Chapter 55 Overstepping

• "Jasmine, I have arranged for us to attend a charity gala this weekend. It's an important function, and I want you by my side."
• His voice came out even, but commanding, as if the words were decreed to be law. My heart did a backflip, the weight of his request heavier than a ton of bricks. A gala? Public? This wasn't part of the deal. Ours was a deal supposed to remain in the shadows of the world, away from prying eyes, especially people who knew Ethan or me. The thought of parading himself in front of high-profile guests made me nervous, my carefully crafted double life now balancing on a dangerous edge.
• "I thought we agreed to keep things private," I said, my voice steady but firm.