Morning sunlight crept through the curtains of Raphael’s room, casting a soft glow over the couple lying in bed. Luna was nestled in Raphael’s arms, her face resting gently against his chest, a peaceful smile on her lips. Raphael held her close, his hand resting on her waist, his expression calm and relaxed.
A sharp knock on the door broke the tranquility. Raphael’s eyes fluttered open, his body tensing slightly. Luna stirred but didn’t wake.
“Who is it?” Raphael called out, his voice groggy.
“It’s Madam Catherine, sir,” came the reply. “There’s something for you.”
Raphael sighed, carefully untangling himself from Luna. She made a small sound of protest, reaching out for him in her sleep, but he gently kissed her forehead and stood up. He grabbed his robe and tied it around his waist as he made his way to the door.
When he opened it, Madam Catherine stood there with a serious expression, holding a small envelope.
“This just arrived,” she said, handing it to him. “The man who delivered it said it was urgent.”
Raphael frowned, taking the envelope. “Thank you, Catherine,” he said, his tone clipped.
“Is everything all right, sir?” she asked, concern flickering in her eyes.
“I’ll handle it,” Raphael replied, dismissing her with a nod.
Closing the door, he stared at the envelope for a moment before tearing it open. Inside was a single piece of paper with bold, threatening words scrawled across it:
“You’re walking a dangerous path. Share the money equally, or you’ll regret it. Consider this your only warning.”
Raphael’s jaw tightened as he read the message again. His past was catching up with him, and he knew exactly who the note was from. This wasn’t just a threat-it was a reminder that the world he had tried to keep hidden was inching closer to the life he was trying to build with Luna.
He crumpled the paper in his hand, his chest tightening with frustration and anger.
“Raphael?” Luna’s soft voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see her sitting up in bed, her hair slightly tousled, her eyes still heavy with sleep. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice full of concern.
“Nothing,” Raphael said quickly, stuffing the crumpled note into the pocket of his robe.
Luna narrowed her eyes, watching him closely. She slipped out of bed, her bare feet padding softly against the floor as she approached him. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind, resting her cheek against his back.
“Don’t lie to me,” she said gently. “I can see something’s bothering you.”
Raphael sighed, his hands moving to rest on top of hers. “It’s nothing you need to worry about, Luna,” he said, his tone firm but kind.
Luna frowned, her grip tightening slightly. “If it’s bothering you, then it bothers me too,” she said softly. “Please, Raphael, talk to me.”
He turned around to face her, his hands cupping her face. “You’re too good, Luna,” he said, his voice filled with affection. “But this isn’t something I want you to be involved in.”
Her eyes searched his, filled with worry and determination. “You don’t have to protect me from everything,” she said. “We’re in this together now, aren’t we?”
Raphael hesitated, his thumb brushing over her cheek. He wanted to tell her, to share the weight of his troubles, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. She was too pure, too innocent for the darkness that followed him.
“I’ll handle it,” he said finally, his voice soft but resolute. “You just focus on being happy. That’s all I want for you.”
Luna frowned but didn’t push further. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Whatever it is, I hope you know I’m here for you,” she said quietly.
Raphael held her close, his hand gently stroking her hair. “I know,” he murmured. “And that’s what keeps me going.”
They stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth. Raphael’s mind raced as he thought about the letter. He had worked hard to keep his past away from Luna, but it seemed like trouble was always just around the corner.
As he held her, he made a silent promise to himself: he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, no matter the cost.
“Come on,” he said finally, pulling back and offering her a small smile. “Let’s get ready for the day.”
Luna nodded, though she still looked worried. She kissed his cheek and headed toward the bathroom, leaving Raphael alone with his thoughts.
Once she was out of sight, Raphael pulled the crumpled note from his pocket and smoothed it out. His eyes scanned the words again, and his jaw clenched
“you won’t touch her. I’ll make sure of it.”
Sliding the note into his desk drawer, he took a deep breath and steeled himself for whatever was coming next.