"Sir, Lorenzo asks for you to be present in the main hall"

"Let's go then"

Rafael was giving a speech, I thought hard about what he told me and realized that he was in complete control of my life. He can do what he wants to me, and I won't be able to stop him. It terrified me. My level of anxiety, however, only surpassed the scale when none other than my uncle Harvey Snow appeared in front of me.

Oh yeah, you heard that right. Harvey fucking Snow is here.

I couldn't breathe, the moment I saw him I froze in place. I felt Raphael's strong hand wrap around my waist as he appeared out of nowhere and pulled me towards himself.

"Harvey, we weren't expecting you here," Rafael said in a natural, relaxed voice.

"I couldn't help but show up to congratulate my beloved niece on her engagement, I found out about the party earlier today, so forgive me for being unfashionably late. I didn't have time to prepare for this grand occasion. I didn't receive an invitation, it probably got lost in the mail, I'm sure"

"Of course it did"

"How did you find out about the party then," I asked, my voice trembling.

"News travels fast," Harvey said evasively, You won't make a scene Rafael, am I correct? You grew into a fine young man. I'm happy my dear niece chose you of all people"

"Thank you. I hope you will celebrate this joyful occasion with us. If you excuse us"

I was confused. What is going on?

"How did Harvey knew how you looked like as a kid?" I whispered confused.

"We've met before"

"When?"

"It's irrelevant"

"I think I have a right to know"

It was a mistake. Using a forceful voice with Rafael. He didn't like it. He pinned me to the wall and pretended to kiss my neck but instead, he whispered threateningly into my ear.

"Smile Eliana, people are watching" I did as he told but barely feeling how tight his hold on me was. It was uncomfortable "You have no rights except those you get from me. Do you understand?"

"Yes," I said breathlessly.

"Good. Behave yourself"

"Oh, and what do we have here a young couple of lovers making up in public? You guys, get a room" Lorenzo said in a cheery, loud voice.

This is when Rafael pulled back from me.

"Eliana, at our last meeting there was no occasion to officially introduce you. This is my little brother Lorenzo and his girlfriend Catia "

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Snow, my brother talks a lot about you," Lorenzo said with a cheeky smile.

"Would you like something to drink?" Rafael asked, and I nodded. I'd love to. I needed a drink. I needed to get drunk "Would you like something specific?"

"Anything that kicks"

"Okay, let me take care of it," Catia suggested.

"Thank you, Catia"

"Of course"

Soon I had a bright orange drink in my hand.

I wasn't listening to what Rafael and Lorenzo had to say. They were talking in some code about matters related to the family business. Catia seemed more knowledgeable and the topic so from time to time she would say something, meanwhile, I was busy with my own thoughts.

This drink was a bit like a juice so I didn't feel like each sip brings me closer to being completely hammered. At one point - I fell asleep. It was around 3 a.m, I think.

"She's such a sweet kitten, it's hard to believe that she's related to Harvey"

"Neither do I"

"He has some nerve showing up here. What are you going to do? We should've shot him right here and now no one would blame us"

"Patience, Lorenzo. There's no need to rush things. Revenge is a dish best served cold."

Rafael stroked Eliana's velvety hair. She was asleep, lying on his lap. So innocent, so beautiful and pure. At first, he couldn't figure out why he feels so possessive of her but now he does. She just belongs to him. He wants her.

"Looks like you really like her"

Rafael was silent, he felt no need to answer his brother.

♦ ️ ♦ ️ ♦ ️

At Vincenti's household, eating meals together is a common occurrence. Since Casey and I started living here every meal meant drama between Casey and the twins.

"Casey hangs out with brats who smoke cigarettes at the school and take drugs," noted Milo.

"Don't you know that snitches get stitches? Are you going to now decide who am I allowed to hang out with ?! "

"You can have friends as long as the boys judge them as decent. Milo, Remi, make sure those kids leave Casey alone "

"Eliana I swear I will run away from this house and never come back"

"Haven't you already tried like 10 times to run away?" asked Remi with amusement.

"Blackmailing your sister won't change my mind, Casey" Rafael said.

"Stop interfering, asshole. She is my legal guardian, only she can tell me what to do! "

"You're not listening to me anyway," I shrugged. I didn't feel sorry for Casey. Of course I know I'm hopeless at establishing boundaries, unlike Rafael who was on the opposite side of a spectrum. Total control freak.

Then a pang of ugly guilt clouded my mind. Maybe if Casey had gotten a better guardian she wouldn't end up being kicked out of school. It was all my fault. Anyone but me would do better rising her. For me, she was a friend, a sister. Not a child.

"As long as you live in my house, you will follow my rules. I hate to repeat myself, Casey, this is the last time I remind you of it. Look at me, do you understand what I said to you? "

"Yes"

"Great"