Chapter 7 We meet again

Raphael's POV

I saw how nervous Trevor was. He knows me too well. When I start to create or play a game, I am not someone who will stop until I win. I'm also cunning and ruthless as a player. I laugh.

"Relax, as if I'm playing something scary. Don't give me such a face. Or else I won't tell you about my plan," I threatened.

He frowned and gave me that sour expression. I laugh at him instead. I grabbed the champagne and poured some into our glasses.

"I think he is planning to use Ms. Sanchez in his plans against his ex-fiancée," Luke butted in.

Trevor gave me that suspicious glance.

"And so? She's single, and if she falls for my charm, it's a win-win situation for me. I will show Nathalie that everything has its own consequences, especially when it comes to love. Kristine is a ten to me, actually. She's got a body to die for. I know both of you will agree with what I said," I remark.

Trevor sighed and shook his head. Luke grabs his glass and sips his alcohol first. I shrug my shoulders as a sign that I'm unbothered by their response.

"I told you before not to use other people's feelings just to avenge the pain that Nathalie left in your heart. Her aunt doesn't deserve to be used by her niece's ex for revenge. She had nothing to do with her niece's actions. Think of another way, Raphael."

I saw how serious Trevor is. I never thought he would suggest such a thing. I knew him for being a playboy, but he's also kind. He was labeled as a playboy because he could easily move on from his ex and get a new girlfriend in a short period of time.

As for Luke? His past relationship was two years ago, and because of her bad experience, he has been abstaining from falling in love until he's ready to build his family. Both of them had their own uniqueness, which makes us three serious cowards.

"Luke, can you share your thoughts too? I've been talking here, but you're just watching us. You're also our friend. Drop your mask as Raphael's personal assistant. Come on, speak!" Trevor says.

"What should I say? We both now how stubborn he is when he's into something. On the other side, Trevor is right, Raphael. You have to consider the challenges of your plans. Ms. Kristine seems to be in a bad relationship with her brother. Maybe start as her friend?" he suggest. I lean my back on the chair and think.

As a friend? I don't think so. I know Sebastian will realize that his sister is being friendly to his daughter's ex. He'll try to ruin my name for Kristine, and worst case scenario, she'll push me away regardless.

"No. I'm worried that Sebastian will stop me from getting close to her sister. The best plan I can come up with is to seduce her in any way possible. That way, I can be her husband, and Nathalie will realize that I'm into her," I remark.

Luke stops eating and puts down his cutlery. Even Trevor's expression turns pale. Luke sigh.

"I knew it. You just wanted to steal Natalie from Jackson. Then you only need to seduce her or make her fall for you," he says.

"Trevor is correct. You don't need to use Kristine. Please, show some respect, and don't do to others what Nathalie did to you!"

Luke's words awaken my ego. Both of my friends had kicked my ass. Am I doing this to have Nathalie back? I grab my glass and drink all the champagne that I poured on the glass.

All of a sudden, the people that I hate the most enter the place. It's Nathalie and Jackson. They look happy, especially Nathalie. of all people!

"NO. I won't change my plan," I remark as my jaw clenches.

"Luke, get the bill. Let's leave this place now," Trevor says.

Luke raised his hands, and the waiter came, and he asked for the bill. After two minutes, he came back. He left a 100-dollar tip, and we all left the restaurant unnoticed.

Trevor left the restaurant and went home. On the road, I saw Luke checking me out in the mirror. I didn't speak or think of a way that I could have Kristine's time. On how I will conquer her and make her fall into my traps.

After that dinner that we had, I worked for several days until the weekend arrived. I was reading some letters when I saw a gallery invitation from my classmate, who became a photo artist.

He loves photography, and finally, his dream of opening an art gallery came true. Maybe I'll go there to take a break. I hope it will me creating a plan to tame my ex's aunt. The event is today at 5 p.m.

I better get ready. It's already 3:37 p.m. After taking a shower and wearing appropriate clothes, I grabbed my keys and left my mansion. When I arrived in the gallery, Mr. Jones approached me. He smiled.

"Finally! I thought you wouldn't come, classmate," Jake says.

"Of course, I have to unwind without wine or disturbing music from bars," I remark.

He laughed. He signed for me to come with him, and we entered his gallery. I smiled because I saw different pictures in every corner of the gallery room. He is indeed talented, as always.

"You have finally achieved your goal. I'm happy for you, Jake. Your ability had finally paid off," I observed.

He laugh and we both stood in front of the biggest portraits in the entire gallery. There's a wall in the middle where he puts the prettiest pictures he ever takes.

"Is this Mount Fuji in Japan?" I ask.

He nodded, and we both stared at the picture. It was during the spring. The sunset kisses the mountain as raindrops fall at the same time.

He captures the beauty of rain and sunsets. We both participate in photography club but as a sole heir of my dad, I forget my passion in photography.

"Classmate, I have to check on the other guest. Please enjoy the event, okay? I will talk to you again later," Jake says. I smiled and nodded.

"Just go ahead. You don't need to mind me. I'll take care of myself," I remark.

He nodded and left me. When a waiter approaches me, I grab a glass of champagne off the tray. We both smiled at each other, and he left me afterward. I walked on the other side of the wall. This time, humans are his subjects.

"Uhm, he captures the smile of this college student perfectly. Don't you think her smile says the success that she felt after graduating?" she ask.

I look to my side, and I'm surprised to see the woman who stood beside me. She turned around and faced me.

"Kristine?" I mumbled.

She chuckled and asked for a toast. I raise my glass, and our glasses touch each other. She face the portraits as she sips her champagne. I didn't expect that, but I feel thrilled to see her again. I'm glad I get the chance to meet her again.

"By the way, thank you for what you did at my brother's party." the other guest just murmured around and even mocked Jackson's ex-mother-in-law.

"I just left the country for 10 years, and now that I'm back, I realize that my family has changed a lot. Oh well, people change because of wealth. Don't you agree, Mr. Aveyard?"

I can sense anger in what she said. It feels like she has bitterness that she can't hide. I think Luke is right. I already noticed that at Sebastian's party. I sip my champagne first before I answer her.

"Yes, I know that too well," I replied. She chuckled softly.

"I had no idea you were an artist. Do you love photography?"

"I did. way back in my high school and college years. But as a sole heir, I need to focus my attention on my family's businesses."

"Really? I also love photography and the arts. But it hates me. I'm not good in taking picture, I literally suck on it," she mumbled. I laugh.

"Maybe I can help you out some other time," I offered.

She looks at me, and I see how her eyebrows furrow. I look at her seriously.

"I am not joking, Ms. Sanchez," I added. She ends up smiling.

"Please, I think we're the same age. Just call me Kristine, like you said a while ago. Not a bad idea. At least you can help me take pictures. When I take pictures, it looks scary. Especially when it comes to humans and animals. They look like aliens."

She grabbed her phone and gave it to me. I was surprised that she treated it as if it were nothing. I look at her gallery, and I can't hide my smile and even laugh because of it. She frowned at me and pouted.

"What are you laughing at, hmm?" she says, and she corners me on the wall. She realizes they are getting too close. I suddenly wanted to kiss her!