POV: Victoria
“I’m so sorry for what my mother did to you and your family. I can’t change what happened, but I want to make it up to you. This weekend, there’s a family gathering at my grandfather’s estate. I want you to come with me and meet the rest of my family. I want them to see how amazing you are, and how much you mean to me.”
That is the kind of apology I expected, that is the kind of apology that any sane man would give to his woman after such an encounter with his mother. But Ralph only mentioned it and put it behind us as if it was nothing. Or maybe he was not informed that my mom and sister were present when it happened. Each time I want to get upset and bring it up again, I recall the shopping bags in the back seat of his car and I keep mute immediately.
He may not have said the words, but this is one hell of an apology, it’s way better than words, trust me. He made me wear one of the outfits he got me from the mall. As I stood in front of the mirror, dressed in the red dress he had asked me to wear. I felt his hand on my shoulder, and my breath seized immediately.
He was standing right behind me, too close for comfort. I could feel his breath on my neck, and that simple act made my body vibrate in desire. Memories of that night he stole my innocence flooded my brain.
He had been so perfect, he knew exactly where to touch me to make me scream out his name in ecstasy. I swallowed dryly and I looked at him through the mirror, admiring his towering height. His perfume scents so mild, yet captivating. I had to stop myself before I turn around and throw myself at him like a whore.
“This is better,” he told me as he released my hair which was tied in a messy bun. He straightened my hair with his hand, but he never made eye contact. He kept looking away from my eyes while he did it. I was going to say that he’s a bit caring, but then I spotted the press guys lurking around the area and taking pictures of us. He’s trying to give them something to talk about, trying to make our relationship seem real.
For a moment there, I was lost in my own head, I thought this would be my own fairy tale. It was annoying to see that he was only putting up a show for everyone else. I got furious and I wanted to leave his arms, so I jabbed him and shoved him aside to get him off my back. I’d totally forgotten about his injury until I heard him groan in pain and take a step back.
I yelled on fear and I threw myself at him, hugging him right because I thought he was about to lose his footing and fall to the floor. My effort to save him from falling turned out to be the reason why we both fell to the floor, with his back hitting the floor while I stayed on top of him, hating myself for being so clumsy.
“Really?
You want to do it out in the open too, huh? You really can’t get enough of me, can you?” he teased me, making me blush so hard at his remark. Suddenly, the press gathered around us as we lay on the floor. Their flashlights blinded my eyes, I had no idea how I managed to stand up, but Raphael was there to guide me. He got us out of there without the help of his guards. I guess he’s used to it by now, after all, he has been dealing with them all his life.
We got into the car and he drove off to a fancy restaurant which happens to be our last stop for tonight. He sat across from me at the restaurant, and we placed our orders and waited for it to be served. I was looking radiant in my designer outfit and accessories that Raphael had just purchased for me. My eyes sparkled with excitement as we waited for our meals. He played with his phone and ignored me, I chose to stare at the beautiful antiques in our surroundings.
This place is so beautiful and breathtaking. Our meals were served and I had so much fun as I tried new foods and ate a few things I’d only ever heard about before. As we got ready to leave, he ordered for some food to be packed for him and I felt a tinge of pity for him because I knew he was buying food because I hijacked his groceries.
You can imagine my surprise when he handed me the food he had ordered when I wanted to step down from his car. He did not look at my face or even say a word to me. He just stretched his hand and handed me the packs. That seemed a bit rude to me, so I decided to reject it.
“I’m not hungry.” I let out sternly.
“Of course, you’re not hungry. You just ate dinner with me, didn’t you?” he asked sternly.
“This is not for you, it’s for Claire, and your mom.” He told me. I could not help but open my eyes wide in shock. Why is he being nice, and mean, and then nice again? Why is he so thoughtful?
“Thank you,” I mumbled in a tone that showed how confused I was. He sped off without saying a word, he didn’t even glance my way twice. With my shopping bags and takeout in my hand, I turned and walked into the hospital, smiling like an idiot. I opened the door excitedly and entered Mom’s hospital room. The moment I raised my head, my smile disappeared immediately as I saw the face of the one guy I never wanted to see ever again,
“Hello sister-in-law, did you have fun with my brother tonight?”