her on the shoulder. "Come out of the wonderland. I have heard a lot about this youngest son of the Wilsons. He is a flirt. He is not good for you. Stop thinking about him."

She couldn't help but feel annoyed when she recalled Derrek following her around the wedding venue, trying to impress her.

"I have no problem." Lisa waved her hand in a dismissive way. "He will stop looking at others once he falls for me. Set me up with him." She tugged on her arm, looking at her hopefully.

"Have you lost your mind?" Yasmin exclaimed with disbelief.

"Please, Yasmin… I really like him."

"Wait, you are…" Yasmin stopped talking abruptly as she saw a familiar figure approaching her through her peripheral view.

A shudder ran down her spine.

'Grace! What is she doing here?' she asked herself, her pupils constricting.

"Yasmin…" Lisa yanked on her arm. "What are you looking at?" She looked ahead. Since she was not familiar with Grace, she didn't pay attention to her.

Yasmin shifted her gaze to Lisa. She didn't want to talk to Grace in Lisa's presence. "We will talk tomorrow. Bye." Yasmin waved at her, mustering a smile.

Lisa pouted, her face turning solemn. She thought Yasmin was avoiding the topic. "I get it. Now you are showing attitudes because you are married to a wealthy man. Very well… I won't say anything." She walked away, stomping her feet.

"Lisa…" Yasmin wanted to stop her but decided against it when she noticed Grace coming in closer. She returned her attention to Grace and smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"Your classes are over," Grace said.

"Yeah. You have got some work here today as well."

Grace laughed softly. "Will you believe it if I say I'm here to see you?"

"Hah…" Yasmin chuckled. "Well, I am… glad to hear that." She added the last four words after a while. She actually wanted to say, 'I am quite shocked to see you here.'

"I am leaving," Grace mumbled dejectedly, her smile fading.

"Leaving! Where?"

"California."

"Oh…" Yasmin nodded. "You have got your family there."

Grace reached out to stroke her cheek, her eyes were glassy. 'You and Declan are also part of my family.' She wanted to say that but could not muster the courage.

She chuckled awkwardly and said, "I have set up a new outlet for my clothing brand here. It will start functioning soon. My daughter will look after it. I will come here once in a while." She drew her hand back. "Do not hesitate to contact me. I like talking with you."

Yasmin initially felt uncomfortable when she saw her. Derrek had told her that Grace had cheated on her husband and that Declan had caught her with another man.

She had a strong feeling of aversion towards her. However, she felt terrible after noticing tears in her eyes.

She didn't know Grace's past. She had no idea what prompted her to deceive her husband. The reality could be different from what she had learned. At this point, she felt the need to hug her.

She threw her arms around her neck without thinking anything and murmured, "I will miss you."

"I will miss you, too," Grace whispered, patting her on the back. She wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes and added, "I am glad to see that Declan has married such a lovely young lady. God bless you."

"I know you are Declan's mom," Yasmin murmured, taking Grace by surprise.

Grace staggered, her hands shaking, her face pallid in shock. She had considered revealing her identity ever since she met her. But her past stopped her from doing so.

She feared Yasmin would also despise her just like Declan had. At the same time, a glimmer of hope rose in her heart as she assumed Declan had revealed something about their relationship.

Could it be that Declan missed her and wished for her return?

"How?" she asked, her voice low and hoarse. "Did Declan say anything about me?" Although she was shuddering in trepidation, she couldn't help but feel hopeful.

That excitement didn't last long when she heard Yasmin say, "No. I have learned it from someone else."

Yasmin felt awful, looking at her disappointed expression. She took some time to say the next words, "I don't know why you did that. But I am sure you must have some reason. I don't blame you for anything. I don't despise you either. I sincerely hope that you and he can reconcile. But…" She paused briefly before continuing, "I won't be able to keep in touch with you. I don't want to make him unhappy."

"I get it… I get it." Grace hung her head down to hide the brimming tears in her eyes. "Be happy…" Her throat was so sore that she could only utter those two words.

She dashed away, unable to stand in front of her. She took black goggles from her clutch and put them on.

Yasmin stood there numb, watching her departing form with melancholy.

Meanwhile, a luxurious car pulled up next to her and a handsome man got out.