Emma was sitting in the garden, enjoying the soft breeze and the quiet around her. She had been trying to keep her mind off all the drama lately Lina’s schemes, Damian’s cold behavior, and her own feelings that she couldn’t quite understand. The garden was her escape, a place where she could breathe and not think about anyone else.
She didn’t hear Raphael approaching until he spoke.
“You look peaceful here,” he said smoothly, his voice soft but clear.
Emma jumped slightly, startled by the sudden sound. She turned to see Raphael standing a few feet away, leaning casually against a tree. He looked calm, almost too calm, with that easy smile on his face that she didn’t trust.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, stepping closer.
Emma frowned but stayed seated. She wasn’t sure wh
