CHAPTER 242: MISS THIS

She quickly wiped at her face with the back of her sleeve, trying to swallow the storm as the door creaked open.

Rafael stepped inside quietly, a soft understanding in his eyes, closing the door behind them. He didn’t say anything at first. He just walked to her, saw the letter on the bed, and gently gathered her into his arms.

"You finally read it," he murmured, holding her tighter as her body trembled. His embrace was warm, steady, a silent promise.

Mara rested her head on his chest, tears still falling but slower now. "You okay?" Rafael asked, brushing her hair back and pressing a kiss to her forehead. She nodded faintly, a sad smile tugging at her lips. "Yes... I think I am now."

It wasn’t a lie. The grief still lingered, but there was clarity now. And in Rafael’s arms—in the warmth of a family laughing just outside her window—there was something else too. Peace. Forgiveness wasn’t easy. But Mara was starting to believe it was possible. And maybe... just maybe... healing had already begun.

"I wanted to come see you these past few days," Rafael said softly, still holding her close. "But I knew you were grieving. God... you have no idea how much I missed you."

Mara pressed her face into his shoulder, his scent grounding her. "Thanks for being here, Rafael," she whispered.

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his smile soft and teasing. "Did you miss me?"

She smiled, and instead of answering, she hugged him tighter. He pulled her closer, his lips brushing hers with a gentleness that made her heart ache.

The kiss started slow, reverent, full of all the things they hadn’t said. But something deeper stirred between them. Something warm and hungry. And when their lips met again, it was different.

Mara responded, not with hesitation, but with longing. She hadn’t felt like this in so long—hadn’t felt like a woman who could be wanted, touched, adored. Rafael’s hands slid around her waist, pulling her flush against him, and the world outside her room faded.

She kissed him harder, needier, her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt before tugging it over his head. He helped her, breath hitching, eyes full of emotion—not just desire, but love, healing, hope.

Her dress straps slipped from her shoulders as she leaned into him, the fabric falling just enough for her bare skin to meet the warmth of his chest. Rafael’s lips moved from her mouth to her neck, soft kisses trailing like promises across her collarbone.

Mara moaned quietly, her hands exploring his back, her body finally remembering what it meant to be touched and cherished. She wanted him. Needed him. Not just to feel desired, but to feel alive again.

But then, Rafael stopped. He didn’t pull away completely, just rested his forehead gently against hers, breathing deeply, his hands still holding her with care.

Mara’s breath was unsteady, her eyes wide with desire and confusion as Rafael pulled back. "Please... don’t stop," she whispered, her fingers still gripping his arms.

Rafael swallowed hard, his forehead still pressed against hers. "God, Stef... you have no idea how hard this is for me," he said, voice low and strained. "But I think we should wait."

Her heart sank. "I want our first time together to be special," he continued gently. "Not rushed. Not here, in your bedroom, with the kids and guests just downstairs. This—you—deserve more than that."

Mara stared at him, lips parted, still flushed, the frustration evident on her face. "Who cares if the whole world is downstairs?" she muttered, almost pouting. "I just want you right now."

Rafael burst into a quiet, amused laugh, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "You have no idea how cute you are when you’re desperate." Mara groaned, flopping back against the pillows, hiding her face with one arm. "This is torture."

He leaned over her, kissed her lightly on the lips. "I’ll come back soon," he promised, mischief glinting in his eyes. "Stay right there."

"Where are you going?" she called, lifting her head. "You’ll see." He grinned, kissed her forehead quickly, and was gone. She stared at the door, groaning again. Was he serious right now?

Moments later, Rafael returned—only to lean over and kiss her again, this time deeper, slower. Mara wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down to her.

Then he smiled and slipped away again. "Rafael!" she called after him, exasperated and aroused. "You’re killing me."

He returned again, peeking around the door with that maddeningly irresistible smile. "One last kiss," he said, striding in for another taste of her lips. "For strength. I love you, Stef." Mara’s hands cupped his face as they kissed, her body fully alive under his touch.

"Please don’t go," she breathed against his mouth. "Please." He paused, forehead resting against hers once more, his voice husky. "If I stay, I won’t be able to stop this time."

"Good," she whispered. But Rafael took a breath, kissed her one final time, and whispered, "Soon. I love you,"

Then he was gone again—this time for real, leaving Mara breathless, burning, and smiling despite herself. Maybe the wait would be worth it after all.

"You’ll like my surprise," Rafael had whispered with that signature grin. "Just wait for me."

Then he was gone—out the door, down the stairs, through the garden where the kids still played, his steps light as air. By the time he made it to his car, he was practically buzzing with excitement.

Inside, he sat for a moment gripping the wheel, a boyish grin spreading across his face. His heart pounded—not with nerves, but with a joy so pure it made him feel like a teenager again. He had been patient—so patient. Through Mara’s grief, through Steve’s illness, through the mess of the past. He had waited for the right moment.

But he couldn’t wait any longer.

She was it. The one. And he was finally going to ask her to be his wife.