“Rafael?” I breathed, my eyes widening as he appeared in the doorway.
“Rose.” His voice was low, strained, and he moved toward me with unsteady steps. He shouldn’t even be standing, let alone walking.
“Rafael… you’re not supposed to be out of bed,” I said, worry tightening my chest. He didn’t answer. Instead, he took my hands, holding them as if checking I was real. His expression wasn’t angry this time. It was shaken...almost frightened.
For a moment, his gaze flicked to his father, sharp and wary.
Why does he tense up whenever Vincent is near me? What are they hiding?
“Let’s go,” he murmured, pulling me toward the door. I glanced back at Vincent before Rafael led me out.
I braced myself for the usual yelling, but he said nothing. His grip stayed firm, guiding me through the hall an
