Rafael was still turning over Celia’s words in his mind, her voice echoing in his head “I want to be part of your world.”
It wasn’t the kind of request he could dismiss easily. Yet, the weight of it unsettled him. He didn’t know what letting her in would mean for both of them.
He shook his head as if to clear it, deciding not to dwell on it any longer. Instead, he focused on his food.
He ate more than usual, his appetite surprisingly ravenous. Even the chef noticed.
“Sir, your appetite is good today,” the chef said with a hint of amusement.
“Is it now?” Rafael asked, raising a brow with a half-smile.
“Yes, sir,” the chef confirmed, smiling back as he cleared the empty dishes.
“That’s a good thing then,” Rafael said, brushing crumbs from his hands and pushing back his chair.
The che
