The night that changed Yasmeen's life forever began with a sinister plot. As a model for Pearl Company, owned by her husband Damon Asher, Yasmeen's face adorned every soap opera, magazine, and billboard. She was a household name, loved by everyone. But beneath the surface, rivalry brewed with Mia Lucas, her competitor and a model for the same company.
When Yasmeen's manager announced that she would be representing the country in the Miss Universe contest, Yasmeen rolled her eyes. "Oh my gosh! Can't believe it, Yasmeen, you're representing our country," her manager exclaimed. Yasmeen replied dryly, "I know." The real significance dawned on her when her manager added, "It means they chose you over Mia." Mia, who was eavesdropping, seethed with envy.
**
Every year, Yasmeen's father and father-in-law threw a big party on their wedding anniversary. Yasmeen stayed in the CCTV room, watching the festivities with a mix of disdain and boredom. Her mind wandered to Jayden, now a top billionaire who seemed to despise her. "How did he manage to become so successful?" she wondered.
Her attention shifted to the kitchen footage, where Mia was adding a substance to a juice. Yasmeen's instincts kicked in, and she became wary. Yasmeen videoed her as Mia held the glass before leaving the kitchen. As Yasmeen came out Mia handed her the juice shocking her.
"You're nervous?" Mia asked, smiling like a fool, as she handed Yasmeen the glass. "You can have this, our wifey," Mia said, her tone dripping with malice.
Yasmeen smirked, "Mia is surely going to be the most foolish girl in the world. What even gives her the confidence that she'll take it?" She took the juice and watch Mia leave the kitchen. She poured the juice into the sink when she is gone and went out.
As she entered the hall, everyone cheered, and her father beamed with pride. Yasmeen's eyes locked onto Mia's, and in a flash of anger, she gave Mia a dirty slap. Mia retaliated, hitting Yasmeen's head on the table. The guards moved in, but before they could intervene, Yasmeen snatched the knife from her anniversary cake and stabbed it into Mia's neck – twice.
Mia's blood spilled onto Yasmeen's face as she hissed, "Die, you bitch." The crowd screamed in horror, and Damon rushed to Mia's lifeless body. He slapped Yasmeen hard, and the room erupted in condemnation.
She is so evil!
She doesn't deserve to be a human.
Silver Kai, sensing the crowd's sentiment, yelled, "Call the cops!" But the police were already on their way, summoned by an anonymous caller. As the police drew closer, Yasmeen trembled, trying to justify her actions. "She tried to kill me first!" she yelled.
Just as the police were about to apprehend her, the lights went out, and Yasmeen vanished into thin air. She found herself in her mother's hand and a car stopped in front of them and she entered the car, fleeing the scene.
**
Bianca, Yasmeen's mother, had been fighting for custody of Yasmeen's younger sister, Sophy. Yasmeen's eyes widened as she hugged her mother. "Mom!" she exclaimed.
When they arrived at Bianca's apartment, Sophy hugged Yasmeen tightly. "Sis, the whole country is hating on you," she said, tears streaming down her face. "They're destroying your things and pictures."
Bianca reassured them, "Never! My daughter won't go to jail." She rummaged through her bag and brought out a burnt face mask. "Take this," this mask was for the role I'm suppose to act but it has been canceled she said. "You're going to start anew with a different identity."
Yasmeen took the mask and wore it. She stared at her reflection, a stranger with the same eyes and lips but a different face. "Laila Cruz will be your new identity," Bianca declared.
***
***
As Yasmeen stepped onto the rain-soaked street, tears streamed down her face. The droplets of rain fell like tears from the sky, as if the heavens themselves were weeping for her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness – again, the rain seemed to be mocking her, taunting her with its relentless rhythm. Every damn memory came rushing back to her mind – her bittersweet memories with Jayden, his laughter, their college days. Everything about him made her heart beat faster, and his voice filled her ears.
Now, she was sure he would hate her even more, especially after seeing the news about her, which was full of false information. Sophy had shown her the news, and Yasmeen felt like she couldn't bear the scrutiny any longer. Just as she felt overwhelmed, a gentle hand placed an umbrella above her head, shielding her from the rain.
Yasmeen looked up to see a kind face peering back at her, a face that seemed to hold a deep understanding and compassion. "Stop wandering, it's not safe," the voice said softly. Yasmeen's eyes welled up with tears as she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't have anywhere to go."
"I'm Brielle," the stranger said with a gentle smile. "This place will only look at you with disgust, but I can offer you a place to stay." Yasmeen's tears flowed freely as she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm Laila Cruz." The name felt like a lie, a disguise for the shattered remains of her identity.
As they walked, Yasmeen felt a sense of uncertainty wash over her. Could she trust this stranger? But Brielle's gentle nature put her at ease, and she found herself following her to a small apartment.
When she got inside, Yasmeen was damn nervous with the way Brielle stared at her face. Thank goodness she had changed into a comfy outfit. "Why are you looking at me?" Yasmeen asked, biting her lower lip. "Your face looks unreal, the burns are too much," Brielle muttered. "Thank goodness it never affected your eyes, Laila."
Brielle asked if Yasmeen had eaten, and Yasmeen replied, "No, I haven't." Brielle gave her a hamburger, and Yasmeen munched on it. Brielle hissed as she pressed her phone, before facing Yasmeen. "Vera is the most idiotic girl," Brielle said. "Who is Vera?" Yasmeen asked.
"Vera is Jayden's girlfriend, or whatever," Brielle replied. "Because it's obvious Jayden is single. She has sacked close to 30 female secretaries this month. She's trying all her possible best to ensure no female gets close to Jayden. To crown it up, only females have been applying for the post of secretary."
Brielle continued, "Now she wrote 'ugly female secretary needed.' Where does she want to see an ugly female in this place?" Yasmeen's eyes lit up with interest. "I'll go," Yasmeen said, and Brielle's eyes widened.
"Do you have a certificate?" Brielle asked. Yasmeen hesitated, knowing her real certificate had her real name, Yasmeen Kai, not Laila Cruz. "No, I don't have," Yasmeen lied. "It's impossible then," Brielle said.
Later, Brielle suggested they get coffee together. As they walked into the coffee shop, Yasmeen could see everyone staring at her in disgust. Brielle wore a bold outfit – a bomber short and crop top – and Yasmeen felt self-conscious about her own appearance.
As they got their coffee and headed towards the coffee table, Yasmeen stumbled and poured the coffee on someone. Brielle's eyes widened, and everyone gasped. "Sorry," Yasmeen said, feeling embarrassed.
Just then, Jayden's voice cut through the chaos. "If sorry can do anything, why is there police?" Yasmeen's legs trembled as he commanded, "Get me a new shirt now." Yasmeen's legs trembled even more, knowing she was too poor to afford a new shirt, let alone Jayden's expensive ones.
A girl came in, pulling Jayden's hand and touching his cheek. "Don't be angry, crunchy," she said. Jayden's response was cold and dismissive: "Burnt vulture." Yasmeen felt embarrassed, witnessing how the wealthy treated those they deemed inferior.
Vera approached Yasmeen, holding out Jayden's card. "Jay's world can change your mind," she said with a sly smile. "Become Jayden's personal secretary." Yasmeen's eyes widened in shock. "How is it possible?" she wondered. "I didn't even submit my files."