Chapter 19. Rafe

Another man around my age appears in front of us minutes later and we again disguise our unease with fake smiles.

"Rafael, congratulations. I have heard you're now a CEO of Eastmond Builders. That's outstanding, man."

"Mr. Salvatore, thank you." I shake my hand with his, "I didn't know you would be here too."

"Please call me Luke and yes. I came for some work and then I heard about this event. You're the one who is taking care of the construction of our commercial building so I wouldn't have missed it." He explains.

I muse, "Right. We'll start work some time in March."

His eyes shift to Freya, "Is she your wife, Freya Howard?"

"Y-yes." I slur, clearing my throat.

I turn to Freya. She looks now more worn out and weak. Her posture has dropped down.

She struggles to smile and looks at Luke. Luke offers his hand to her, "Howard is partn