RAFAEL
I left the penthouse without looking back. The moment the elevator doors closed on Selene’s stunned face, I felt nothing but irritation. Seven years of waiting, and she chose now to return; right when I was finally sinking my teeth into something I didn’t want to let go of. I told the driver to head to the villa first. I needed to see Isabella. Needed to remind myself why I was allowing this complication into my life. The drive was silent. My mind churned.
When we arrived at the villa, Esteban was already waiting at the entrance like the perfect shadow he was.
“Welcome back, sir,” he said with a small bow.
“Isabella awake?” I asked, already heading inside.
Esteban’s face flickered with confusion.
“I… believed Miss Isabella was with you, sir. She did not return last night.”
