Divorce 218
Memories surged in, peeling away layers of her pain, and Yasmine thought that every time she opened the master bedroom door, she'd step back into the past. She shut the door tight, as if trying to lock the pain inside.
She found her own room once more, remembering how last time she'd stumbled across a photo hidden in a book. She'd gone through every book on the shelf but found no other photos. She opened the jewelry box hidden in her wardrobe, a gift from her parents; inside were pieces her mom had given her.
She opened it and found, besides the antique bracelets, a curious bracelet at the very bottom. Yasmine took the bracelet out; the Cartier gold logo had faded. Such pieces needed daily care to maintain their perfect condition, and this bracelet had lain in the cold jewelry box for three years. Yet, she had no recollection of it.
Wait! Suddenly, her eyes widened as if something struck her. She couldn't shake the feeling that she had overlooked something.
What exactly had she missed? That's it! She remembered the bracelet Yonas had given her-also a Cartier bracelet. It was during their first dinner at the Paragon Hotel that Yonas had gifted it to her.
If she recalled correctly, the only person who had given her a bracelet from this brand was Yonas. Carefully, she placed the bracelet in her bag, planning to take it back to Soucrity. Tracing the origin of a photo might be difficult, but finding the background of a bracelet? That could be as simple as asking at a retail counter. The hallmark of Cartier is that every bracelet carries its own unique number and identity. However, stores like these are usually very protective of their customers' privacy, so obtaining information without conventional methods may be necessary.
The Cartier staff welcomed Yasmine into the store with respect and didn't waste any time. Yasmine angrily handed over the bracelet she had gotten back home and said, "My boyfriend bought me this bracelet, but all my friends insist it's fake. I just want you to verify-is it real or not? And did my boyfriend actually buy it for me?"
The staff exchanged bewildered glances, but once they took the bracelet from Yasmine's hands, they were stunned. "Ms. Sanchez, this bracelet you brought is indeed a design by our master designer, Roberto, from four years ago. It's one of his final works and is invaluable, if it's genuine..."
Yasmine was unaware that this bracelet was deemed the finest masterpiece by the waiter, so she couldn't feel the waiter's excitement at all.
After waiting for about ten minutes, the person who came was the shop manager. The manager personally brought over the bracelet, his face full of obsequious smiles. "Hello, Ms. Sanchez!" "Hello," Yasmine nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
The manager continued to ask, "Hello, we've had the bracelet evaluated by our tech department; it's undoubtedly genuine jewelry, and it is indeed of our brand. Mr. Russell put a lot of effort into making this bracelet for you, and I have a humble request." Yasmine's heart skipped a beat, it really was Yonas. She collected her thoughts, "What is it?"
"This bracelet is the masterwork of Roberto, and I've just had a video call with headquarters to negotiate for some time to recreate a simulated Basilica Star, would that be alright?" The manager paused and then continued, "Of course, this replica Basilica Star will be kept sealed and won't be produced, and you can choose any bracelet from our store as a token of our apology."
Yasmine's attention was completely caught up in the matter now.
"Alright, but I need to take it with me for a bit; I'll bring it back in a few days."
"Thank you, Ms. Sanchez, the manager said.
***
At the Russell Group building, after speaking with the receptionist, Yasmine sat in the waiting area for Yonas. This time, she didn't rush to see him immediately because her mind was a mess, and she was unsure how to begin asking about the origins of all this. Before even five minutes had passed, Yonas rushed out of the elevator. The administrative staff gave Yasmine a meaningful glance; after all, anyone who could get Yonas himself to come down must be quite significant. Throughout the whole trip, Yonas and Yasmine maintained a cold distance until Yonas finally broke the awkward silence, "Why did you suddenly come to see me?"
"I have something to ask you," Yasmine replied coldly. She followed Yonas to his office and suddenly heard Irene's voice,
"Yonas, why did you leave the meeting abruptly? Mr. Dennis is still waiting."
Irene ran out and was stunned upon seeing Yasmine. Forcing a smile, she said, "Ms. Sanchez, why is it you?"
Yasmine shot Irene a curious look, then leisurely said, "Ms. White, Why couldn't it be me? This is Russell's company after all. I came to see Yonas for something; do I need to report to you?"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Irene looked at Yasmine with an awkward expression. She hadn't expected Yasmine to be so sharp-tongued; she'd never noticed it before.
Yonas glanced coldly at Irene, "Go back to the meeting; I'll explain things to Dennis."
Irene's smile became even more strained, "Fine." She turned and walked into the meeting room.
Yasmine followed Yonas into the office and sat on the sofa, kindly saying, "Mr. Russell, if you're in the middle of a meeting, go ahead and take care of it first. I can wait until you're done." More importantly, she needed to carefully think about how to ask him her questions.
Yonas personally poured a cup of coffee and placed it in front of Yasmine. "That's not important. You can speak first."
Yasmine shook her head. "I want to be alone for a while first."
Yonas nodded, indicating his understanding. "I'll be quick."
After Yonas left, Yasmine was the only one remaining in the large office. Basilica Star was Roberto's work from four years ago. Why would Yonas buy something from four years ago? And why didn't she have any memory of it? The Cartier machine wouldn't have made a mistake, and she was sure the 'Mr. Russell' the waiter mentioned was Yonas. Could it be that she had known Yonas four years ago?
She stood up slowly, looking around the majestic office. Her gaze was drawn to a photo- a bright, beaming smile, and it was her own face. Yasmine blushed all of a sudden, and the computer screen wallpaper was also of her.
When she started feeling bored, Yonas returned. As he sat in front of her, Yasmine didn't beat around the bush. She directly took out the bracelet, placed it in front of him, and straightforwardly said,
"Mr. Russell, do you remember this bracelet?"
Yonas stared intensely at the bracelet, looking serious yet managing a faint smile. "This bracelet looks pretty nice, what's up?"
"Yonas, are you seriously telling me you don't remember this bracelet is the one you gave me?"