Chapter One: Rachael

I strolled into my newly opened fashion mall with a smile on my face. The new dresses and outfits that I designed and sewed were displayed in the manic.

I was overjoyed to see customers flooding the mall and checking out my newest collections.

"Congratulations, Boss Rachael." My best friend, Sandra, teased me with excitement filled in her voice as she approached me. I blushed happily.

"Thank you. It wouldn't have been a success without your help, babe." We exchanged warm embraces.

"The place is filled up. I knew you were one fashion guru." She encouraged me and I smiled.

"I'm grateful." We walked around the mall while discussing.

"The staff you sent me are qualified, I can't thank you enough," I said sincerely and she shook her head.

"It's nothing compared to all that you have done for me during my hard time." We stopped walking when we arrived at the lace section. "Your parents, I guess they are mad happy about this." She asked, wiggling her brows and I smirked.

"Seriously? Don't you know them?" I sighed heavily. "They are more interested in the family business than my 'little' fashion mall," I emphasized dramatically.

"I think it's time you also get connected with them." She curled her lips, I knew she was trying to get on my nerves.

"Too bad, my dad has just one boy." I teased.

Shortly, we were interrupted by a customer.

"Excuse me, ma'am. You must be Miss. Rachael" The lady asked politely and I nodded.

"Yes. How can I help you?" I raised a brow, staring at her anxiously.

"All your designs are so wonderful that I'm finding it difficult to make a choice." She said heartily with her eyes evading excitement and I chuckled.

"I will take that as a compliment, thank you." A smile formed on my lips. "Can I help you?" I asked her sweetly.

"Yes. I would appreciate that." She said seriously as if she was waiting for that.

I left Sandra and followed her into another clothing section.

"Will I look good in this Italian or modern style?" She asked anxiously, placing each dress on her body so I'd make the final review.

"Well…" I rubbed my chin. "You look really good in the modern style, try it on," I said, giving her a thumbs up and she smiled.

"Thank you so much, I'm grateful." She said happily and rushed into the dressing room.

I sighed in relief, finding it difficult to stop smiling.

I looked through the window and saw my boyfriend, Patrick, he was smiling and waving at me which prompted me to wave happily.

"What are you waiting for? Go ahead, I'll take care of things here." Sandra whispered mischievously and I smiled, grabbing my handbag from a corner.

"Thank you." I squeezed my mouth in excitement as I rushed out of my mall.

"Babe." I made the first move and pecked him, which was unusual. He also doesn't look enigmatic like he always does.

"Are you good?" I asked out of anxiety and he nodded while taking my hand.

"Yes, I'm." We started walking down to where he had parked his car. "Congratulations again." He said lovingly.

"Thanks, babe." I exhaled in relief. "Where are we going tonight?" I asked seriously, staring at his restless beautiful eyes.

He had promised to take me out for lunch after my business launch and it's in progress. I couldn't wait to spend the evening with him.

He was the best boyfriend I have ever had in my entire life. He would also remain my first.

"It's a secret." He said after a brief silence.

He drove his 2011 Lexus car and we arrived at one of the popular restaurants in the city. Surprisingly, he had already booked a reservation for two.

We sat across from each other, beside the window showing the marvelous panoramic view of the city. The waitress approached us and we didn't hesitate to place our orders.

"So, how was your day?" I asked him calmly.

He was a good lawyer and based on the kind of relationship we had, I also supported him in raising funds and getting his law firm. He wasn't very famous but at least his net worth was above.

"Well…" He sighed heavily. "It can never be better." He rubbed his forehead.

"I'm sorry baby." I pouted my lips, trying to act all sweet which I rarely do publicly. "Don't worry, I'll specially massage you tonight." I winked flirtatiously and his face remained the same which set me aback.

"Are you alright?" I asked seriously, relaxing on the seat.

"Rachael." We locked our gaze. "There's something I need to tell you." He said vividly, clearing his throat and I swallowed hard.

For some reason, I was feeling scared inwardly because he has never sounded so serious aside from the last time I told him I wanted us to get married. His voice sounded threatening and demoralizing.

"I'm… I'm all ears." I gained my voice back.

"I don't know how to say this but I think this decision I have come up with is the best for the both of us." He began. 

"I tried to bear with you but honestly, I have been getting complaints from the branch and leaders about our relationship." I batted my lashes, it wasn't something new.

"Your father is a well-known Mafia boss and dating his daughter is quite alarming. As a lawyer, I have to defend what's right." He continued ranting, heading towards no direction and I sighed heavily.

"What are you trying to say?" I questioned him, straightforwardly.

"I want us to break up, Rachael." He said curtly, having no ounce of consciousness or compassion in him.

"What?" My jaw dropped in astonishment, he wouldn't have made such a statement, he can't afford to leave me. Who was pushing him?

"No." I shook my head, seriously rebuking his decision.

"I can't break up with you," I said,

"We can't be together, Rachael. I have to keep my job and you also have to keep your family safe. I can't assure you that I will keep defending your family." He spat at my face seriously. "I'm sorry but we are done here and this time I'm serious. Don't call me or text me otherwise, I will report your father and all his hideout address to the police." He threatened me disdainfully with his eyes raging in anger.

"Patrick!" I could take any humiliation, excluding my family.

I sprang up from the seat in anger, staring at him with pain and annoyance lancing in my eyes.

"How dare you?" I queried him in contempt.