Forbidden Affair with My Mafia Stepbrother R18-Chapter 145: She Knows

The place gave me the chills and reminded me of an ice cave to the point where I wouldn’t be surprised if a bear jumped out at us. The room was already filled with life and laughter as people clinked champagne glasses together. I could understand why Bennett was so firm about us getting new dresses and dressing up for the event. Everyone there looked polished and confident, and dressed to impress.

Once again, it was another event where we appeared as the perfect family. The truth was far different, and it was up to me when to press the button to make everything crumble down into nothing.

"Raphael," a sweet voice called out his name.

There she was, wearing a sparkling red dress that clung to her beautiful body. Her smile was inviting as she practically glided toward us. My breath caught in my throat when I spotted my arch-enemy. I had wished silently that Rosabella wouldn’t be at the event, but clearly, my wish was denied.

"I think it’s been far too long. It’s such a shame that we couldn’t come to the event together," she said as she got close and placed a kiss on his cheek.

I stiffened as I tried to turn my attention away from them. There wasn’t much for me to look at, but I pretended that there were so many interesting things around me.

"You know, people keep asking me why our wedding date hasn’t been set in stone yet. They’re starting to think that we’re hiding something. Something like a distraction, perhaps? Or perhaps a little someone?" Rosabella said to Raphael before her eyes landed squarely on me.

"What do we have to hide? Our engagement practically means nothing," Raphael replied coldly.

"Nothing? Are you sure? That’s not what your father promised mine. Also, I surely wouldn’t call our family business nothing," Rosabella said with a hint of warning in her tone.

"Let’s talk about this later," Raphael said dismissively.

"You should not lose focus on your real goal and your objective, Raphael. Those things are real, while some distractions are temporary. They come and they go," Rosabella said before presenting Raphael with a sweet smile.

I hated how small I felt under her gaze, as if I were a child caught in her game. I felt like a simple player that had no way to win against the game master.

"People are watching us. You should stay close to me as much as you can, otherwise rumors will start," Rosabella whispered to Raphael before surprisingly stepping away to give us some space.

"Let’s walk around for a bit," Raphael said to me as he led me further into the venue.

...

I started to relax now that I had alone time with Raphael. He guided me around and introduced me to some of his friends and business acquaintances who were present at the gala. I focused my attention on watching his every move, as if I were memorizing all the sweet and attractive aspects of him. I decided to enjoy the moment and his company.

After a while, I thought I could breathe again, but that was until my phone suddenly vibrated in my hand.

It was a text. From her.

’Having fun with my fiancé? Don’t forget that you’re running out of time. One week means one week.’

I quickly put my phone away in my purse. However, Raphael’s hand moved faster than mine. His hand shot out and snatched my phone away before I could stop him.

"Raphael, don’t-" I protested.

It was already too late because Raphael was reading the text that Rosabella had sent me. I could tell by the way his jaw tightened and his eyes flashed that he was serious.

"What the hell is this?" he asked, his voice cutting through the noise of the gala all around us until it felt like the room had gone entirely silent.

"It’s nothing. She texts me sometimes," I replied.

Raphael grabbed my arm firmly before steering me out of the hall. The music and the laughter faded away behind us as we made our way outside the venue.

"Explain. Explain to me what this is right now, Abigail," he commanded, his voice low and rough.

I felt tears burn at the corners of my eyes as I shook my head, as if I could somehow disappear from the situation.

"She knows. Rosabella knows about us. She’s been sending me text messages and coming to see me. She’s been threatening me. She told me that she’ll tell my mother everything if I don’t break up with you," I confessed as my voice cracked under the pressure.

For a moment, I couldn’t breathe. I was terrified to see how roughly he would react to this unpleasant news. However, instead of exploding, Raphael pulled me close to him as his arms circled my waist.

"You should have told me everything," Raphael whispered against my ear, and his tone was caring.

"I was too scared. She’s right-if my mother finds out about us..." I admitted before letting my tears spill freely down my cheeks.

I could no longer hold all the stress and pressure inside me anymore.

"I won’t let her touch you or your mother. Do you understand what I’m saying?" Raphael said to me slowly and clearly, as if talking to a child.

I nodded my head, though I wasn’t sure if I truly understood. My body shook as if I were in shock.

"Come with me. I think you need to rest and calm down," Raphael said invitingly.

I didn’t ask where we were going-perhaps because I didn’t care, as long as Raphael was with me. All I could do was cling to the warmth of his hand and his steady presence beside me. We left the gala event without saying goodbye to anyone. We just silently slipped away.

It wasn’t until we pulled up at a quiet hotel not too far from the gala venue that I realized just how tightly I had been holding his hand in mine, as if clinging to dear life. The suite was beautiful, and I could see the city skyline glowing faintly through the window. Raphael slowly guided me to the bed and sat beside me.