Chapter 28

"Join her? You better not stain Stephanie's path to heaven," Rachel said weakly. She supported herself to stand up. "Michael, you will regret this. When you see the true colors of the woman in your arms..." I stood behind Rachel. In a hoarse voice, I added, "Michael, there's a heavy price for betraying trust." Michael shifted his gaze away. "You'll see the truth at my wedding," he declared. He was still holding onto a sliver of denial about my fate. As they exited the police station, Michael's hand slipped from Yasmin's grasp. He seemed somewhat desolate. "Michael?" Yasmin steadied him after noticing his troubled state. She managed to prevent him from stumbling. "It's nothing," Michael claimed as he waved his hands. "Michael, could something have happened to Stephanie?" Yasmin's question was tentative. "No!" Michael's voice was sharp. It cut through the air. "She's not dead." Yasmin recoiled at his intensity. Her face turned pale. Michael, realizing his outburst, softened h