Chapter 41

We arrive at the grand ballroom, crystal chandeliers casting warm light over the crowd of the city's elite. Rafael works the room like he was born to it, moving from group to group with practiced ease. I trail behind him, watching as he greets what feels like half of the business world - faces and names blur together until they become a sea of expensive suits and forced smiles. I didn't realize the man was this popular, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Power attracts attention like moths to flame.

The night settles into a strange kind of quiet as we sit alone at our table, waiting while the other guests mingle elsewhere in the room. We haven't exchanged a single word, the silence heavy with unspoken things. I won't dare break it, not after what happened last time I tried to comfort him when he opened up to me. The memory of his cruel withdrawal still stings.

I reach for my glass of champagne, the bubbles catching the light like tiny stars. As I take a sip, his