Chapter 98
“Is everything always this dramatic with you?” I teased as Rafael adjusted his tie.}
He smirked, leaning casually against the car. “I don’t do things halfway, Sofia. You should know that by now.“>
I smoothed the fabric of my dress, the intricate lace catching the sunlight. The wedding venue loomed ahead–a stunning estate surrounded by blooming gardens and a view that stretched to the horizon. It was intimate yet grand, fitting perfectly with Rafael’s style.
As I stepped closer, I couldn’t help but ask, “Did you plan all of this before I said yes?“{
“Of course,” Rafael said.”
I raised an eyebrow, amused. “What if I’d said no?”
“That would’ve been unfortunate,” he replied, his lips twitching into a grin. “But I knew you
I laughed softly. “Good thing I didn’t disappoint you, then.“}]
wouldn’t.”
“Never,” he said, his voice lower now, more sincere. “But before you walk down that aisle, I have a surprise for you.”
My heart skipped. “What kind of surprise?”
He gestured toward the garden, and I followed him, the hem of my dress trailing behind me. As we rounded the corner, I stopped in my tracks.
“Father?”
There he was, standing tall and steady, looking healthier than I’d seen him in weeks. His eyes softened when they met mine, a mix of guilt and relief etched on his face.
“I owe you an apology, Sofia,” he said, stepping forward. “I let my anger cloud my judgment. Rafael explained everything–about Mikael, Sarah, and what they did to us. I should’ve seen the truth earlier.”
Emotion clogged my throat as I closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around him. “I thought I’d lost you,” I whispered.} “You never will,” he said firmly.
I pulled back, tears threatening to spill. “Thank you,” I said to Rafael, my voice barely above a whisper.
He simply nodded, his expression unreadable as always, though there was a flicker of something warm in his eyes.
The ceremony was everything I hadn’t dared to dream of. The vows came easily, words spilling from my heart as Rafael’s hand held mine. When he slid the ring onto my finger, it felt final in the best way–like a chapter closing and a new one beginning.
“You’re stuck with me now,” he whispered, his lips brushing my ear.
“Good,” I whispered back. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The kiss sealed everything, a promise that felt unbreakable.
The drive home was quiet, but it wasn’t the uncomfortable silence we’d shared in the past. It was peaceful, filled with the kind of contentment that came from knowing you were exactly where you were meant to be.
I rested my head against Rafael’s shoulder. “I still can’t believe it,” I murmured.}
“What?”
“That this is real,” I said, tilting my head to look at him. “That we’re here. That we’ve made it this far.”
He smirked, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “We’ve only just begun, Sofia.“D
Before I could reply, Rafael’s phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket, his expression shifting as he read the message.” “What is it?” I asked, sitting up.
His jaw tightened, and he handed me the phone.}]
The headline was simple but devastating: “Massive Fire Engulfs Garcia Industries Headquarters. Cause Suspected Arson.”
Just as I was about to say something, I saw my father’s car was swerving, its speed increasing erratically.
Rafael’s eyes narrowed as he spoke into the communicator in his hand. “What’s going on with the other car?”
One of his men answered. “Sir, Mr. Garcia isn’t well. He’s experiencing severe chest pain after seeing the news. We’re taking him to the hospital now.“>
I froze. “What? Rafael, we need to follow them–now!”
He didn’t hesitate. “Turn the car around,” he ordered the driver.”
The hospital was chaos.
The moment we arrived, Rafael took charge, demanding updates while I stood frozen in the fluorescent–lit waiting room.
“Where’s my father?” I finally managed to ask.
A doctor appeared. “Are you Sofia Garcia?”
“Yes,” I said immediately, stepping forward. Rafael’s hand brushed against the small of my back.N
The doctor sighed. “I’m sorry. Mr. Garcia suffered a massive heart attack. We tried everything, but…” He trailed off, his silence louder than words.
My knees buckled, and Rafael caught me before I hit the floor.”
“He didn’t make it,” the doctor finished gently.
11:53 AM
