Julian knows he should be running the company, but instead he sits at home with Yasmin, drinking and conversing. She speaks of the joy she takes in photography and developing pictures in the darkroom. Watching her, Julian wonders “if the version of her in my head ever really existed at all” (193). He invites her to meet his mother, then kisses her. It turns into a passionate embrace, but Julian breaks away to visit Isabella.

Yasmin wakes up with a hangover from drinking. Julian has left painkillers and water next to her bed. She checks her messages from Riya and reminds herself that she wants to break free of Julian and be with Aidan. But while she showers and tries to think of Aidan, she again masturbates to thoughts of Julian.

Julian feels that his laser focus on his goals is disrupted by thoughts of Yasmin. He asks Jeannie for an update on the Egypt dig and calls Ian, who reports that Aidan despises working for the Karams. When Ian calls Yasmin a bitch, Julian coldly reprimands him not to disrespect his wife. Yasmin asks permission to go to brunch with Riya. Julian visits Isabella and assures her that Yasmin is only temporary.