Chapter 3

Yasmine POV

It's an early Friday morning, and I plan to stay in for today. I can hear the sound of Matt getting ready in his room for work. Mark left early this morning as he had an audition at an agency. He is an up-and-coming pop star auditioning to join one of the biggest rock star bands in the state.

I just finished setting the table for breakfast when Matt finally came out of his room dressed in an Armani suit. "Wow! Yazz, you don't have to do this," he exclaimed. "I want to, and besides, it's nothing much," I replied.

Nothing makes my mornings better than a full and rich English breakfast. Nathan always admonishes me for taking such high-calorie foods. Almost to the point of body shaming me, saying I am fat.

I have a slightly plump body shape, with a trim waist, but I definitely don't fall within the area of Nathan's tall and skinny model type girls.

"Yes, I am attending a fundraising charity gala tonight. Would you like to join me? It's mainly for networking and, you know, meeting some important people tonight. You can't remain single now that you just realized that the asshole does not appreciate you," he said while sipping some fruit juice.

"And leaving you alone in this house..." he shook his head.

"No, we should just go out together tonight and have some fun."

Okay, I will get ready tonight, I promised. He stood up to place his dishes in the dishwasher and gave me a quick peck before leaving the apartment in a hurry. I smiled softly to myself and shook my head. Now I have to settle things with Nathan, so I dialed my lawyer's number. "Good morning, Yasmine," said Lia, my lawyer and legal advisor. "Hi Lia, good morning. I need you to handle something," I began. "Of course, anything. That's why I am your lawyer, right?" she replied hastily. "Nathan and I broke up. I have to get my shares of the condo, so either he sells it or gives me the money. I need you for this, as you know it might end up being a little messy, so I need you to step in," I explained while rubbing my eyes tiredly. "Okay, no problem. I'm going to handle it. Now don't worry; I'm going to get back to you by the end of the day. And relax!" she said softly.

"And honestly, I am happy you listened to my advice of not having a joint account with him. You know that guy is up to no good."

"Yeah... yeah... I know. And thanks a lot, Lia. See you soon, bye."

I hung up the call

********* *************

Luca POV

. The meeting with Fallon Inc. directors is taking longer than I would like, but there’s no choice; we have to see this through. The hedge fund company is one of the means I used to launder the organization's money. Damian La Rosa, my hedge fund manager, is in charge of the operations of the company and is a trusted cousin of mine who owns the company only on paper.

"After three months, I think we can finally finish laundering all the money, and you can fulfill your dream of moving into only legal businesses," he explained while poring over several papers.

"How much is left?" I asked.

"Six hundred fifty million dollars," he replied.

"We laundered 400 through the company and 250 via the casinos," I suggested.

He nodded in agreement.

"That's should be all right,"

He nodded and I take that as my cue to leave.

I have an event to attend to tonight.

*******. ********"

Yasmine POV

By seven thirty in the evening I finished getting ready for the gala. Dressed in a little red velvet wrap dress stoping mid thigh. I applied little make up of lipstick and mascara.

Carrying a small gold purse. I wore my heeled gold sandals with straps to compliment the dress.

Thankfully Matt had thoughtfully sent a driver who is waiting downstairs to take me to the event.

I took the elevator down to the lobby.The driver open the door to the Mercedes for me before driving towards the hotel where the gala is being held. When we arrived at the hotel Matt was waiting for me outside.

"Wow,babe you look hot!" he whistled.

The gala is hosting a lot of people from various cycles, politics, business and various dignitaries.

"Hmm, Yasmine I wanna donates some of your paintings tonight hope you don't mind?" he asked as we head inside.

"No problem."

He lead me to a table with some familiar faces.

"Everyone meet Yasmine Fernandez,my friend and the star artist of Bohemian."

"Hello ,I am Yasmine"I introduced myself with a smile.

"C'mon have a sit," he gently pull out the chair for me. And quickly take up his sit next to me.

Their are four others sitting with us, Two I recognized as the co owners of the famous law firm, Legal partners. And Damian La Rosa the CEO and founder of Fallon inc, a hedge fund company.

While the last is a movies star actress from Hollywood,who is probably with Damian due to the way she keeps clinging to his arm.

The event is being held at a large ballroom with several golden glittery chandeliers overhead and various assortment of foods.

The waiter started passing champagne round the tables and Matt collected two glasses one for him and myself. He handed a flute of champagne to me.

"Matt, don't let me hold you back hmm just go and socialize you don't have to be stuck with me throughout the night and beside it's bad for business "I said with a smile

"But I can't just leave you alone " He argued.

"Well am not a small kid I will be fine and I know you have looking for the opportunity to talk to the chairwoman of Stanbic groups tonight is a great opportunity don't miss it" I urged

"Oh Yazz you're such a darling girl I promise I will make it up to you. " He gave me a quick peck and left the table.

I stood up and walk to the balcony with my champagne gazing down at the city below, It's bursting with life.

*************. **************

Luca POV

The balcony is dark and secretive making it the best place for a moment of reprieve. But my privacy was just invaded by this dark curvaceous lady in this little wrap dress.

She definitely thinks she's alone,I can't help but feel attracted to her. She looks like sin.

"Who is this dark nymph who has suddenly graced me her presence tonight" I said startling her.

She turns towards me and my breath caught in my throat. She is stunning, breathtaking. She stared at me.

"My name is Luca Rossi,may I have your name pls"I said extending my hand to her.

She accepted the handshake with a smile.

"Yasmine Fernandez"She replied

"The artist?"

"Yes!"

"Am a big fan of your work Yasmine. I have almost all of your collections "

"Wow,what a coincidence,am honored. "She said sheepishly.

I offered her my arm which she accepts tentatively.We head back to the ballroom together.

. "Now the last lady standing will give volunteer to be auction for three dinner dates. On the count three.". "One.....Two......"

************ ***********

Yasmine POV

I faintly heard the MC announcement before every ladies scampered to their seat and am the only one left standing beside Luca. What the fuck....

"No we have our stunning volunteer.. Miss kindly come on stage please."The MC beckoned for her.

"I think I have to go,I quickly disentangle from Luca."

"You don't have to this if don't want" He said.

"It's will be cowardly to chicken out, you can just bid on me if you want"I said patting his arm.

He gave me a look which made my breath caught in my throat. Damn the man is intense. I quickly scurried away.

Matt caught me on the way to the stage

"Yazz what are doing. Just say you are not interested. They can't force you anyway."

"C'mon Matt don't be a spoilsport it's just a dinner date and if you want you can always watch over and besides it's gonna be in a public place. Don't worry it's just for fun anyway."

"Okay if say so" he back off.

I climbed the stage and watch Luca take his seat near the Chinese ambassador.

"So now gentlemen,we will start on an awesome amount of eight hundred thousand dollars on this beautiful lady here."

"Eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars" Damian bid.

"Nine hundred thousand dollars "raising his paddle.

"One million dollars "Damian bid again

"Do I hear 1.5 million dollars?" the MC said excitedly

"1.5 million dollars"

"2 million dollars"

"2.5 million dollars" This has just become heated.

"5 million dollars " Luca suddenly bid.

What the hell!

"6 million dollars "

"Ten million dollars " Luca bidded again and I almost faint.

Ten million dollars for a dinner date. This is crazy.

"Wow that's an great amount,"

"10 million dollars, One"

"10 million dollars,Two"

"10 million dollars,Three"

"Sold"He banged his hammer on the table.

. "Mr Luca Rossi congratulations"

She stepped down from the stage. Matt quickly came to her side.

"Babe damn that's crazy."

I shrugged.