Chapter 3

RAFAEL

I chugged down a glass of liquor as I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror. “What a brotherly reunion” I muttered, rubbing the fading bruise on my lip.

I would have very much loved to return those punches, but starting a fight there would not be to anyone’s benefit. And Amelia…

I still remember the feel of her body in my hands, I think about it every night since then.

She could have been from my enemies, she could have been someone sent to aid that measly attack. Why did she have to be his fucking fiancé?

“She’s too good for that prick.”

I wondered why she was at that park and how frustrated she must have been to let me fuck her. Well, I wasn’t going to let her forget me.

I picked up my phone and tapped the call symbol, “Yes boss” he picked almost immediately.

“Send her flowers… just her name… Yes. Do it discreetly.” I said and dropped the call.

*********

AMELIA

Every day since Rafael dropped me off, I would receive a bouquet of flowers immediately Ethan leaves the house almost like his movement was being monitored.

The flowers would have no note to tell who it’s from, only a huge ‘AMELIA’ on it in cursive.

I have not heard or seen Rafael since then, but he was the only one I could think of with balls large enough to pull stunts like this.

Ethan didn’t like it. It infuriated him more that he knew it was from Rafael but there was no way to prove it. He felt threatened.

Sadly that didn’t do anything to make him change, Ethan showed up to the house with another woman.

“For the love of God,” I said immediately they walked in. “there are thousands of hotels in this freaking city. And if they’re not to your taste, you have other houses. Why do you have to do this here?”

 Ethan just looked at me and scoffed as he took her inside. He reeked of alcohol and the girl looked like something he just picked out from the club for a one night stand and is probably only agreeing to do this for his money.

I was still outside when the girl came out doing the shame-walk as she tried to leave. Not long after, Ethan walked on. He looked sobered up at least.

“I’m sorry about that.” He said unexpectedly. That was a first.

“What exactly are you sorry about, Ethan? That you are fucking everything in skirt or that you’re doing it here?”

“Yeah” he replied nonchalantly as he poured himself a glass of water.

I rolled my eyes, why do I even bother. “The dinner is in three days. Try your best to come sober and with your dick in your pants.” I didn’t wait for a response before I left.

“Get rid of the flowers” he said stopping me halfway up the stairs.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I don’t like them. Get rid of them.”

I knew he was trying to get something out of me, but not today. “If you don’t like it, do it yourself”

*********

I gasped when I saw him.

“What are you doing here, Rafael?” I asked, nearly dropping the mug of coffee in my hand.

“Just saying hello to my future sister-in-law,” he said casually, leaning against the counter like he lived here.

“Well, hello. Now goodbye.” I turned to walk away.

“Wait, Amelia…”

I paused, sighing. “We shouldn’t be talking. What happened between us was a mistake.”

He stepped closer. “Then why can’t I stop thinking about it?”

“That’s a you problem,” I said flatly. “Excuse me. My coffee is calling.”

He smirked. “What if Ethan finds out about that night?”

I stopped in my tracks, slowly turning to face him. “Are you threatening me?”

“I’m just saying... it doesn’t have to be a secret. You could come to me willingly.” He replied with his smug smirk.

“No. Things are already complicated enough… you sent those flowers, didn’t you?”

He gave me a blank stare like he had no idea what I was talking about.

“I know it was you, why?” 

He reached for my hand. “Amelia... I felt something between us. I know you did too. Besides you and Ethan can’t even stand each other.”

I hesitated, but only for a second. “The wedding is in a few days. It’s too late.”

“It’s never too late.” He took a step back, eyes gleaming. “Besides, you know Father wouldn’t care which son you end up with, as long as you end up in the family.”

I frowned. “What are you planning?”

He only grinned. “It’s a surprise.” waving as he walked out the door.

There would actually be no greater revenge for all what Ethan has done to me than to go with his brother, who is already better than him in so many ways.

I sighed, "What a day."

*********

Ethan and I sat side by side at the wedding rehearsal. We had not had any arguments since that day, but I knew it was just a facade.

His true colors would show again once this ceremony was over.

Everyone else seemed super excited, laughing and toasting.

Then Rafael took the mic.

“Amelia…” he began, eyes locked on me. “Since the moment I met you, I haven’t been able to get you out of my head. Especially our… unforgettable night together.”

Gasps echoed around the room.

Ethan shot to his feet. “What the hell did you just say?!”

He lunged, but one of Rafael’s men held him back.

Rafael ignored the chaos. He walked toward me, and held out his hand.

“Amelia and I… we’ve decided it’s time to make our relationship public.”

The room fell silent. Every eye turned to me.

I barely had time to process before Rafael dropped to one knee.

He opened a velvet box revealing a glimmering diamond.

“Amelia,” he said, voice clear and confident, “will you marry me?”