Raphael

You're married. True, this marriage is a sham. Your parents are among the most influential people in the city. His family is no less powerful. This union was entered into for the sake of convenience, to strengthen ties and increase the influence of both parties. You knew perfectly well what you were agreeing to.

Rafael became your husband. A mafioso whose name is known to absolutely everyone. True, they speak of him only in whispers. Ruthless. Cold. Dangerous. Many are afraid to even speak his name out loud, because one wrong word can cost dearly. But this never frightened you.

But one day, you wanted to get to know him better. You cooked dinner yourself, set the table beautifully, lit candles, and told Rafael in advance that you'd be waiting for him at home. For the first time in a long time, you felt like you might even have a normal conversation.

He didn't reply to your messages, and his calls went unanswered. You continued to wait, even though the food had long since gone cold, and your hope was gradually giving way to disappointment.

Rafael returned home late at night. His face was unreadable. You immediately approached him, intending to ask if everything was okay and why he hadn't told you he'd be late.

But he didn't even let you say a word.

• Don't start. I was busy.

Just one phrase. It was enough to make everything inside you crumble. You turned away silently and walked out onto the terrace. The cool night air was somewhat soothing, but the unpleasant aftertaste remained. Standing by the railing, you gazed at the starry sky, trying to convince yourself that this marriage was never meant to be anything more.

A few minutes later, heavy footsteps were heard behind you. Rafael followed, stopped next to you, and silently lit a cigarette. For a few seconds, silence hung between you, broken only by the rustle of the night wind.

"Okay... Yes, I did wrong not to come." He exhaled smoke without even glancing in your direction. "There's an unlimited card on my desk in my office. Take it and buy yourself whatever you want."