Page 137 of Broken Destiny

I needed a plan, and fast.

“Jiji,” Elle said softly, offering a reassuring smile. “Let me know how I can help.”

There was going to be a cocktail party that evening at his parents’ house, and I knew I had to be there. Caleb needed to see that I was not giving up on us this time.

Fate had brought us back into each other’s lives, and I was hell-bent on fighting for us this time.

“I need a dress for the cocktail party tonight,” I said, leaning forward, my heartbeat picking up speed.

“Karl!” Elle called out. “Jiya and I need to head out. We’ll be back in two hours.”

After quickly drying off and changing out of our swimsuits, Elle and I headed to the boutiques downtown.

A couple of hours later, I walked back into my hotel room with a new dress and shoes, ready to meet Caleb and turn his world upside down.

After spending some time with the children, I made sure they had their dinner and then put on a movie for them while I got ready.Emma settled onto the bed with Mia tucked beneath one arm, completely absorbed in the movie within minutes.

By the time I finished, it was 7 p.m., and I stood at the doorway, smoothing down the fabric of my dress.

“What do you think?” I asked, strutting playfully in front of my children and Geeta like a model on a runway.

“Pwetty, pwetty Mama,” Emma said, clapping her hands.

“Oh, Mama,” Lucas added with a grin. “God help all the men wherever you’re going tonight.”

“Didi, you look beautiful,” Geeta said, standing up to hug me.

“Thank you,” I replied, smiling at all of them.

“Alright, guys,” I said, pointing playfully at the television. “Once the movie is done, what are you going to do?”

“Sleep!” both children answered in unison.

“Good,” I said, bending down to kiss each of them. “I’ll be back before you know it. Love you both.”

Tonight was either going to fix everything… or destroy what little hope I had left.

With one last look at them, I grabbed my purse and headed out the door to the waiting Uber outside.

39

CALEB

Ilooked around my parents’ backyard at the numerous people gathered for the cocktail party.

I hated these events.

My mother always organized them and made sure all her children and grandchildren attended.

The backyard had been transformed into something out of a high-end magazine spread.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the tall maple trees, their warm golden light reflecting off polished glass tables draped in ivory linens. White orchids and cascading lilies filled oversized vases at every corner, their soft fragrance drifting through the evening air. A live jazz quartet played near the far end of the patio, the smooth melody blending with expensive conversations and polite laughter.

Uniformed servers moved gracefully through the crowd, balancing silver trays filled with champagne flutes and signature cocktails garnished with citrus and fresh mint. The aroma of gourmet hors d’oeuvres drifted through the air—seared scallops, miniature lobster rolls, and delicate pastries almost too perfect to eat.

Everything about the evening screamed wealth, elegance, and perfection.

And I felt completely out of place.