Raphael stood outside his room, leaning against the door for a moment. His mind was racing with thoughts of Luna. She was different, and he couldn’t deny the strange pull he felt toward her. After taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.
“Luna,” he called out softly.
Luna, who had been arranging the pillows on his bed, turned around quickly. “Yes, sir?” she asked, her voice polite but filled with confusion.
“Come here,” Raphael said, gesturing toward the chair near the window.
Luna hesitated for a moment before walking over. She sat down slowly, her hands resting in her lap. “Is everything okay, sir?” she asked nervously.
Raphael pulled a chair closer and sat down in front of her. He looked at her for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “I want to talk to you about something,” he said finally.
Luna tilted her head slightly, her heart beating faster. “About what?” she asked.
Raphael leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve never been in a relationship before,” he said, his voice calm but serious.
Luna blinked, surprised by his words. “You’ve never been in a relationship?” she repeated, her voice filled with disbelief.
Raphael shook his head. “No, never,” he said. “I’ve never really cared about anyone in that way. But lately… I’ve been thinking. Maybe I want to try it. With you.”
Luna’s eyes widened, her face turning red. “W-with me?” she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Yes,” Raphael said simply.
Luna stood up suddenly, her hands clutching the edge of her dress. “Why?” she asked, her voice trembling. “Why would you want to date someone like me? I’m just your brother’s slave.”
Raphael stood too, taking a step closer to her. “You’re more than that, Luna,” he said firmly. “You’re kind, strong, and honest. And I want to know how it feels to care about someone. To really care.”
Luna stared at him, her mind spinning. “I… I don’t understand,” she said. “You’re rich, powerful. You could have anyone you want. Why me?”
Raphael smiled softly, reaching out to touch her hand. “Because you’re not like everyone else,” he said. “You don’t care about money or power. You’re genuine. And I like that about you.”
Luna’s cheeks turned red as she looked down at the floor. “I don’t know what to say,” she admitted.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Raphael said. “I just wanted you to know how I feel. If you’re willing to give this a try, I’d like to see where it goes.”
Luna bit her lip, her hands trembling. “If… if I agree,” she said hesitantly, “there would have to be rules.”
Raphael raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Rules?” he asked. “What kind of rules?”
Luna took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “If we date,” she said firmly, “we can’t have sex.”
Raphael blinked, surprised by her words. “No sex?” he repeated, his voice filled with curiosity.
“Yes,” Luna said quickly. “I’ve always dreamed of saving that part of myself for my husband. It’s something I’ve wanted for as long as I can remember.”
Raphael tilted his head, studying her. “But don’t you want to experience what it’s like?” he asked gently. “To feel that kind of connection with someone?”
Luna’s face turned even redder, and she shook her head. “Not before marriage,” she said softly. “It’s important to me. I want it to be special, something I share with the man I love forever.”
Raphael was silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on hers. Then, to her surprise, he smiled. “That’s fair,” he said. “I can respect that.”
Luna’s eyes widened, and she looked up at him in surprise. “You… you’re okay with that?” she asked.
“Of course,” Raphael said. “If it’s important to you, then it’s important to me too.”
Luna felt a wave of relief wash over her. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Raphael reached out and gently touched her chin, lifting her face to meet his gaze. “You’re worth waiting for, Luna,” he said.
Luna’s heart raced at his words, her cheeks burning. “I… I don’t know what to say,” she admitted again.
“You don’t have to say anything,” Raphael said, his smile growing. “Just think about it. You don’t have to decide right now.”
Luna nodded slowly, her mind still spinning. “Okay,” she said quietly. “I’ll think about it.”
Raphael stepped back, giving her space. “Good,” he said. “That’s all I ask.”
As Luna left the room, her heart was filled with a mix of emotions-confusion, hope, and fear. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time, she felt like she had a choice.
Raphael stood by the window after Luna left, his thoughts swirling. Her words about saving herself for marriage stayed in his mind, and he smiled faintly. She was so different from anyone he’d met. He admired her honesty and strength.
As he reached for a glass of water on the nearby table, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw his father’s name flashing on the screen.
With a sigh, he answered. “Yes, Father?”
Wolfe’s deep voice came through, calm but firm. “Raphael, I need you to come to my office. It’s important.”
Raphael frowned, sensing the seriousness in his father’s tone. “What is it about?” he asked.
“Lina,” Wolfe said simply.
Raphael raised an eyebrow. “Lina?” he repeated. “What’s going on?”
“Just come,” Wolfe replied, not offering any more details. “We need to talk.”
Raphael sighed. “Fine,” he said. “I’ll be there shortly.”
Wolfe ended the call without another word, leaving Raphael staring at the phone in his hand. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and annoyance. His father rarely called him directly, and when he did, it was always about something serious.
He grabbed his car keys and left Damian’s mansion, walking quickly to his car. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and drove toward Wolfe’s estate. The roads were quiet, the early evening casting long shadows across the pavement.
As he drove, Raphael’s thoughts wandered. What could his father want to discuss about Lina? He had a sinking feeling it wasn’t good.
When he pulled up to Wolfe’s grand estate, the gates opened slowly, and he drove through. Parking his car in the circular driveway, he stepped out and made his way to the front door.
The butler greeted him with a polite nod. “Mr. Raphael, Mr. Wolfe is waiting for you in his study,” he said.
Raphael nodded and followed the butler through the familiar halls. The house was as grand and imposing as always, with high ceilings, marble floors, and walls adorned with expensive artwork.
The butler stopped in front of the study and opened the door. “Mr. Wolfe is inside,” he said.
“Come in,” Wolfe’s voice called from the other side.
Raphael pushed the door open and stepped inside. His father sat behind his large desk, his sharp eyes focused on some papers in front of him.
“You wanted to see me?” Raphael asked, closing the door behind him.
Wolfe looked up, gesturing for Raphael to sit. “Yes,” he said. “We need to discuss Lina.”
Raphael sat down, leaning back in the chair. “What about her?” he asked, his tone casual.
Wolfe’s expression was serious as he spoke. “She and her father have decided to end the marriage with Damian,” he said.
Raphael raised an eyebrow. “And you’re okay with that?” he asked.
Wolfe nodded slowly. “I forced Damian into this marriage,” he admitted. “It was a mistake. He never wanted her, and now, after everything she’s done, it’s better if we let her go.”
Raphael folded his arms across his chest, studying his father’s face. “So, what’s the plan?” he asked.
“Her father will handle the legal side of the divorce,” Wolfe said. “But I wanted to let you know before things move forward.”
Raphael nodded, though he still seemed thoughtful. “I’m surprised, Father,” he said. “You’re usually so focused on power and alliances. Letting Lina go doesn’t seem like your style.”
Wolfe sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Sometimes, you have to cut your losses,” he said. “This marriage has brought nothing but trouble. It’s time to move on.”
Raphael leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. “Is that all?” he asked.
“No,” Wolfe said, his tone growing firmer. “There’s something else. I know about what Lina did to Damian. The drugs. The plan to use that girl, Luna. I’ve decided not to pursue it further, but I want to make sure you understand how serious this situation is.”
Raphael’s jaw tightened at the mention of Luna. “Lina almost killed Damian,” he said, his voice low. “And you’re just going to let it go?”
“For now,” Wolfe said. “But if she ever tries something like this again, there will be consequences.”
Raphael shook his head, his frustration evident. “You’re being too lenient,” he said. “She deserves to face the consequences now.”
Wolfe’s gaze hardened. “I’ve made my decision,” he said firmly. “And I expect you to respect it.”
Raphael exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he said. “But don’t expect me to feel sorry for her.”
Wolfe nodded, satisfied with his son’s response. “Good,” he said. “You can go now.”
Raphael stood, giving his father one last look before leaving the room. As he walked back down the hallway, his mind was filled with thoughts of Lina, Damian, and Luna.