Chapter 2 Two heart meets the same path

Raphael's POV

I look at my reflection in the mirror. No matter how I groom myself or even buy the most expensive suit in the world, I know nothing will change. My palm turns into a fist. I want to hit the mirror and yell over and over again. The pain in my chest is unbearable.

Yesterday night (Flashback)

I drank all the wine in the bottle, and my best friend was staring at me. I can see how disappointed he was when he saw how broken I am. No one can blame me. My fiancée, who I was supposed to marry in a month, suddenly broke up with me for a stupid reason.

That she's richer than I was. Yes, that's her damn reason! That's why I am here, drinking like a madman! He dragged me home last night, but here I am again, drinking like I want to die right here and then.

"Are you going to kill yourself because of that girl? Dude, seriously?! Show her that she made a mistake, not like this!"

I look at him. My chest was tight, and I felt like a knife was there, and the devil was twisting the knife to make the wound deeper and more painful. I laugh with bitterness. He sighed and drew a chair closer to him.

"Have you ever been cheated?! I don't think so. Because amongst us, you've always been that playboy," I commented. He scoff.

"Yes, but I always set lines, and the girls know what kind of relationship I can only offer. But Raphael, this is not you. You're strong and can handle a bigger problem than this. Stand up and get back on your feet," he says. It's easier to say than do, but I can't.

He places an envelope in front of me. I looked at him and gave him a pissed-off expression. But he signed for me to check the envelope.

I put down my glass and grabbed it. I flipped it back over and saw the words on the back. My jaw clenched. It's an invitation for her dad's birthday.

"My sister and I will go there. Apparently, mom had no time, so I asked her to give me the extra invitation, and here it is. I heard from mom that she will announce her engagement to a man named Jackson Myers. That rings a bell, isn't it?" he explained. What the fuck!

"Jackson Myers? She dumped us on our anniversary yesterday, and now she's bragging about her fiancée! Damn it!" I yelled. Everyone looks on us and they seemed to be surprised. But I don't care.

End of Flashback

I went out when I heard Trevor honking outside. I opened my car, and the gate opened automatically, and I followed my best friend's car. We arrived at the biggest hotel in LA, the Beverly Hills Hotel. Samantha was being escorted by her brother.

We left the cars, and the staff will park them. Trevor signed me up to behave. We gave the invitations to the guards, and they let us in. There are even red carpets. I declined to walk on it, but the siblings went there for a photoshoot.

"Let's go," I remark.

They both nodded, and we got inside the venue hall. But on our way, I accidentally step on a woman's heels.

I even kicked her shoe away from her. She stops and looks at me. I'm glad we are wearing a mask as a part of the party's theme. This is embarrassing for me and for her as well. I ran a little and grabbed her shoe. I crouch down, and my left knee is on the floor.

I held her beautiful foot and put on her shoe. But accidentally, I saw her purple undies. My blood boils up, and my ears feel hot. Her cunt looks beautiful even that piece of cloth covers it. I can just sense it. My throat suddenly feels dry. Darn it! I stood up and faced her.

'You shouldn't be affected by that view. You have seen those! Shit!'

"I'm sorry for what I did. I didn't mean to do that. I have been in a hurry, and before I knew it, I stepped and kicked your shoe," I explained.

A beautiful smile formed on her lips. I hope she didn't notice that. How can that slit in her dress have betrayed her? I simply smile and act like I'm not thinking about other things, which I am.

"Thank you, mister... It's okay. At least you didn't leave this woman in distress. By the way, we have to go. Bye-bye," she says. She is with someone. They left us after she turned around.

Kristine's POV

I never expected that he would come to this party. After what I saw at that time, I thought he would drench himself in alcohol or work like there was no tomorrow. Maybe he must have learned that she's been bragging about her new man. I sighed, and Belinda stopped and looked at me.

"No. We will go, I just remember something. Don't worry," I say.

"Are you sure? If you're not ready, then we can leave now."

I shrugged my shoulders and then placed my hand on hers. She sighed in the end and followed me as we got closer to the venue hall. I know that I'll have mixed feelings when our eyes meet.

But I already have my PhD, and it's time to face the enemy, right? As soon as we got inside, I saw familiar faces. They have been people who have tried to get close to our family. Especially that we're the richest in this continent. We saw a table fit for two people only.

"It looks like he already has these people's sympathy. It will be hard for you to show your capabilities. He had been working for 24 years, and his name was known everywhere," Belinda mumbles.

I scoff and try to hide the animosity in my head. I know that her words were true. But I already have a plan for that, and I know it's effective. There is no way that I will let him win. This time, and now that I'm back, his biggest fear will consume him before he knows it. I look around.

The decorations of the tables, the flowers, the napkins, and everything else were his daughter's favorite colors and designs. She's still that spoiled little brat. What do I expect? That she's not like her mom and dad. I almost laughed while thinking about that. I grab two glasses of champagne from the waiter.

"Here, drink instead. Have you forgotten that I came home well-prepared? At least, have faith in me," I commented. She turned pale.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I almost forgot what we did in order to be prepared for your comeback here in LA," she apologizes. I laugh.

"Relax. I won't be eating you, loosen up, Belinda. At least, feel the ambience of the party," she replied. She sighed and sip her drink.

I look around, and I notice where those three are seated. I never expected that she would have an escort tonight. I wonder if that man is her boyfriend or fiancée. I just saw my niece crying yesterday, but now she's making me doubt whether she cried because of that break-up.

"I never thought that Mrs. Hudgens wouldn't come. The only people who arrived are her kids," a woman mumbles. Gossips, huh?

They are looking at the two people, whom I thought to be a couple. What a shameless thoughts! That's the reason for their striking resemblance. I avert my eyes as soon as I notice that he will look in our direction. The emcee went to the stage and speak.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to Mr. Sebastian Sanchez's 45th birthday celebration!" he happily screams. I believe my brother chose this emcee because of his sense of humor.

"We are all here to celebrate and congratulate Mr. Sanchez, who was known for his hard work and intelligence in business. But before I can go anywhere, because telling you all about his achievement will be tiring. Furthermore, we will work until then. Oh well, let's hear an opening and welcoming speech to our birthday celebrant. Mr. Sanchez, the floor is yours!" he roared.

They clap their hands, which I didn't mind doing. He walked up the stairs and stood in front of us. His smile was giving me reason to take him down.

How can he smile like he didn't do anything? As if he didn't ruin my life! My palm turns into a fist. My irritation was making my head heavy. Belinda suddenly placed her hand on my fist. I look at her. She shook her head and smiled.

"Calm down," she says. I want to do it, but it's difficult for me.

Sebastian Sanchez, a well-known businessman and billionaire tycoon in America, not only in this country but even around the world. He was also a philanthropist. Fuck! If they only knew what kind of asshole he is! I want them to know the truth about him!

"Should we go? You look like someone who will commit murder."