The next afternoon I contemplated confronting Raphael. Tomorrow is Friday, in other words, The Charity Ball day. The day I’m going to meet Sinclair Family. And Raphael has yet to discuss minute details with me like timings, where to meet etc., I won’t let myself assume that he is going to collect me at my home. It would be out of his way which is a waste of time. And Raphael Sinclair doesn’t waste it if he could help it. But where is the guy? It’s not like him to avoid a person or a situation. But it’s pretty clear he is avoiding me. Generally, when Raphael Sinclair is inattention, it’s in your face noteworthy. Even though we are not glued to each other 24/7, I would know when he is voluntarily steering clear of me.Not to point out the obvious, but he didn’t come home last night. Which is a first? And here I thought 100% attendance is guaranteed. Had to rely on the fantasies to pass my boredom, my inner self complained while sighing.

Why did you forgive so easily? Why not let him grovel for a bit?, asked my inner diva now in the getup of a therapist (with incense sticks and all, no kidding)I returned to my desk with my inner diva making static noises.What?Why did you forgive him so easily? Why not let him grovel for a bit? Asked my inner diva now in the getup of a therapist once I gave her some attention (with incense sticks and all, no kidding). Feeling like she would disturb me until I answered her, I gave my clarification.His heart is in the right place, but the people surrounding him are using this weakness to their advantage. I must maintain hope. For our relationship. A battle is lost that is never entered. And I'm a fighter through and through all my life. I just... When he explained his reasons, I envisioned him as a lone warrior standing in front of his family, Fighting the world, not knowing that one of its members or maybe all of them holding a dagger, ready to backstab

We entered the mansion without any fuss, seemingly as I was with Raphael. It’s a three-storey mansion where the main foyer splits into two grand staircases that only enhances the luxurious look. The mansion was full of such extravagantly gilded furniture and grandeur that I thought it would have been better suited to a reigning monarch.We were directed to the ballroom (I stopped ooh...ing at the main foyer itself. Ballroom! I never knew anyone with ballrooms in their houses) where a different security detail is present to recheck the authenticity. Looking at the guest list I too would recommend it. Hollywood’s well-known actors, producers, politicians what not; you name it, they have it. The party was going with the sort of discreet swing that only serious money could contrive.Ok, we are in, now what?Can I ask?Ask? Ask whom? What are you saying?My inner diva clears her throat and said,Attention everyone, this announcement i

Scared of blood.His words were ringing in my ears still when Raphael intercepted us.‘God, what a mess! what happened?’‘I... we were dancing... then suddenly I don’t know where that waiter came from. It all happened within seconds. I was cut and your brother... he just... fainted?’, I remiss the story, still mulling over what Nathaniel said.‘Oh yay. It happens whenever he sees blood. He is hemophobic’, he explained.‘What’s a party without a few drinks being spilled, right? You better put him in a more comfortable position and have someone look at him’‘What about you? Show me where you are hurt’‘Here. As I told your brother it’s nothing serious. I will clean it up in the ladies' room. You take him to somewhere quiet’, I said motioning to the onlookers. Actually, I wanted some alone time to think about what conspired here. For someone, it may

Raphael Sinclair laid a trap and I fell hook, line, and sinker for it. Looking at the file-indelible scars are left on my heart. I lost...lost my faith in love. Because in my hand is a file that opens to a photo of me- a photo that was taken 3 months back. The date was printed at the bottom of the photo. Each page consists of the parts of my life which were known to only Kade before. My entire life... is packed in this file.The conversation with Kade came to my mind‘Remember you said your sister got the information about you from a PI hired by her boyfriend’‘Yes. I totally forgot about it.’‘Well, I almost tracked that PI. It’s just a final case of pinpointing. By tonight I will give you the details’Well, there is no need for pinpointing anymore. Because staring at the details, I can say that the PI did a wonderful job. An apathetic laugh escaped me. My life collapses before my eyes, and I’m appre