Cielle was in Rafaell's office for the first time and, despite trying not to show it, felt embarrassed by the situation she found herself in. Rafaell walked ahead, illuminated by the moonlight entering the room.
"Sit down," he instructed.
Cielle complied, while Rafaell remained standing. She observed his posture; he was just a bit taller, with dark hair and bright blue eyes, pale and flawless skin. Despite the seriousness of the moment, his youth was undeniable.
"I visited your uncles today," he began abruptly, causing Cielle's eyes to widen.
"How?"
"I was straightforward and disinvited them from our wedding."
"Our wedding?" Cielle felt a knot in her throat.
"Yes. The wedding will take place, of course, if you are still willing to accept my proposal," Rafaell continued. "I didn't know they had hidden this from you. It was also a surprise to me. But after our conversation last night, I thought about returning you."
Cielle felt a growing tension in her hands. 'Do I have to go back to that house?'
"If you want to go back, of course," he added.
"I don't want to!" Cielle exclaimed suddenly, blushing and then lowering her gaze. Rafaell took a deep breath.
"Then, ask me the questions you have in mind. I will answer."
Cielle pondered for a moment, gathering her doubts.
"Why... why do you want to marry me? I have no wealth, titles, or reputation. I'm just someone who inherited debts from my own family, so why?"
"Because I need your surname," Rafaell responded, revealing a motive that transcended Cielle's expectations.
"My surname?" Cielle echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yes, the Castillo surname," confirmed Rafaell. "When we marry, I will no longer be a Valentinov."
Cielle readjusted in her chair, processing this information.
"But isn't it usual for me to adopt your surname?"
"Normally, yes. But for me, keeping the Valentinov surname brings no benefits. I want to disassociate from it as soon as possible."
She looked at him, confused.
"But why the Castillo?"
"Why not the Castillo? Your family once had great prestige and wealth in society."
Cielle lowered her gaze, dejected.
"We are no longer what we used to be."
Rafaell noticed the sadness that enveloped Cielle. He walked over to the window, deep in thought.
"Wouldn't you like to restore the honor of your family name?" He spoke without looking at her, unaware of the tears that began to form in her eyes.
"How could I possibly do that?"
"I can help," said Rafaell, surprising her. He then turned to face her. "In exchange, you help me."
"How?" asked Cielle, blinking slowly, trying to understand the proposal.
"Marry me. Allow me to adopt the Castillo surname."
"And how would that benefit you? You would just be taking on my burden," Cielle asked, trying to grasp the logic behind Rafaell's proposal.
"I don't see it as a burden, but as an investment," he replied, crossing his arms. "Your family left many lands in your name."
"My uncle always said they were worthless..."
"For now. I believe your uncle never saw their true value, focusing only on the risks, without seeing the potential for future gain."
"What do you mean by that?"
"It's simple. With the right investment and over time, we can revitalize the dormant wealth in those lands. Moreover, the Castillo surname still carries weight in high society. There are negotiations that can only be made by a Castillo."
Cielle frowned, still confused.
"All this might be good for me, but what about you? What do you gain by paying off my debts, investing in unproductive lands, spending your time and fortune? I still find it hard to understand. Don't you see?"
Rafaell sighed.
"I didn't expect you to understand right away. So, I will be frank, as there's no other way." Cielle looked at him, waiting for more. "I want revenge."
"What?"
"Revenge against my family. Against the Valentinovs. I will do this with you by my side. That's what I ask in return. I will restore your family's honor if you stay by my side while I execute my revenge."
Cielle stared at Rafaell, her eyes wide in the moonlight, as he looked back at her firmly, confirming the seriousness of his words.
'Am I really hearing this?' Cielle thought, stunned by the revelation. Rafaell's proposal went far beyond a simple marriage; it was a plan of retaliation intertwined with the promise of restoration.
Rafaell, observing the confusion on Cielle's face, sighed deeply.
"You don't have to make a decision right now. It's a lot to take in at once, so..."
"I accept," Cielle interrupted, determined. Rafaell looked at her, surprised by her quick response. "I accept, but with one condition."
Intrigued, Rafaell tilted his head.
"What condition?"
Cielle looked at him firmly. Her mind was intensely working, reliving memories of a difficult past where she had been belittled and despised by the only family she had left. She had always been taught to see herself as a burden, a shame. But now, before her, stood Rafaell, willing to restore the Castillo name, even if for his own reasons. Cielle felt shaken, but determined.
"I want to pay off all the debts and any money you invest," Cielle declared. "Allow me to repay every penny. Give me seven... no, five years. Five years to pay you back. That is my condition for accepting your proposal."
Rafaell remained silent for a moment, pondering. 'Is she exaggerating a bit?' he thought.
"Five years?" he repeated. "Alright then." They looked at each other, a tacit agreement being formed between them. "Condition accepted."
Comments (0)
See all