Chapter 43: Chapter 43

Why did you forgive so easily? Why not let him grovel for a bit?, asked my inner diva now in the getup of a therapist (with incense sticks and all, no kidding)

I returned to my desk with my inner diva making static noises.

What?

Why did you forgive him so easily? Why not let him grovel for a bit? Asked my inner diva now in the getup of a therapist once I gave her some attention (with incense sticks and all, no kidding). Feeling like she would disturb me until I answered her, I gave my clarification.

His heart is in the right place, but the people surrounding him are using this weakness for their advantage. I must maintain hope. For our relationship. A battle is lost that is never entered. And I'm a fighter through and through all my life. I just... When he explained his reasons, I envisioned him as a lone warrior standing in front of his family, Fighting the world, not knowing that one of its members or maybe all of them holding a dagger, ready to backstab him at an early opportunity. I felt like he is that lone wolf who provides and protects everyone, but who will protect him? I heard what he said, but I listened to what he left unsaid. I want to be the one on whom Raphael can lean. To protect him from himself when he is blinded by his trust. Anyhow, I love him too much to give up on us at the first hurdle.

Do you think Raphael Sinclair is a fool? How can he be blind to one of his family member's manipulation? That guy can smell a rat miles away. No key can make a puppet out of him. What’s his endgame?

Maybe there is an endgame. Maybe not. Maybe he is an emotionally blindsided man, maybe he is a mastermind. There is only one way to find out. Stick to him like glue.

No problem with that. But Raphael is not the only one who is blinded by the trust.

What do you mean?

Since you declared love, your priorities have changed. What happened to your vendetta?

I remember. Nothing changed. Anyway, even if I forget about it you are there to remind me.

No truer words were spoken.

A lingered wariness remained between Raphael and me even after our conversation. It’s too soon for things to go back normal. When 5 o’clock rolled around I cleaned my desk to go early.

‘Going somewhere?’, asked Raphael, giving me a view of his leisurely pose.

‘Yes. I have to buy a dress for the ball. Presuming I’m still on the list of course?’

‘Of course. I wouldn’t dream of going without you’, he replied with his charm back in full force. Yet again hope came searing and urgent. Oh, Rafa, why do you play such games with me?

My mouth went dry from the smile he bestowed on me with that statement. Now, this is the Raphael I love. It’s like he knows about my earlier talk with myself and came prepared with the ammunition.

‘Oh. Good to hear. If it’s alright with you then I would be leaving’

‘No. Not alright with me. I would be coming with you’

‘You? Why?’

Did he give me a look that said do you even have to ask about that?

He took me to a sophisticated boutique which is very ‘in’ in rich crowds. Suffice it to say, it was very hard to keep my eyes in their sockets when looking at the price tags. After a parade of dresses, finally, Raphael agreed for THE dress. His reason-it is easier to remove. But I looked good in it, so I agreed with him, and tried my best not to look at the price tag.

Once the shopping is done (shoes and accessories that go along with the dress) I turned to him and promptly said goodbye. Not will you come home with me? And I’m proud of myself that I hold my composure while I say it. His disappointed look resonated with my emotion but I held to my determination. It’s time to hold the reins. Alas, it didn’t give me any comfort when I was alone in my bed.

The next day I finished my work by 2 o’clock and left for home to get ready for the ball. As Raphael’s schedule was stuffed with the meetings that don’t require my attendance, I got no chance to meet him today.

While I was getting ready, I got an unexpected call.

‘Kade, what happened to you? Where were you? I called you so many times this week. Are you ok? Are you in any trouble? Can I do something to help?’, I asked frantically about him.

‘Slow down, kid. I’m fine. A little hectic. Nothing I can’t fix. Thanks for asking though. Listen I was busy so didn’t inform you before. Got a lead regarding the case’

‘What? What is it’

‘Remember you said your sister got the information about you from a PI hired by her boyfriend’

‘Yes. I totally forgot about it.’

‘Well, I almost tracked that PI. It’s just a final case of pinpointing. By tonight I will give you the details’

‘What’s the use? We already know Nathaniel Sinclair is her boyfriend’, I asked confused about his intention.

‘It doesn’t hurt to double-check. Cover all bases’

‘You are just wasting money and resources. But if you want confirmation for your satisfaction, who am I to meddle?’

‘Humour me kid’

‘As you wish. Do you know where I’m going tonight? Sinclair mansion. I will be meeting the family tonight’

‘Are you ok? Can you handle it? Want reinforcements?’

‘Yes. It is a long time coming. I will manage’

‘You know Erica, it’s strange’, he gave a dramatic pause before continuing.

Whenever he starts a sentence with Erica, it’s not good. ‘What?’

‘For a girl who is so straightforward, what do they say, yes, verisimilitude, that’s what comes to mind when I think about you, why didn’t you ask Raphael Sinclair directly about your sister?’

Yes, why didn’t I?