Chapter 196
Chapter 196
Sebastian Simons gradually shifted his sight to meet with the woman in front of him. He uttered the words slowly but clearly, "Because you are the representative of our partner."
Yasmine Taylor loosened her hands. Those seemingly simple words had affected her deeply. She let out a wry smile and said, "Alright, I know now."
She turned her back and said, "You can go now."
Sebastian left without looking back.
Another weekend passed, and Gabriel Smith came to B City. The first stage of the new technology production research had already been concluded. In the evening, the company hosted a celebratory party at a huge hotel.
On the way to the hotel, Gabriel looked at Yasmine and said, "It must have been very tiring for you. I have brought some employees over from our company this time so that you can return home with me."
"No, it's not necessary. Since I have already familiarized myself with the role, it would be too troublesome for a new employee to relearn everything."
"But you look so worn out."
"I'm having my period recently. I'll be fine in a couple of days." "Really? If it's really unbearable, you just have to tell me. There's no need to push yourself too much."
"Don't worry, I'm fine. I mean it."
Yasmine did not know why she was suddenly reluctant to leave B City, especially considering that only a few nights ago when Sebastian just said those words to hurt her deeply.
"Well, if you want to go back, just know that you could do so anytime. The employees whom I have brought here will serve as backups then." NôvelDrama.Org holds © this.
"Alright."
Yasmine nodded gently.
When they arrived at the hotel, she and Gabriel walked in side by side. As soon as they stepped into the banquet hall, Yasmine froze.
She saw Sebastian chatting away happily with a beautiful woman. Like a sweet couple, they were holding each other's arms.
Yasmine's heart sank. It reaffirmed that Sebastian didn't care about her feelings at all. How could he invite another woman under such an occasion? Didn't he know that she would be present at the party too?
Or did Sebastian do it on purpose just to prove the point that he did not see Yasmine as anyone except as his business partner?
Gabriel walked to Sebastian and started chatting with him, whereas Yasmine quietly retreated to a corner and sipped some champagne.
The banquet officially began. Everyone was seated at their respective tables and was excited at the sight of scrumptious dishes served in front of them. Yasmine did not have an appetite at all. In fact, the sight of the couple in front of her had her nauseated.
"President Sebastian, shall we ride on a horse after the banquet ends?"
"Sure."
"You have to hold on to me tightly from behind this time, okay? Otherwise, I'll fall from the horse again just like last time. I couldn't get out of bed for almost half a month."
"Okay, I will make sure I do this time. It was my fault previously. I'm sorry."
"No, it's alright. It's my fault too for not being competent enough. You have taught me patiently, but I still couldn't learn the techniques."
"Take your time, don't worry."
Yasmine was about to go crazy. If it wasn't for the last shred of rational mind left with her, she would have impulsively stood up and splashed red wine onto their faces.
"President Sebastian really knows how to treat a woman gently. It's such a huge contrast to his usual emotionless demeanor."
"That's not necessarily true. President Sebastian is only gentle and considerate of the woman he is fond of. Not every woman is so lucky."
The woman next to Sebastian was smiling in joy. Unfortunately, the sight of it deeply triggered Yasmine.
She immediately leaned over to Gabriel's ear and asked, "Do you still remember that I previously said I would consider accepting your proposal of having a relationship?"
"Of course I do. Have you made up your mind?"
She nodded, "Yes."
Gabriel was very excited. He asked nervously, "So what do you think?"
Yasmine looked at him and did not provide an immediate answer. Observing her hesitation, Gabriel sighed disappointingly, "Forget it. If you intend to reject me, you don't have to say anything."
"I accept your proposal."
The atmosphere suddenly changed. More than a dozen pairs of eyes simultaneously switched their focuses onto Yasmine. Gabriel excitedly grabbed her hand and asked, "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes!"
"Oh my God, that's great! I'm so happy!"
Gabriel couldn't contain his joy. He grabbed Yasmine's waist and lifted her. He was so delighted at the news that he spun a few rounds in the room.
A hint of sadness flashed across Sebastian's eyes. There used to be a time when he had similarly hugged Yasmine in that manner. However, at present, she was now in the embrace of another man.
Sebastian felt various layers of pain unfolding within his heart.
He swallowed a shot into his tummy, but it still hurt the same. To most people, Yasmine was finally free of any form of association with Sebastian.
After the banquet, Gabriel sent Yasmine to her apartment. Before she got off the car, Gabriel grabbed her hand and said, "Madeline, am I dreaming? Are you really accepting me into your life?"
Yasmine looked at him calmly and nodded, "Yes, I
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am.
He hugged her and confessed, "I really don't know how to describe my feelings at the moment. It feels like I'm soaring through the clouds. Madeline, what motivated your sudden decision? I still can't believe it at this point."
Yasmine leaned onto his shoulder, and her tears started streaming down. She poured her feelings to Gabriel, "I'm still a human, and I will still be moved by how well you have been treating me all these while. That is why I'm willing to give us a chance and be with you for the rest of my life."
Gabriel smiled happily. He lowered his head and was about to kiss Yasmine. Just when his lips were about to land on Yasmine's, she dodged his attempt.
She said nervously, "Gabriel, I'm sorry, please give me some time to get used to it. I've been accustomed to the fact that you're my boss. Hence, having that relationship change dramatically is something I'm still getting used to."
Gabriel nodded, "I understand. I won't force you. I will make sure that you're willing to be together with
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me.
He pecked her forehead and said, "Rest early. I'll return to F City tomorrow. When the work here is done, I won't let you leave my side again."
After bidding Gabriel goodbye, Yasmine went into the apartment, closed the door, and broke down. She may have been impulsive in making such a choice, but she didn't regret it. If Sebastian could unscrupulously flirt with other women in her face, why could she not move on and leave her past behind?
The next morning, when she went to work, she bumped into the person she didn't want to see the most in the elevator. The elevator rose slowly, but she remained quiet. Sebastian glanced at her and asked faintly, "Has Gabriel gone back?"
"Yes."
She nodded indifferently.
Then, there were another few seconds of silence.
"Was your decision to be with him a sincere choice, or are you just finding ways to get back at me?"
The elevator stopped with a 'Ding'. Yasmine turned her head and answered him coldly, "It doesn't matter whether it was sincere or not. Whatever happened was what you had hoped for, wasn't it?"
She then stepped out of the elevator and left without looking back.
For the next few days, Yasmine's relationship with Sebastian became even distant. One night, the team worked overtime again, and the team leader proposed that Sebastian treated everyone to a meal at the same restaurant they had supper in recently. Yasmine initially refused to go, but she felt doing so would only make it seemed like she was afraid of Sebastian. She did not want to give Sebastian that satisfaction, and she followed along.
She thought that if she had not committed any wrongdoing, then she had no reason to avoid him. If anything, Sebastian should be the one who should feel guilty facing her.
Halfway through supper, Yasmine excused herself for not feeling well and left the restaurant earlier. It was almost freezing outside. Yasmine burrowed both her hands into her coat pockets and prepared to walk back to her apartment.
Less than five minutes later, a car stopped in front of her. A young chap lowered his window and said, "Miss, I've received a request to send you home. Please come in."
She was stunned and said doubtfully, "Did I make any arrangement for a taxi?"
"Someone has arranged one for you. Please come in, it's so cold out there."
Yasmine got in the car in a daze and asked with a scowl, "Who arranged this for me?"
"I don't know. A man called over."
She did not ask any further questions. Perhaps she had already known the answer.
After four days of working overtime, Yasmine finally didn't have to work late on Friday night. She went back to the apartment for dinner and changed her clothes before heading out again.
It was just an ordinary Friday for most people, but it was a special day for Yasmine. That Friday was her mother's death anniversary, and she did not want to spend it alone.
She came to the bar alone and ordered a bottle of red wine. She sat in a remote corner and started drinking from the bottle. One could tell that she was upset.
At this moment, a wretched-looking man came over and said pervertedly, "Hey girl, are you alone?"
Yasmine glanced at him disgustedly and did not entertain him.
"Where's the fun in drinking alone? Let me be your company."
The man moved closer to her as he spoke. She frowned and said, "That's not necessary. Please stay away from me."
"Hey, don't be shy. I'm not a big bad wolf, and I won't eat you."
The man grinned, revealing his pair of crooked and yellowish teeth. Yasmine's stomach churned, and she quickly retreated to her side, "Get away from me, You're disgusting."
"What's so disgusting about me? I'm more comforting than disgusting. You look so lonely. I guess you've probably been dumped by a man, haven't you? Then let me pamper you tonight."
Yasmine stood up, carried her bag, and was about to leave the bar. However, the man instantly jumped onto her, hugged her from behind and attempted to push his filthy face onto Yasmine. "Please don't go. If you leave, I'll be a very sad man tonight..."
Bars had always been some of the shadiest places around. Hence, no one in the scene seemed to be surprised at the harassment Yasmine faced. None of them offered their help too.
"Get out of my way! Go to h*ll!"
Yasmine's legs swirled backward, and it immediately sent the man covering his groin while he screamed in agony. She made another attempt to leave, but the man grabbed her handbag and dragged her back, "This is interesting. I love rebellious women."
"Let me go!"
Just as Yasmine was struggling, the bouncer came to them. He patted the man's shoulder and said, "Hello, sir. There's someone who would like to meet you at the third private room. Please head over now."
The wretched man was stunned, "Looking for me? Who?"