CHAPTER 87: LAST BIRTHDAY WISH

Raphael’s POV

The night sky was clear today; there wasn’t a single sign of it raining anytime soon. I stood by the kitchen counter staring through yetwindow to the starry sky, but my mind had drifted off somewhere.

It was almost midnight and she wasn’t back. I didn’t want to think much about it, but my mind kept drifting back. She was meant to be discharged today, I had wanted to go myself but something told me, I was the last face she wanted to see

A tired groan slipped from my lips; subtle dark circles under my eyes. Fitting into my new position has been draining, not to mention the manager we had, who would ditch work and stay with Braelyn in the hospital for an entire week.

I was drained mentally and physically, but work wasn’t what kept me up at night. "Raphael.." a soft voice called out to me. My eyes slowly drifted to Amelia who was standing by the door. Worry and concern filled her eyes, which narrowed at me as she tried to figure out what was going on in my mind.

I didn’t say anything and just stared at her. She walked slowly towards me, cautious of her every move. "Are you alright? You have been acting weird lately." She said, her hand wrapped around my hand holding the glass of whiskey...

"What is happening Raphael?" She tried to pry the glass from my hold. I chuckled, puzzling her. Her brows furrowed and she pursed her lips..

That’s right what was wrong with me. I asked myself..I knew exactly what I was doing, but I felt equally clueless. A small smile tugged at my lips.."I am fine. You should worry about yourself. The launch date is closing in." I tried to shrug her off but her hold on the glass tightened.

"You shouldn’t be drinking. You have to wake up early tomorrow." She urged me. That fiery look in her eyes said she wasn’t going to stand down until I agreed

I was not drunk. I barely took a couple of sips. I couldn’t get drunk, at least not tonight. "I will be fine."

"Raphael." She raised her voice. My eyes turned cold. I didn’t say anything, but the look in my eyes was enough to get her to back off. She slowly gulped.

"This is because of her. Isn’t it? " The moment the words slipped out of her mouth I slammed the cup on the kitchen counter. She flinched, jerking away. Her eyes couldn’t focus, although I would never hit a woman. She could see I wasn’t in the mood for a heart-to-heart conversation.

" Know your place, Amelia." I simply said. My voice was not raised, nor did my eyes carry a terrifying look..I was oddly calm, and she knew it was time she backed off.

She clenched her fist. Eyes filled with indignation. She turned on her heels and left the kitchen, her footsteps faded into the distance. I turned around leaning against the counter.

My phone blinked with a notification. I quickly switched on the phone to check the message. My grip tightened around the phone, I couldn’t look away from the screen.

It was a short video, it looked like a party, something private. In the middle of the crowd, I could see her as bright as day, laughing in the middle. She looked happy, and I recognised that look

That explained why she hasn’t returned till now. Although I had suspected she was with Lucien but confirming it left an odd twist in my chest

The video was captioned: She can smile this way because you are not there

I smiled at that line. It wasn’t surprising that the video was sent by Lucien. He deliberately sent this to me. I laughed seeing right into his actions.

My fingers started to type rapidly. The message popped after it was sent.. he read it immediately.

Raphael: I am glad she is having fun on her birthday.

It was half true but he wasn’t going to get what he wanted out of me

Lucien: As she should. Her smile is lovely, isn’t it?

He wasn’t lying. Her smile was indeed lovely. Ever since her PCOS diagnosis she hasn’t had a real smile in ages

. Raphael: Just go straight to the point Lucien. I am not into games.

I could imagine him grinning at the screen that infuriating jerk.

Lucien: I can make her happy. I only regret not attending your wedding 4 years ago. If I did she wouldn’t have wasted those 4 years with you...

I could not stop myself from laughing. He was truly unnerving.

Raphael: Don’t get ahead of yourself. She doesn’t love you, nor do you love her. I know your petty plan to get back at me.

Raphael: And because you fucked her once doesn’t mean she is yours. I was the one who suggested this open marriage

My face remained calm as I stared at the lit screen in the dim room.

Lucien: I know that’s why it would hurt more knowing it is your fault. Don’t worry I will make sure to leave a present for you today.

Lucien: You are just a coward. Good night Raphael. I hope you stay up all night

He sent and started spamming more pictures of her.

I switched off the phone and kept it face down on the kitchen aisle. My gaze shifted to the box I kept there. I lifted the covers, and the candles were not lit yet. It was her favourite favour. I had ordered it, hoping I could use it to apologise for that night, but that isn’t necessary.

What was I thinking? Of course, she wouldn’t celebrate her birthday with me. Things have changed. I was the one who changed them and I can’t regret nor can I turn back

******

"Happy birthday Lynn." I still remember her last birthday wish.

That night, she had insisted we celebrate alone. It was a candlelit dinner under the night sky next to the beach. She blew off the candle with a perfect smile, her emerald eyes sparkled under the light

"What did you wish for?" I asked. She chuckled smiling her best despite everything that was slowly eating her up

"I wish next year we would celebrate together with a mini version of us. As a family." She said lost in the moment...

"Of course. We just have to try." I assured. She had laughed, hope still shone in

her eyes. A year later that wish didn’t look like it was coming true anytime soon.