Emma was sitting in the garden, enjoying the soft breeze and the quiet around her. She had been trying to keep her mind off all the drama lately Lina’s schemes, Damian’s cold behavior, and her own feelings that she couldn’t quite understand. The garden was her escape, a place where she could breathe and not think about anyone else.
She didn’t hear Raphael approaching until he spoke.
“You look peaceful here,” he said smoothly, his voice soft but clear.
Emma jumped slightly, startled by the sudden sound. She turned to see Raphael standing a few feet away, leaning casually against a tree. He looked calm, almost too calm, with that easy smile on his face that she didn’t trust.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, stepping closer.
Emma frowned but stayed seated. She wasn’t sure what he wanted, but she didn’t trust him. “What do you want?” she asked, her tone guarded.
Raphael chuckled softly. “No need to be so defensive, Emma. I just wanted to talk. You looked lonely out here.”
“I’m fine,” she said quickly, hoping he would take the hint and leave.
But Raphael didn’t leave. Instead, he sat down on the bench beside her, leaning slightly closer. “You know, you shouldn’t spend so much time alone. Someone like you deserves to be around people who appreciate you.”
Emma raised an eyebrow, confused by his words. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you,” Raphael said, his voice dropping to a lower, almost intimate tone. “You’re beautiful, Emma. More than you realize. And smart, too. I can see why Damian is so drawn to you.”
Emma stiffened at his mention of Damian. She didn’t like where this conversation was going. “If you’re trying to cause trouble, you can stop now,” she said firmly.
Raphael laughed lightly, brushing off her words. “Trouble? No, no. I’m just being honest. I’ve seen the way Damian treats you. It’s not right. He doesn’t deserve someone like you.”
Emma felt her chest tighten. She didn’t want to hear this, especially not from Raphael. “I don’t think that’s any of your business,” she said, her voice sharp.
“Maybe not,” Raphael admitted, leaning back slightly. “But I can’t help but notice how unhappy you seem. You deserve better, Emma. You deserve someone who sees your worth and treats you the way you should be treated.”
Emma’s hands clenched into fists in her lap. She didn’t trust Raphael, but his words stirred something in her. A small, nagging doubt that she had been trying to push away.
“I don’t need you to tell me what I deserve,” she said, her tone cold.
Raphael tilted his head, studying her. “You’re strong. I like that about you,” he said with a smile. “But even strong people need someone to lean on.”
Emma stood up abruptly, putting distance between them. “I don’t need anything from you,” she said firmly.
Raphael didn’t look offended. If anything, he looked amused. He stood up as well, stepping closer but stopping just out of reach. “You’re afraid, aren’t you?” he said softly.
Emma’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“Not of me,” Raphael said, his voice gentle but insistent. “You’re afraid of what you feel. Afraid of being hurt again. I get it, Emma. I really do. But you don’t have to push everyone away.”
Emma felt her heart racing, her mind spinning. She didn’t like how easily Raphael seemed to read her, how he said things that hit too close to home. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said, turning away.
Raphael reached out, gently grabbing her hand. She froze, her heart pounding.
“Emma,” he said softly, his voice full of warmth. “You don’t have to pretend with me. I see you. The real you. And I think you’re incredible.”
Emma pulled her hand away, stepping back. “Stop it,” she said, her voice shaking. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m not interested.”
Raphael’s smile faded slightly, but he didn’t look upset. If anything, he looked almost… sad. “It’s not a game,” he said quietly. “I just wanted you to know how I feel.”
Emma shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. “You don’t even know me,” she said.
“Maybe not as well as I’d like,” Raphael admitted. “But I’d like to change that.”
Emma stared at him, unsure of what to say. She didn’t trust him, but his words had left her feeling unsettled. She needed to get away from him, to clear her head.
“I need to go,” she said, turning and walking away before he could say anything else.
Raphael didn’t follow her. He just stood there, watching her leave, a thoughtful look on his face.
As Emma hurried back inside, her mind raced. She couldn’t shake the unease Raphael’s words had stirred in her. Was he being genuine, or was this another twisted scheme? She hated how easily he got under her skin.
Meanwhile, Raphael remained in the garden, his expression shifting to a sly smirk. “Patience,” he murmured to himself. “She’ll come around eventually. Everyone has a weakness, and I’ll find hers soon enough.”