Page 91 of Bitter Confessions

“Walking in New York Fashion Week isn’t a little favor.”

“It’s just a little strut down a runway. You don’t even have to smile. Treat everyone like they’re beneath you. It’ll be fun. You’ll be the talk of the town.”

“I’m already the talk of the town.” That had been drilled home multiple times when her friends from Whartons, most of whom she hadn’t seen since graduation, were informed about the recent developments in her life despite the fact she didn’t post on social media.

“Exactly,” Daiyu said with relish. “Why not ride that wave? That’s why you got married, right? To be in the spotlight?”

“That’s not why I...” She broke off and pinched the bridge of her nose. There was no sense in arguing. “I’m not doing your show, and I’m busy, so?—”

“Don’t you dare hang up on me. Do you think I’m going to put you in something hideous? Don’t you know me better than that? Isn’t my taste impeccable?” When Jasmine didn’t reply, Daiyu snapped, “Isn’t it?”

“Yes, but?—”

“Picture this. It’s the end of the show. You and I walk out hand in hand. You’re wearing your wedding gown, which has been hailed as my greatest work. Slowly, the crowd begins to rise. They’re clapping. Rose petals start falling... White, of course, so we don’t stain your skirt. Can’t you see it, Jas? You’ll be on the cover of every fashion magazine, the moment immortalized so women can emulate you for all of time. Don’t you want that? Tell me you’re not tempted.”

She was, just a smidge, but it didn’t matter. “Even if I wanted to, I can’t.”

“What do you mean, ‘can’t’?”

“My wedding gown?”

“Yes?”

“There was some damage.”

“Damage?” Daiyu sounded alarmed. “What kind of damage?”

Jasmine pursed her lips as she tried to think of the best way to tell the dramatic, temperamental artist that her crowning glory had been destroyed. “On our wedding night, we got a little carried away.”

“I can repair a tear or two.”

“Uh, this is a bit more...” She waved her hand as she thought back to the strips Roth had torn off and the stains that would never come out. Daiyu would have a seizure if she saw what Roth had done to her dress. In fact, she wasn’t sure what Thea had done with it, since she hadn’t brought it back to the city. If she were Thea, she would have thrown the torn and stained disaster in the trash. “Extensive.”

“How extensive?”

“It’s irreparable.”

“You...” Dai sounded winded. “You wrecked my gown?”

“Roth did. He had a bride fantasy.”

“Oh?” Dai’s tone sharpened.

“He used the tulle skirt to...” Her phone beeped, signaling she had another call. “Dai, I have to go. I’ll call you later.”

“No way! You can’t start talking about bride fantasies and leave me hanging!”

She ignored Daiyu’s wail and switched calls. “Roth?”

“Do you want to be kept in the loop on Ariana’s situation?” he asked brusquely.

“Situation?” Jasmine echoed and then tightened her grip on the phone as understanding dawned. “Yes.”

“She has a drop in twenty minutes. It’s up to you what you want to do with that information.”

It took her less than two seconds to make up her mind. “I want to talk to her.”

“I’ll send Mo to you.”

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