The place gave the chills and reminded of an ice cave to the point where I wouldn’t be surprised if a bear jumped out at us. The room was already filled with life and laughter as people clinked champagne glasses together. I could understand why Bennett was so firm about us getting new dresses and dressing up for the event. Everyone there looked polished and confident, and dressed to impress.
Once again, it was another event where we appeared as the perfect family. The truth was far different, and it was up to when to press the button to make everything crumble down into nothing.
"Raphael," a sweet voice called out his na.
There she was, wearing a sparkling red dress that clung to her beautiful body. Her smile was inviting as she practically glided toward us. My breath caught in my throat when I spotted my arch-enemy. I had wished silently that Rosabella wouldn’t be at the event, but clearly, my wish was denied.
"I think it’s been far too long. It’s such a sha that we couldn’t co to the event together," she said as she got close and placed a kiss on his cheek.
I stiffened as I tried to turn my attention away from them. There wasn’t much for to look at, but I pretended that there were so many interesting things around .
"You know, people keep asking why our wedding date hasn’t been set in stone yet. They’re starting to think that we’re hiding sothing. Sothing like a distraction, perhaps? Or perhaps a little soone?" Rosabella said to Raphael before her eyes landed squarely on .
"What do we have to hide? Our engagent practically ans nothing," Raphael replied coldly.
"Nothing? Are you sure? That’s not what your father promised mine. Also, I surely wouldn’t call our family business nothing," Rosabella said with a hint of warning in her tone.
"Let’s talk about this later," Raphael said dismissively.
"You should not lose focus on your real goal and your objective, Raphael. Those things are real, while so distractions are temporary. They co and they go," Rosabella said before presenting Raphael with a sweet smile.
I hated how small I felt under her gaze, as if I were a child caught in her ga. I felt like a simple player that had no way to win against the ga master.
"People are watching us. You should stay close to as much as you can, otherwise rumors will start," Rosabella whispered to Raphael before surprisingly stepping away to give us so space.
"Let’s walk around for a bit," Raphael said to as he led further into the venue.
...
I started to relax now that I had alone ti with Raphael. He guided around and introduced to so of his friends and business acquaintances who were present at the gala. I focused my attention on watching his every move, as if I were morizing all the sweet and attractive aspects of him. I decided to enjoy the mont and his company.
After a while, I thought I could breathe again, but that was until my phone suddenly vibrated in my hand.
It was a text. From her.
’Having fun with my fiancé? Don’t forget that you’re running out of ti. One week ans one week.’
I quickly put my phone away in my purse. However, Raphael’s hand moved faster than mine. His hand shot out and snatched my phone away before I could stop him.
"Raphael, don’t-" I protested.
It was already too late because Raphael was reading the text that Rosabella had sent . I could tell by the way his jaw tightened and his eyes flashed that he was serious.
"What the hell is this?" he asked, his voice cutting through the noise of the gala all around us until it felt like the room had gone entirely silent.
"It’s nothing. She texts sotis," I replied.
Raphael grabbed my arm firmly before steering out of the hall. The music and the laughter faded away behind us as we made our way outside the venue.
"Explain. Explain to what this is right now, Abigail," he commanded, his voice low and rough.
I felt tears burn at the corners of my eyes as I shook my head, as if I could sohow disappear from the situation.
"She knows. Rosabella knows about us. She’s been sending text ssages and coming to see . She’s been threatening . She told that she’ll tell my mother everything if I don’t break up with you," I confessed as my voice cracked under the pressure.
For a mont, I couldn’t breathe. I was terrified to see how roughly he would react to this unpleasant news. However, instead of exploding, Raphael pulled close to him as his arms circled my waist.
"You should have told everything," Raphael whispered against my ear, and his tone was caring.
"I was too scared. She’s right-if my mother finds out about us..." I admitted before letting my tears spill freely down my cheeks.
I could no longer hold all the stress and pressure inside anymore.
"I won’t let her touch you or your mother. Do you understand what I’m saying?" Raphael said to slowly and clearly, as if talking to a child.
I nodded my head, though I wasn’t sure if I truly understood. My body shook as if I were in shock.
"Co with . I think you need to rest and calm down," Raphael said invitingly.
I didn’t ask where we were going-perhaps because I didn’t care, as long as Raphael was with . All I could do was cling to the warmth of his hand and his steady presence beside . We left the gala event without saying goodbye to anyone. We just silently slipped away.
It wasn’t until we pulled up at a quiet hotel not too far from the gala venue that I realized just how tightly I had been holding his hand in mine, as if clinging to dear life. The suite was beautiful, and I could see the city skyline glowing faintly through the window. Raphael slowly guided to the bed and sat beside .
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