Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Crystal was pacing in the parking lot when she heard footsteps, she quickly turned and saw her Dad hurrying out of the building, her eyes caught Mark's but she quickly averted her gaze, her Dad passed her unnoticed and she is grateful for that, she's not ready for another round of confrontation with her Dad, he entered his car and zoomed off. Rafael came out minutes later, by the look on his face, she's not sure what to think about the meeting.

" How was it? She asked tentatively, he glanced at her for some seconds, probably deciding whether to tell her or not, he heaved a heavy sigh.

" Julius Miller was there," he said watching her and her heart skipped, does he already know he's her father? She thought,

" Nothing can ever go right with him " he said with so much loathe in his voice and she was taken aback by it. 

Okay, she has learned two things now; first, he doesn't know that Julius Miller is her father, second, he hates the man as much as she does, 

"at least this is where we share something similar" she thought.

" I hear the hatred in your voice, do you hate him?" She asked, gazing at him, he looked at her, and they both lock gaze.

"More than anything else in the world" he replied, she was so caught up in his gaze that she almost forgot what she was asking.

" Why? She asked

A shadow went across his face and left before she can deduce what it means, the shutter fell in place and he turned to the steering.

" Fasten your seat belt" he told her coldly and she was confused at this sudden change, she quickly fastened her belt as she pulled out from the park.

" Let's get something into our stomachs before the next meeting" he said as he pulled into the parking lot of a fancy restaurant, he got out of the car and she followed him. 

They entered the restaurant and he was greeted warmly by the owner.

" How have you been? She asked as she touched his cheek affectionately, you just left me here all alone" she said and pouted.

She is a woman in her late forties.

"I dare not do that to my one and only" Rafael said with a broad grin wrapping his hands around her shoulders, he must be very familiar with this place Crystal thought watching him smile, this is the first time she has seen a smile on his face, she wished he could do that often. " I see you have a new babe in your life" the woman was saying appraising her then turn to glance at Rafe questioningly, Rafael laughed and her breath caught at the sight.

She stood there watching the exchange

" This is my new assistant" he replied, his eyes dancing with mirth, the lady was a bit embarrassed.

"oh! Sorry" she said watching Crystal keenly

"Forgive my manners, please have your seat, I'll be back to get your orders," she said with a warm smile, she nods in satisfaction as if she is looking for something in Crystal and finally found it.

" I'll be right back," she said as she walked away. 

Crystal and Rafael had their seat, she couldn't stop staring at Rafael and wondered why he is always cold to her, she is seeing a part of him she had not known, a friendly part of him, he looked nothing like that formidable, arrogant proud CEO, he almost seems human, she wondered how he will be in bed, will he be passionate? She grimaced at her trail of thought. " A penny for your thoughts" Rafael's voice jerked her out of her reverie and she averted her gaze, " what exactly are you thinking about? He asked looking at her quizzically.

"I....I....I" she stammered but decided to turn the table on him. 

" How long have you been coming here? You seem quite friendly with the owner" she said,

" Margaret and I have known each other for more than a decade, even before I became the CEO of RAE" he said.

"Really? how old were you then? "

He frowned.

" I was nine" 

she tried to picture a nine years old Rafael and wondered about his relationship with Margaret but before she could ask more questions he quickly changed the topic.

"What's your order? We don't have much time" she quickly placed her order and they ate in silence.

Rafael watched her with keen interest while eating, he wondered why he feels such a strong urge to open up to her and tell her things about himself, things none one knows about him, he has to be wary of her he thought, he does not keep such closeness with any woman, "never" he thought, he'll have to see Lucy that night for his marriage proposal.

 " All women can be bought" he thought. 

With money he could have anyone pretend to be his wife, by the end of the year he'll settle her and they'll both go their separate ways, no strings attached, he'll get what he wants which is the Tripolis and she'll get a lot of money.

They both finished their meal and stood up to leave. 

" I hope to see you here more often boy" Margaret is saying to Rafael with a hand on his chin.

"you're even looking leaner" 

Rafael rolled his eyes

 " I am now a man no longer a boy and I'll try to stop by more frequently" Margaret turned to Crystal.

" take good care of him, will ya" Crystal was shocked by the request and she didn't know how to respond to it so she kept mute.

" I can take care of myself" Rafael

Interjected

" Tsk, tsk tsk, you need a woman's love and care" Margaret said eyeing Crystal

" I already have a woman in my life and that's you, you take good care of me don't ya?

Margaret huffed in frustration and rolled her eyes

" So we'll be on our way" Rafael said when he got only a frustrated sigh from her

 "see you next time"

" Bring your beautiful assistant when next you're coming" Margaret said with a note of hope in her voice.

" Not a chance, I don't want any more matchmaking on my list" 

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