We returned back from Spain last night and since yesterday I have been avoiding Rafael. Maybe he noticed it but he was too busy working so he didn't say anything.

It's only the books that has happily ever after stuffs in real life those things do not exist.

"Careful Haze." Came Deby's voice. I looked down to see I was about to touch the hot pan.

She came to me and rested her one hand on my shoulder "You, okay?"

I nodded.

"Be careful, you could've burnt your hand."

"Sorry."

"Are you really okay Haze? What's wrong?"

I shook my head "Nothing. Just few things going on."

Saying that I left the kitchen making my way back to my room.

It's just a deal Haze.

You are a deal to him. Stop trying to find love in this hopeless marriage.

I kept reminding myself the same thing.

I don't remember when did I fall asleep while thinking these stuffs when I woke up, I went downstairs to the kitchen. To get these things out my mind I have to divert my mind to something else.

I decided to make some pasta for that I started preparing everything I needed. When I was about to finish cooking I felt someone behind me too close, I could even feel his hot breath.

I knew who it was.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Rafael asked while I tried to focus on what I was doing "I am not."

"Hazel, I don't like lies."

"I am not avoiding you Rafael."

"And now you are testing my patience." He sounded irritated this time.

I remained quiet, it's better that way because I knew I can breakdown anytime and he was right, I was avoiding him.

Within seconds he spinned me around making me turn towards him with his hands resting on either side of me.

"Hazel."

"Let me go."

"Not until you tell me why are you avoiding me."

"How do you expect me to react after knowing my husband is gonna divorce me?"

"What?" He rolled his eyes moving away from me "I thought we were done with that topic."

"That's the problem Rafael you thought we were done but we weren't. We never talked calmly about this matter, all you do is avoid the topic."

"Olivia is alive, Hazel."

I scoffed "I know. I am really tired of everything."

He stared at me in confusion.

"What do you want Rafael? You don't like me coming close to you neither do you like me avoiding you. What the hell do you want from me?"

"So you were avoiding me for Olivia?"

I nodded "Yes. Yes I was."

Coming closer to me his fingers touched mine I could feel tears in my eyes but I wouldn't let myself break in front of him.

"H-Hazel I just can't give up on this. On... her."

With my gaze fixed on the floor I replied "I ain't asking you to forget her or give up on her, all I am asking is for you to stay away from me. I don't want to get hurt anymore Rafael. Just let me be on my own."

The next moment I found myself in his arms, he was hugging me tightly I kept my hands unmoved not showing any sign of hugging him back.

This happens all the time. First he gives me hope then he acts like it's a big mistake.

"I don't know in the end what's gonna happen but one thing I am sure about, I have to let you go Hazel. I have to even if I don't want to."

"Why can't you love me the way you love her? Am I that bad?"

He pulled away and cupped my face "No Hazel. You're perfect but Olivia and I have been together since high school and now suddenly I can't let go of her."

All I did was stare at him. What can I say? He is clearly saying that he doesn't feel anything for me. He still loves her the same way he did before.

"Let go of me."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry babygirl."

I tried to push him away "Let me go please."

He didn't reply, his eyes were fixed on me but I didn't spare him a glance.

"Rafael let me go please." He didn't instead his one hand wrapped around my waist and the other still on my cheek.

"I don't want to."

Within seconds he placed his lips on mine, slowly they moved against mine I didn't kiss him back but my eyes closed automatically. He deepened the kiss, kissing me harder, I stumbled back he rested both his hands on the kitchen island capturing me in between. He was kissing me like his life depended on it.

Please stop.

Stop.

When we both were put of breath he pulled away, his lips moved to my cheek placing light kisses then on my forehead, jaw. He pecked my lips once again breathing heavily.

Someone's throat clearing noise came from behind making us both come back to our senses.

"For Christ sake, you both are not the only ones staying in this house, there are others too. Get yourselves a room." Dad said.

Rafael moved away from me, I turned back focussing on continuing to make the pasta.

"We have to visit Christopher tomorrow."

I nodded. Rafael left the kitchen.

***************************************

The next day in the afternoon I was at home in my room trying to write something about my story when Rafael called to remind me once again that Uncle has invited us at his place for dinner. So when it was evening, getting all ready I was waited for Rafael to return from work.

After changing his clothes, Rafael and I left for Uncle's house. On the way neither he nor did I say anything, we went inside the house. Uncle was waiting for us in the living room, after all our greetings we took our seats in the dining room.

"It's been long since I last sat here having dinner with the people I know." Uncle said with a sad smile on his lips.

"You have to stay strong Uncle." I tried to console him but I don't think it worked, what he lost is huge just my words can't console him.

"Don't worry about me Haze I will stay strong until I kill Vincent." Anger was all I could see in his eyes.

"Did you find anything about him?" Rafael asked.

"Yes my men did find a lot about that motherfucker, once they get his location I'll give him the most painful death ever."

I shivered at his words.

It feels like I don't know this man. Is Simon too like him when he is angry?

The maids served us the dinner. Uncle then looked at Rafael and spoke again "My suggestion to you is that you must carry a gun with yourself always, he might harm you too. I don't want you to get harmed in our fight."

Rafael nodded "You don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine."

"Anyways that's too much talk about Vincent I just want to take it off my mind for now. How was your honeymoon?" he asked changing the topic.

"Yeah good." Rafael replied.

Yeah too good. Finally after a long time I felt happiness and the reason is you Rafael but it was just for some time.

"So Haze, did you like Spain?"

I nodded "I loved Spain. It's beautiful."

"I am glad you enjoyed it. You too deserve some happiness."

I smiled.

We talked about few more things, suddenly a maid placed an envelope on the table beside Uncle's plate.

"Sir, I was asked to give this to you. A man is there at the entrance, only if you give permission the security will allow him to enter." Saying that she bowed and left.

As Uncle opened the envelope there was a card in it, reading the card his eyes widened "WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS!" He yelled on top of his voice.

"What?" Rafael asked.

Uncle passed the card to Rafael, I peeped to see what it was... a number '3' and when Rafael flipped the card it had the sign 'V'.

I was trying to figure out what it could be, when suddenly there was sound of gunshots. My heart stopped for a moment.

No.

Not again.

Instantly everyone got up from the seats, Uncle took out his gun and yelled for his men. Rafael held my hand.

"It will be fine Hazel." He said trying to calm me down.

I clutched onto his shirt tightly "I want to get out of here."

He nodded "We will get out of here but please calm down."

"What the hell is happening?" Uncle yelled at his men.

One of his men came to inform him "Sir there is an attack in the house."

"Attack? How? What about the fucking security?"

"Sir they broke it."

Uncle turned to us "We all have to get out of here right now before those fuckers get us."

Rafael held my arm dragging me with him, Uncle was leading us to some way to get out of the place but he stopped when he saw some men standing guarding our way. We tried to escape from the other way but we failed again we were being surrounded by some people holding guns.

"Shit." Rafael muttered on seeing those men holding guns guarding our way, he hid me behind him trying to protect me from them.

From the main door a man entered with a gun in his hand. A man whom once I used to call my friend, the man for whom I even fought with Rafael. There was an evil smirk on Connor's lips, I held Rafael's arm tightly.

"Did I ruin your dinner?" Connor asked standing in front of Uncle looking straight in his eyes. I looked around just to find us surrounded by his men who were holding Uncle's men at their gunpoint.

Connor then looked at me "Nice to see you again Haze."

All I could feel for him was pure hatred right now. I trusted this man few days ago.

Why Connor?

Why?

He again looked back at Uncle "And you too Christopher."

I saw Uncle smirking, Connor then pulled away the gun he was pointing at Uncle. Uncle turned towards us with the same smirk.

I gave him a confused look.

"I am sorry Haze." He said.

"W-What?" I asked totally confused for his sudden apology.

"Don't tell me you are involved in this." Rafael glared at Uncle.

"What do you think?" Uncle said.

"U-Uncle?" I muttered in disbelief.

He made his way towards Rafael and I then said "I am so sorry Haze but I had to do it. He said he would hand over the person who killed my son if I hand you over to him."

"He killed Aaron!" I replied taking a step towards him.

"He didn't. It was Simon who ordered for his murder."

"Are you crazy? What are you even saying? Simon wouldn't even think about harming Aaron."

"Did you ever think he could be in the mafia?" I remained quiet "You didn't. There are many things about Simon no one knows not even you sweetheart."

"Why would Simon kill Aaron? Aaron was working for him." Rafael asked.

"Aaron wanted out from the mafia and there's no out from this business so he killed my son, his brother."

"I don't believe you." I said.

Uncle pointed the gun at me "So hand me the man who Simon hired then I'll give Haze to you."

At the same time Rafael held my arm pulling me back behind him.

Uncle smirked "Oh I see you are now protecting her. When did this happen? You married her to get your revenge on Vincent, didn't you? Because Vincent murdered the love of your life. But would you leave your Dad alone in this world because I am going to kill the person whoever comes in my way."

Rafael didn't move, his eyes remained fixed on Uncle.

Connor laughed "I see, now we are going to play. I have to agree you are good at it. Look around you, you are the one surrounded by my men Christopher. At my one signal you can die."

"She is the one you need to reach Simon and if I kill her you can't reach him and trust me before I die I'll kill her crushing all your chances to reach Simon."

"Just hand that motherfucker who killed my son to me then I'll help you killing Simon. But if you don't then I'll kill her first then for the rest of your life you have to regret."

Connor smirked "Well I do respect that plan."

"Oh trust me I have better plans than this."

I was scared. Of the gun that was pointed at Rafael. I didn't want him to die because of me, I can't see any other person I love dying in front of my eyes.

"R-Rafael, p-please move." I stuttered.

It reminded me of the time when I was helplessly banging the cupboard door, when I couldn't save my Mom and Dad from these same men.

"What?" Rafael asked turning to me.

"P-Please m-move. I don't want you to die because of me." I tried to push him but he wouldn't budge.

"Shut up Hazel."

Uncle rolled his eyes "Jesus Christ! You both are really in love? Are you kidding me?" He came closer to us "In this game love doesn't exist Haze and whoever falls for this shit has to die." Back again he pointed the gun at Rafael "So he is dying, then Vincent can have you."

Connor looked at me "It's better if you don't try anything Haze. I just want your brother you are not my target."

"HAND ME THE MAN VINCENT!" Uncle yelled this time impatiently.

Connor faced him with his brows furrowed.

"Oh I am so scared." Connor said sarcastically then smirked "But wait. Vincent? Did you just call me that? Christ! It sounds so good coming from you. But unfortunately, I am not Vincent." He then looked at the person whom Uncle was pointing his gun at "He is."

My eyes widened, Connor was signalling at... Rafael.

Rafael... Vincent?

NO!

Before Uncle could turn around to see the person, Rafael threw a punch on him causing Uncle to land on the floor. Rafael looked at me once, I instantly left his arm moving away from him, scared as hell.

He then picked up the gun that was in Uncle's hand and pointed it back at him, few men came and grabbed Uncle. Rafael smirked while taking off his suit jacket and made his way towards Connor. He stood in front of Uncle.

"Y-You?" Uncle muttered in complete shock.

"Yeah me. Surprised? Shocked?"

"V-Vincent?" Uncle did sound scared this time.

"Rafael Salvatore Martinez or yeah Vincent." Rafael opened the first two buttons of his shirt, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt he said "How about we start with some past deeds of yours?"

They made Uncle sit on a chair and tied him up while Rafael sat in front of him on another chair, he took out something from his pocket. Seeing what he got my eyes widened.

Brass knuckles and a knife.

He wore them in his hand and played with the knife while his concentration fixed on Uncle.

"You betrayed me." Uncle said glaring at Connor.

Connor shrugged "Oh did I?"

"And about your son, we killed him not Simon." Rafael clarified.

"MOTHERFUCKER! I WILL KILL YOU!" Uncle struggled trying to get up from the seat but he was tied.

"Shh... you are too loud. How did you think I would forgive you and that asshole son of yours so easily? Taking revenge just on Simon would be unfair. Weren't you both involved in destroying my family?"

"We haven't done anything! It was all Simon, Rafael."

"It's Vincent for you and now it's all Simon? Christ! Simon got some cowards in his gang, can't stay loyal to him."

Uncle stared at Rafael with complete hatred filled in his eyes.

"He killed my Dad, you too were there when he was destroying my whole family even you were a part of it. How can you expect me to leave you all? You all should've killed me too that day then maybe you would've lived. One mistake in the mafia can destroy you, so here I am your mistake."

"You can't do anything. Simon will kill you."

Rafael smirked "Well I can't guarantee you'll be alive to see what happens. But one thing I can say he'll meet you first in hell and I am in no mood to die so soon."

"You betrayed us. You pretended to be Simon's friend for so long just to betray him."

"Ha! Is this your favourite word? Betrayal? This kind of words don't suit you guys at all. Don't use them."

Rafael then got up from his seat and said "Now how about my men have some fun." He looked at his men then nodded and at the same time there laid 10 lifeless body on the floor. They shot all of Uncle's men.

I jumped in my place closing my ears.

I can't anymore.

I can't.

I felt like I couldn't breathe.

"So any last wish before you die Christopher?" He asked.

"R-Rafael." I called him tears rolling down my cheeks. He heard me but didn't look at me, I saw his hand turning into a fist. "S-Stop t-this please. S-Stop this right now. D-Don't k-kill him."

Instead he looked at Connor. Connor nodded and came towards me, he held my hand to get me out of the house but I pushed him and ran to Rafael standing in front of him.

"I don't know why are you doing this but please stop it. You can talk this over, you can talk to Simon and sort everything, stop killing people." I begged him.

"It can't be sorted by talking, Hazel." He replied, his eyes were red, it was like he's gonna kill everyone who tries to stop him.

"I-I am s-scared Rafael." He stared at me in the eye "I am so scared... of you."

The man who was a few minutes ago my saviour, now I am scared of him.

"I don't care." He said looking completely unaffected. Connor came and pulled me away I kept pushing him, hitting him but nothing was working.

Rafael fixed his brass knuckles properly in his fingers once again and started punching Uncle on the face. Uncle groaned in pain.

"NO!" I yelled still trying to push Connor.

"Stop! Stop him please!"

"Leave me. He's going to kill him." I cried trying to get out of Connor's grip.

"He will kill him Haze. You can't stop him."

I stopped struggling.

He was right, there's no use of yelling. This man in front of me was someone I didn't know.

It's like he doesn't care about me anymore.