Not My Weakness

Dane tightened his grip around Seren as he faced Rafael, a mocking smile spreading across his face."It seems you don't know who I am or what I'm capable of."The sinister amusement in his eyes only deepened."You don't have to throw your life away here," Rafael said calmly.Instead of answering, Dane merely smirked and slowly backed toward the deck railings. Rafael discreetly signaled his men not to move.One wrong move could trigger Dane. He might pull the trigger—or worse, jump overboard with Seren."Oh? Why?" Dane taunted. "Are you afraid something might happen to the woman you love?"His grin widened. "So, there is something you fear after all."He grabbed Seren by the throat. "Look at your face, Rafael."Dane laughed loudly. Rafael's fists clenched at his sides.If Dane wasn't holding Seren hostage, he would already be lying unconscious on the floor. But Rafael forced himself to remain patient.

The Answer Has Always Been Yes

"Why are you still awake?"Rafael's voice broke the quiet of the night.Seren looked up from where she sat at the edge of the pool, her feet lazily stirring the water. A small smile appeared on her face when she saw him."I'm just getting some fresh air," she replied. "I'm not sleepy yet."Her gaze traveled over his appearance."Why are you out? Do you have somewhere to go?"It wasn't unusual for Rafael to leave in the middle of the night.From conversations she'd overheard between Leon and Trisha, she knew he was dealing with several problems---Eric being one of them.Even with Dane behind bars, trouble wasn't over yet.She could only hope he stayed there."I'll be back before you know it," Rafael said as he walked toward her. "You should get some rest."His eyes settled on the bandage around her neck."How's your injury?" Instinctively, Seren touched the dressing."It's fine. It's not a seri

I'll Be Back for You

The day everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived.It was the wedding day of Seren and Rafael. Surrounded by family and friends, the ceremony was being held in one of the city's most beautiful churches.Outside the church, Rafael stood near the entrance, waiting for Seren and her family to arrive.Leon watched him from the side and couldn't stop himself from laughing."Try to relax," Leon said as he walked over and patted his friend's shoulder. "It's not like Seren is going to run away."Rafael shot him a look. That only made Leon laugh harder.For years, Rafael had always been the calmest person in the room. The man could stare down armed enemies without blinking.Yet today? Today he looked completely different. Leon couldn't decide whether Rafael was excited or simply terrified."I think they're here." Kim’s voice interrupted them.Everyone turned toward the arriving bridal car. Rafael's heart immediately

The Groom Who Refused to Be Late

By the time Rafael, Leon, and Daniel arrived at the factory, chaos had already erupted. Workers were being beaten across the production floor.Several of them tried to fight back, but they were no match for Eric's men, who carried metal pipes, wooden bats, and iron rods.It wasn't just Eric's usual subordinates. He had brought street gangs with him.Anyone willing to cause destruction for money. The sight immediately darkened Rafael's expression. This factory wasn't just another business.It was the shoe factory Bernard had inherited from his parents.Years ago, when Eric had still been part of the family, he had tried to take control of it. The factory had connections overseas and generated enormous profits through exports.But Bernard's parents had refused. Bernard was their legitimate son.They trusted him to protect and expand the company they had built from the ground up. And they had been right.Under Bernard's leadership

I Said I Would Wait

"Still no sign of them?" Seren's mother approached her, concern evident on her face. Seren sat quietly beside Anna, her wedding gown spread around her like a pool of white silk.More than three hours had passed. Three long hours. And Rafael still hadn't returned.The church that had once been filled with excitement now felt heavy with impatience. Guests whispered among themselves.Some checked their watches repeatedly. Others openly complained about the delay.Even Seren could feel the atmosphere slowly changing. She was worried.Terribly worried. But she couldn't allow herself to show it.Not when everyone was looking at her. Not when she was supposed to be the bride.Unfortunately, even Kim had been unable to contact Rafael. The silence only made everything worse."We can't stay here all day waiting for him."Her mother sighed. "The guests are getting restless."Anna immediately looked at her sister."But

I Told You I'd Come Back

After more than three hours of fighting against Eric and his men, Rafael, Leon, and Daniel finally succeeded in securing the factory and rescuing their workers.The battle was over. But Rafael had no intention of celebrating.Not yet. His bride was still waiting. The moment they got into the car, they rushed back to the church. No one spoke much during the drive.They all knew what was on Rafael's mind.When the vehicle finally stopped in front of the church, Rafael immediately stepped out. His gaze lifted toward the entrance.The doors were closed. A strange silence hung in the air.Leon and Daniel exchanged glances. Neither liked what they were thinking.Rafael had received dozens of missed calls from Trisha, Kim, and Phelias.Unfortunately, they had been too occupied dealing with Eric to answer any of them."Might be too late."Leon broke the silence. His eyes swept over Rafael's appearance.The groom lo