CHAPTER 006

RAFAEL

The door of his family home vibrated as Rafael knocked three times.

A few seconds passed before it creaked open, revealing a dark-skinned teenage girl absorbed in her phone, her thumb flying across the screen.

“Yes?” she asked flatly, not even bothering to look up.

A warm smirk spread across Rafael’s face. “Delivery for Sofia Costa?”

“I’m—that’s me, but I didn’t order—” Sofia began, finally raising her eyes. The moment she recognized him, her phone nearly slipped from her hand. “OH MY GOD, RAFAEL!”

She threw herself forward, jumping directly into his arms. Rafael laughed out loud, catching her easily and swinging her around.

From somewhere inside the house, a panicked voice rang out. “Sofia! Why are you screaming—AHH, RAFAEL!”

His mother appeared at the end of the hallway, dropping the dishtowel in her hands. “Meu deus! Rafael!” She rushed over as Rafael set Sofia down, immediately pulling his mother into a deep hug.

She showered him with questions, kissing both of his cheeks. “When did you get back?! Oh my gosh, I should go call your uncles! I need to call the rest of the family!”

Rafael groaned playfully, shaking his head. “No, mãe, there’s really no need for that right now. Come on, let’s go inside.”

•>>>•>>>•>>>•

The living room was filled with the familiar smell of home. They sat together on the wide couch, catching up on his career and how everyone in the neighborhood had been doing since he last visited.

Eventually, Rafael turned his attention to his younger sister. She was at college, a huge milestone to Rafael since he hadn’t been able to go.

He’d never really been… the smart type. And their lack of funds didn’t really help the matter.

“So, how are things with school?” Rafael asked, leaning back against the cushions. “You’re ready to go back?”

“Yeah, I am,” Sofia smiled proudly. “I finished all my registration stuff online yesterday.”

“Good,” Rafael said firmly, pointing a finger at her. “No boys. No distractions. You focus on your education, okay?”

Sofia rolled her eyes dramatically. “So I’ll end up single like you? No thanks, I’m good.” She crossed her arms, teasing him. “You haven’t even had one girlfriend. It would make sense if you were a playboy or something, but you’re just alone.”

Rafael rolled his eyes right back.

In truth, he had never told his family about his… sexual preferences. It wasn't because he was embarrassed, but simply because where he came from, it wasn't a very common sight.

He had never been quite sure how they would take it, so he had kept that part of his life hidden.

“I’m single because I am working my ass out on the field for your ungrateful ass,” Rafael retorted with a dry grin.

Sofia sighed, shaking her head. “And we’re grateful! But you should really meet someone. I mean, look—that American player they’re always comparing you with finally settled down. Shouldn’t you do the same?”

Rafael’s brow furrowed, a sudden knot forming in his stomach. “American player? Who are you talking about?”

“That guy… Uh… Oliver Han… no, Hayes!” Sofia said, snapping her fingers. “Yeah! You know, they always compare you two together. It’s really funny, even—”

“What do you mean about him settling down?” Rafael cut in, his voice suddenly rising, louder than he intended.

Sofia blinked, startled by his tone. “Uh… he got together with someone. I don’t remember her name.” She pulled out her phone, scrolling through her social media feed. “All those American names sound weird anyway…”

She tapped on an article and held it out toward him. “Uhhuh! See!”

Rafael stared at the screen and felt his world instantly stopped moving.

There was a photo of Oliver—his Oliver—with his arm wrapped tightly around a woman who could only be described as stunning.

She was holding up her hand, showing off a sparkling engagement ring with a glowing smile. Oliver was smiling too, but Rafael knew him well enough to know that it was fake.

A high-pitched ringing pierced through Rafael’s ears. His heart began to pound against his ribs like a trapped animal.

No. No, that wasn't possible. It was a rumor, probably photoshopped. Or a media stunt or something.

“Wh—Where did you see that?” Rafael mumbled, his voice trembling as a dull ache bloomed behind his eyes.

Sofia’s smile faded into a confused frown. She didn't understand why her brother was suddenly turning pale, but her next words forced the air right out of his lungs.

“On the cover of the sports page,” she said quietly. “It’s… everywhere today. Rafael, are you okay?”

“Rafael?” his mother called out from the kitchen, stepping into the room with a worried look on her face. “Meu filho, what is wrong?”

He wasn't okay. He couldn't breathe.

With shaking hands, Rafael reached into his pocket and pulled out his own phone. His vision blurred as he opened his messages and scrolled down to Oliver’s contact.

He’d turned off his phone during the flight but right under Oliver’s name sat a single, unread text message sent earlier that morning:

[I should have told you. I’m sorry, Rafael.]

A single tear slipped down Rafael’s cheek, dripping onto the phone screen. He clutched the phone so hard his knuckles turned ghost-white.

Oliver was engaged.

Oliver had gotten engaged to someone else…

A sharp pang struck the center of his chest, locking his lungs completely. He tried to draw air, but nothing came.

The room began to spin, the warm colors of his childhood home fading into darkness.

“Call someone!” his mother screamed, her voice echoing as if from under water.

“RAFAEL!” Sofia yelled, dropping her phone as she reached for him.

The last thing Rafael felt before darkness claimed him entirely was a heavy, soul-crushing pain tearing his heart to pieces.