Rafael reached for a glass of wine provided by the bartender. Once again, he spent his evening drinking away his sorrows. It didn't matter. He didn't mind spending the night getting drunk until morning. At least it kept him from flying to Manhattan and kidnapping Cheryl, who was getting married the next morning.Cheryl, Cheryl Jaqueline Alejandro. His little angel. She would marry Carlos tomorrow, and now he could do nothing but sit here like a madman in a Las Vegas bar.From the beginning, he should have been aware of his position. He was a Wagner, a man with a dark future who didn't deserve to be with Cheryl. Cheryl Jaqueline Alejandro was the most beautiful woman he had ever met—besides his mother, of course. She deserved a good life, far from danger. But he had made a mistake. Allowing Cheryl into his life after restraining himself for years was a disaster he couldn't easily handle. Rafael fell back into his obsession—with a green-eyed girl who always managed to turn his world ups
Since the first time she got to know Rafael, Cheryl knew that the man was a bit crazy. He was never serious—he always treated everything as a joke.Yes, she shouldn't have been surprised by Rafael's sudden arrival. Wasn't that just how he was? He showed up suddenly when she needed him. Rafael seemed to confirm that he could read her mind—feel her restlessness.But beneath all the crazy things Rafael did, he always respected her. He always asked—requested, never forced or controlled her life. Even though he had once saved her years ago, he never claimed any right over her. He didn't demand anything in return; he chose to step back when he realized she had fallen in love with the man she thought had saved her.From the way he looked at her and smiled, she knew that Rafael was sincere.They often argued, but those arguments felt easy for her. It was as if she knew that living life with their little quarrels felt easy and enjoyable.Rafael never begged anyone—a leader of ElWagner didn't n
"I don't know whether to be angry or grateful for your behavior, my clever son," a voice that sounded quite familiar to Cheryl interrupted as Rafael was taking some selfies on her phone to use as her phone wallpaper—replacing Carlos' photo.Cheryl still had a smile on her face after seeing Rafael's silly poses when she turned and found Catalina approaching them. "But of course, I can't be angry after seeing this clever son of mine bringing a beautiful green-eyed daughter-in-law for me," she said, her face softening, gazing at Cheryl with eyes full of happiness.Cheryl had met and spoken with Catalina a few weeks ago, but this meeting seemed different. Therefore, she immediately moved closer to Rafael and felt a bit restless, fearing she might receive a bad judgment in her in-laws' eyes."Mom? When did you arrive?" Rafael furrowed his brow, looking at the circular watch on his wrist. "So fast," he muttered quietly."Well, I flew straight here as soon as Jackson sent me a photo of you k
"I'm relieved that you married him, Cheryl," Jackson whispered softly, extending his hand to allow Cheryl to spin in their dance. Then he pulled her waist closer, embracing her while they continued to move to the enchanting strains of classical music. Around them, people were also dancing and smiling together. Catalina with Ares, Carissa with Rafael, and Mateo with Veronica. They all looked happy, smiling and dancing beautifully.Cheryl raised her head, "Why did Daddy approve of us so quickly? I had to wait for years to get your approval before."Jackson chuckled softly, bending down to kiss the top of Cheryl's head. "Because I know him better than you do, Cheryl," he said, gazing at her with affection. "I know who he is and what he's like since I saw him come to visit you at the hospital. The story of him loving to watch you play the piano in the church was known by everyone, even the nuns and pastors there."Cheryl blinked, "Really? How come? And why didn't I ever know?"Once again,
Throughout her life, Cheryl never imagined that there could be a man so polite when wanting to kiss her.Rafael was her husband; he had a right to her. However, instead of kissing her directly, he asked for permission first. He asked her with longing eyes filled with desire.Without responding to Rafael, Cheryl tiptoed slowly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and brought her lips closer, kissing him gently.It's not an answer, but she gives what he wants.Rafael groaned. He pulled her closer, embracing her tightly while his tongue played wildly on her lips. Savoring her, teasing her with seductive moves.In the sea of emotions and passion, Cheryl felt Rafael's body hardening. Yet, his kisses remained soft."Rafael," She softly stroked his hair, feeling frustrated with the overwhelming emotions in her heart.Rafael slowly lifted her body. Then, a few seconds later, her back landed on the soft bed with him still on top of her. His eyes were mesmerizing, filled with passion and tempt
Rafael was still breathing hard when he rubbed Cheryl's back beside him. She closed her eyes, lying on her stomach beside him while hugging the blanket tightly. Her bare back was clearly displayed, making Rafael unable to keep his hands from touching her soft skin. Smooth. It felt as if he was touching a baby's skin.Slowly, Rafael turned around. He leaned his head on Cheryl's shoulder, kissing her back and neck from behind. His mind went crazy again as he recalled the pleasure Cheryl offered him.She was passive, not making many seductive moves—the inexperienced type. However, Rafael almost went crazy when he heard Cheryl's sweet moans when he moved on top of her. Cheryl was the most beautiful thing that happened in his life. He still cannot believe that he is now with her, catching his breath together after finishing their sex.Cheryl was the woman he had always imagined making love to with his other women.No, not anymore. There would be no more other women. Only Cheryl. All his li
"This isn't fair!" Cheryl smacked her lips in annoyance as Rafael lifted her out of the bathtub. His bathrobe was wet, but he didn't care. The scent of almonds wafted from her still-wet skin as Rafael gently wiped her with a soft towel. He rubbed her hair lightly, then reached out to comb it. "What's not fair?" Rafael asked patiently. He walked from one side to the other to get the towel, comb, and also his black shirt that was stored in the closet. Cheryl didn't bring any clothes when she escaped by helicopter with him. All the women's necessities she had prepared had already been sent to the hotel where she planned to stay after her marriage to Carlos. She forgot not to ask the maid to pick them up and deliver them to Rafael's mansion. "How can I be so weak while you still look strong? You can walk so well. You can even carry me and bathe me!" She moved her feet off the bed. She snorted softly, feeling annoyed at Rafael, who stood firmly as if nothing had happened between them.
"You look so happy. Does being married to Rafael make you happy?" Jackson asked as he walked around the path on the left wing of the mansion that led to the stables at the back."Very happy." Cheryl nodded as she leaned her head on Jackosn's shoulder. "I never thought that my life could be this happy.""Were you unhappy before?""It wasn't like that." She shook her head. "I used to be happy, very happy. But being with Rafael feels different.""Oh, yeah? You were so happy you couldn't hear me criticize your husband, huh?"Cheryl's heart was racing. Her husband—Rafael Frederich Wagner, was her husband."This mansion is quite nice. I hope you enjoy living here."Cheryl looked around her. The sky was beautifully lit, the air was fresh, and the trees were shady. This place was so cozy. She had never felt this comfortable when she first lived in a new place. However, together with Rafael, it felt like she was comfortable even if they had to sleep in the attic room of a cheap hotel."Let alo