Chapter 3

Raphael's POV

By the time I arrived home, the blood on my legs had already dried.

I didn't even bother to turn on the lights. I sank into the couch as the last of my strength slipped away.

From the furniture to the wall colors and even the potted plants, I'd poured my heart into making this place a home.

Back when we were still living in a rented room, all I'd ever wished for every birthday was a place we could finally call our own. But now, it was no different from a prison to me.

The lights in the living room suddenly flicked on. I forced my aching eyes open to see Irene walk in, but she didn't even spare me a glance as I lay on the couch before heading straight for the kitchen.

It didn't take long for the smell of food to drift into the room as my empty stomach twisted with hunger.

Irene finally noticed me when she came out carrying a plate of food. By then, my face had turned deathly pale.

Taken aback, she asked, "When did you get back? Have you finally calmed down?"

I didn't answer. Instead, my gaze settled on the plate of mac and cheese in her hands.

In all the years I'd known her, Irene had never cooked a single meal.

Once, when I was burning with a high fever and on the verge of passing out, I'd begged her to make me a bowl of plain congee. Even then, she'd only shaken her head and said, "Isn't that what the housekeeper is for?"

Before I could say a single word, Irene explained, "Lucas was craving the dish. You should take some time to sort out your emotions. I'll be back after I drop off the food."

I pressed a hand to my throbbing temple and let out a bitter laugh. "You can't even be bothered to put on an act around me anymore. What, should I pack my bags tomorrow and make room for Blake and his son?"

Irene continued packing the food without so much as a glance at me. "Stop making a big deal out of nothing."

Before I could say another word, the electronic lock beeped.

Blake let himself in with practiced ease before draping his suit over the antique cabinet I'd carefully chosen after comparing countless options at a vintage market.

Lucas came in right behind him. "Mommy!" He skipped across the room and plopped himself down in the hanging chair I'd picked out myself.

Clearly, this wasn't the first time they'd come to my apartment.

For all I know, they might've been here while I was buried in work, when I'd gone back home to visit my family, or even while I was hospitalized.

My stomach suddenly churned as a wave of nausea washed over me.

"Why is the butler still here?" Lucas looked at me with obvious confusion, as though I were nothing more than a piece of trash that didn't belong here.

"Don't be rude, Lucas." Blake scolded him halfheartedly before turning to me. "We're here to look at the apartment today. After all, we'll be moving in next week."

Then, he covered his mouth as if he'd let something slip. "Didn't Irene tell you?"

Irene lowered her gaze as she avoided my eyes.

"We can always buy another apartment, Raphael. Lucas is starting school soon, and he needs to live in a good school district. I'll get you something else. What about another investment for your studio? I can bring in 500 thousand dollars for your funding," she suggested.

That wasn't even enough to cover a year's worth of Blake's living expenses.

I stared at Irene. The woman I'd loved with all my heart for the past seven years felt like a stranger now.

She'd bought this apartment for me with the first paycheck she'd earned after her business took off. I still remembered the day we got the keys. Tears streamed down her face as she held my hands and smiled.

"We finally have our own home!" she exclaimed.

But now, she was forcing me to hand over our home to another man when our wedding was just around the corner.

I pulled out my phone and did the math. "Alright. I'll ask the property management for the security footage now. Blake's going to pay rent for every time he's set foot in this apartment over the years," I stated.

Blake was left speechless at my words.

"You've got a problem with that?" I asked. Then, I raised an eyebrow before enunciating every single word. "The deed's in my name. I'm the owner of this apartment. Besides, can you honestly swear that you've never been here before?"