Chapter 4

After another month passed, I wondered why Raphael hadn't returned as he had in my past life.

One evening, I came home to flowers, balloons, candles, food, and music.

"Keira, today marks our one-year anniversary," Raphael said, dressed to the nines.

Confused, I blinked. Seeing my lack of response, Raphael waved his hand in front of my face.

"Keira, Keira, what are you thinking about?"

I coughed. "Thinking of you, my dear. Wondering how much effort you put into surprising me. I'm so moved."

I feigned gratitude and snuggled into Raphael's arms, kissing his chin. He held me tightly, rubbing his chin on my head. "It's all for you," he said.

Fighting the urge to laugh, I remembered his past words about my "third-rate" status.

"Will you ever leave me? I mean, I'm just a third-rate college grad working a third-rate job."

"Of course not!" he replied with conviction. Oh, the irony.

"Really? Will you marry me then?" I asked, testing him.

He faltered. Ha, caught him.

"Of course I will," he finally said.

I didn't expect him to agree, though his loathing of me was hard to miss. If only his acting skills were put to better use.

Seeing him bring out a fancy velvet box, my eyes gleamed. Time to cash in. He handed it over, and I opened it, expecting a treasure. Instead, it was a red string.

Disappointed, I asked, "What's this?"

"It's a charm for your safety," he said, oblivious to my internal stream of curses.

"Really? I love it," I lied, pecking him on the cheek. He kissed me back passionately, but my mind was on the check.

The next morning, I woke to chatter. Raphael was already gone. Sore, I dragged myself to the window and saw a line of Rolls-Royces.

Finally, it’s happening.

I rushed downstairs barefoot. Out front, Raphael donned a sleek black suit, his gold-rimmed glasses, and a diamond-studded Rolex. Security surrounded him, bowing respectfully. The whole neighborhood was abuzz.

Tears of joy welled up. I'd been waiting for this.

Feigning shock, I yelled, "Who are you, and where are you taking my boyfriend?"

A man in a suit pried me off Raphael. "Miss Keira, please. This is Mr. Parsons, heir to the Parsons Group. Here’s a check. Write any amount to thank you for caring for him."

I recognized the voice from that night. I trembled, tears streaming.

Playing the part, I clung to Raphael. "Raphael, are you leaving me?"