My Favourite Widow

Knock! Knock!

Beneath her thick blanket, the girl remained curled up like a cocoon, oblivious to the persistent tapping at the door. That morning, the air was frigid, like a knife against her skin. She huddled under the covers, dreading the thought of getting out of bed. The alarm clock on the nightstand rang incessantly, but she refused to open her eyes.

The door to her room burst open, its hinges creaking in protest. A platinum-blonde woman with hair so perfectly styled, it looked like it had been carved from ice, strutted into the room and crossed her arms across her chest. Her pursed lips and narrowed eyes betrayed her anger.

"Seriously, Raquel, aren't you going to your college once again?" The woman's voice was laced with annoyance as she asked the girl, who was curled up under a thick blanket like a caterpillar.

The girl's peaceful slumber was unstirred by the woman's words, her blanket cocooning her like a warm cloud.

"Jesus, Raquel! Are you deaf? It's 7am and you're still in bed, snoring like a pig!" the woman thundered, her voice echoing through the bedroom.

The woman's face flushed with anger as she realized Raquel was ignoring her again. Her jaw clenched and her fists curled into balls.

She took a deep breath and let out a scream that pierced the air like a knife. "Wake up, sleepyhead! It's already nine. Are you planning to miss your first class?"

Raquel's eyes flew open like startled birds, jolted awake by the realization that it was already 9 am.

Her body collapsed onto the bed like a crumpled sack of potatoes, and she rubbed her eyes, which were heavy as lead."Why are you still glued here when the sun is already high in the sky?"

Emma, a young woman with tired eyes and a resigned expression, simply shook her head as she watched her niece, Raquel de Angelis, the one with sleepy eyes that drooped like half-closed curtains, complained.

"Open your sleepy eyes and let the world in."

Raquel's lips formed a thin line as she reached for her phone on the nightstand, its backlit screen casting a ghostly glow across her face.

"Aunt Emma!" she wailed, her voice breaking with grief.

Emma's lips twitched with barely restrained mirth, but she bit back a retort, keeping her expression neutral.

Raquel's eyes narrowed in disgust as she heaved a sigh and glared at Emma. "Why do you delight in tormenting me so?"

"Rise and shine! Wake up and smell the coffee, Raquel! Breakfast is served. Shake off your torpor, my dear. The day is ripe for adventure."

"Aren't you working today, Aunt Emma?" Raquel's eyes darted around the room, following Emma's every move as she glided to the window.

Emma's slender fingers gracefully parted the pink curtains, revealing the first rays of morning sunlight. The sunlight danced across Raquel's room, illuminating her face with a soft glow.

Emma turned her head and nodded her petite head, her platinum-blonde curls bouncing like the waves on a windy day. "Coincidentally, I have today off," she said, her voice as sweet as honey. "So, it wouldn't hurt if we had breakfast together, would it?"

"Well."

Emma's hands folded in a neat triangle beneath her chin, and her lips curved into a gentle smile.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," she said in a voice as soft as morning sunlight. "It's time to wash your face and join me for breakfast downstairs."

Raquel shrugged nonchalantly, her eyes half-lidded and her lips curled into a bored pout. She couldn't muster up the energy to care about her auntie's disapproving gaze.

Raquel drooped her head on Emma's shoulder, her eyelids heavy as lead. "I could sleep for a week," she yawned.

Emma's voice boomed like a cannon across the bedroom, jolting her awake. "Let's go! It's already 7 o'clock! You need to wake up and get ready earlier."

Raquel had been living with Emma since her parents' business trips took them out of California more often than not. Emma's house had become her home base, a cozy haven where she could escape the constant upheaval of her parents' nomadic lifestyle.

Raquel prefers the warm embrace of Emma's cozy apartment to the sterile walls of her campus dorm.

Emma, Emily's younger sister and guardian, was a well-established lawyer with a sharp mind and a reputation for winning cases. Aldric Bethoover, her husband of five blissful years, had perished in a fiery plane crash while on duty, leaving her a widow at the young age of twenty-seven.

Emma loved Raquel like a daughter, her heart overflowing with affection for Raquel. So when Emily and Marvin offered for Emma to take care of Raquel while they worked, she jumped at the chance.

"Let's go," Emma said briskly, the scent of sizzling bacon wafting up from the kitchen stairs. "I'm waiting downstairs with a feast fit for a queen."

Raquel's stomach growled as she emerged from her room, drawn by the intoxicating scent of Emma's cooking. It wafted through the air like a warm embrace, promising a feast for the senses.

The mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the kitchen, teasing Raquel's senses. Her stomach growled in anticipation, its rumbling echoing through the quiet room.

Emma giggled as Raquel's stomach growled like a hungry lion, announcing her arrival in the kitchen. "Your stomach is growling like a hungry lion, so let's feast on the delicious food I've prepared for you. From the tender, juicy bacon to the flaky, buttery croissants, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So come and dig in!"

"I'm counting calories and sweating it out at the gym every day," Raquel said, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I'm determined to have a body like my idol, with chiseled abs and curves in all the right places."

Raquel, her slender waistline cinched in a blue sleepwear, turned around with a glass of water in her hand.

Emma shook her head, her eyes lingering on her niece's gaunt cheeks and sunken eyes. "You look like you've lost so much weight, dear. You're skin and bones."

Raquel's eyes darted to the ceiling, her brow furrowed in frustration. "All idols starve themselves to stay thin."

Emma's lips curled up in a wry smile as she reached out to squeeze Raquel's delicate wrist. "Enough, my dear. You're already as slender as a willow branch. It's time to stop."

"Whatever." Raquel's pout deepened as she plopped down in front of Emma, her eyes darting to the croissant, bacon, and salad piled high on her plate.

"Savor your breakfast, my dear. Your mind is a ravenous beast, and today it will need all the nourishment it can get," Emma said with a wink.

Raquel's fork scraped softly against her plate as she ate, her eyes downcast. Emma watched her with bated breath, her heart pounding in her chest. In Emma's eyes, a storm of emotions raged: fear, sadness, and love. She was terrified of losing her beloved niece, but she also knew that Emma had to do this.

***

Raquel's heart pounded with excitement as she stepped out of Emma's car and onto the bustling campus. Her eyes scanned the crowd for a glimpse of her crush, Jonas Hemington, and her best friend, Nina Moore.

"Morning, sweetie,"

Raquel's face blossomed into a sweet smile as Jonas, a towering figure, materialized behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his touch as tender as a summer breeze.

Jonas Hemington is a young man with a charming smile and kind eyes that draw many to him. He is greatly admired across campus for his compassionate nature and passionate leadership of various charitable initiatives that better the student community. His popularity seems to stem from selflessly giving his time to help others.

More importantly, Jonas's intellect is evident in his seamless progress as a medical student. While some classmates struggle, repeating semesters, he is already finishing his final term, drawing admiring glances as he aces exams.

"Jonas, you sneak," Raquel said with feigned surprise, placing a delicate hand over her chest as if startled by his sudden appearance.

Jonas's warm chuckle escaped his lips as he noticed the delicate flush that had painted Raquel's cheeks. With a loving expression on his face, he reached out and gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, his fingers lingering on her soft skin. Then, he reached into his backpack and pulled out a small jar.

Jonas held out a small, amber jar filled with a rich, velvety chocolate. "I ordered this just for you, sweetie," he said. "To celebrate your finishing the diet program."

"You're too kind, Jonas," Raquel said, her face glowing with joy as she accepted the gift. His considerate gesture warmed her heart.

"It was nothing," Jonas replied bashfully. "I wanted to select something special for you, my dear, so I chose low-sugar chocolate to indulge your sweet tooth without guilt."

Raquel's silvery laughter cascaded like a waterfall, her hand fluttering to cover her mouth in a delicate gesture.

"Displaying fondness at dawn?" Nina teasingly inquired upon her arrival.

"Why greet the morning as happily as the birds?" Raquel laughed.

"Come now, it's too early to flaunt affection before a single soul like me," Nina complained, though her sour smile didn't reach her eyes.

"Hey, Nina," Jonas grinned, his eyes twinkling like stars in the night sky.

Nina chuckled, teasing him. "Well, Jonas. I think it's about time you meet your fake girlfriend in the lab. I hope she's worth all the trouble."

Nina always teased Jonas because she knew that recently he had been studying human anatomy with a fake human model in the lab.

"Come on, Nina. It's only 9 in the morning. I don't want to rush into the lab and meet that professor," Jonas turned his head in frustration.

"Nina, please stop bullying him all the time," reprimanded Raquel, feeling remorseful for Jonas.

Jonas leaned in, aligning lips to Raquel's ear. "I understand her well, dear heart, so do not fault yourself," he whispered reassuringly.

At his soothing tone, Raquel smiled, tension easing from her shoulders. His empathy dispelled lingering doubts as always, leaving only warmth between souls long attuned.

Eyes aflame, Nina provoked, "Must you cater to their whims so, Raquel? Your kind heart blinds you to designs less noble."

Raquel squirmed in Nina's grip, like a fish out of water. "Nina, let me go!" she pleaded. "Jonas, I'm so sorry, but I have to run to my class. Thank you for the chocolate."

"Alright, my darling. After class, I'll be waiting for you beneath the ancient oak tree, where the sunlight dances on the leaves and the birds sing their sweetest songs. See you soon."

Since the previous semester, rumors had swirled about Jonas's relentless pursuit of Raquel, the daughter of a prominent city investor. Once unkempt, he now sported a polished new look, his once-ragged clothes replaced with tailored suits. His eagerness to win Raquel's favor was as palpable as the scent of his newfound cologne.

Despite the sparks flying between them, Raquel and Jonas's relationship never blossomed into a full-fledged romance. They danced around each other like moths drawn to a flame, but neither dared to take the first step.

Raquel, scarred by a trail of immature boyfriends since high school, guarded her heart like a fortress, refusing to give Jonas the key, even though she felt a growing fondness for him. Their relationship was a tangled web, a dance of intimacy and distance, a "friends with benefits" arrangement that left her feeling both fulfilled and unfulfilled.

"Jonas is a veritable Romeo, his lips dripping with honeyed words like a 70s ballad," Nina sighed, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she walked ahead of Raquel.

Raquel's eyes sparkled with fondness as she gazed at the jar of chocolate in her hands, her grip tightening reflexively.

"Isn't it true that lovers have always been this way, through the ages?" she asked with a chuckle.

Nina darted a glance, rolling her eyes. "Raquel, aren't you tired being in some unconventional bond without labels like that with Jonas?"

"We're quite comfortable with one another, Nina," Raquel shrugged lightly. "Through open talks more intimate than any act, Jonas and I have found solace few enjoy. This liberates, not confines us."

Nina let out a small sigh and paused, her eyes boring into Raquel's. "Raquel, think about this carefully. You and Jonas have feelings for each other, but you're not really dating. Consider that in this world, nothing is impossible, my dear. Even the stars could align and bring you together, if that's what you both want."

"Nina, please," Raquel smiled gently. "I don't wish to dwell on it further. I know myself - wild at times, yet I hold fast to my mother's message 'no sex before graduation', with Jonas or otherwise."

"Well, whatever - I hope Jonas knows better than to toy with your heart like other immature boys."

"Of course," Raquel replied, her eyes lighting up. "I heard his father's a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Growing up in such a privileged and nurturing environment must have instilled in Jonas not only impeccable manners, but also a deep sense of compassion and empathy."

"Yes, it's your choice," Nina shrugged. "But rest assured, if he hurts you, I will hold Jonas accountable - with care."

"He wouldn't," Raquel insisted as their steps fell in sync. She gifted Nina a smile, hand on her arm conveying resilience. Nina returned the smile, hitting the elevator's button to respect her friend's judgement while maintaining guardianship from afar should she be needed.

***

Raquel's mind was a tangled mess of confusion as she left her class. Her professor's words had swirled around her head like a tornado, leaving her feeling lost and bewildered. The professor's lecture meandered like a drunken river, veering off course at every turn to discuss unrelated topics.

Her annoyance sparked a creative fire within her, and she began to sketch a peculiar portrait of Prince 'Jonas' on the back of her notebook.

"Raquel, can you still wrap your head around what Mr. Will said?" Nina asked, her face etched with exhaustion.

Raquel's brow furrowed as she sighed heavily. "I didn't understand a lick of what he droned on about for two hours straight. But if you want to switch programs, that's fine."

"And of course, I would have to start all over from semester one," Nina shook her head as if unwilling to accept Raquel's idea.

"By the way, you must be tired. Do you want to go home?" Raquel turned in concern.

"Of course. I can't wait to sink into the cool, sunflower-scented water and let the day melt away." Nina paused, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "And you still want to go on a date with Jonas, right?"

"I'll wait in the lobby," Raquel smiled radiantly, eyes dancing.

"Well done. Did you not even bother to contact your aunt before meeting Jonas?" Nina's eyes narrowed, like the slits of a snake waiting to strike.

"No, I didn't," Raquel admitted reassuringly. "But I'll wait for Jonas and go home with him."

Nina nodded knowingly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Still stuck in the driver's seat of purgatory, eh?"

Raquel shook her head, expression part hopeful, part anxious.

"My sweet, so good to see you here waiting," Jonas's voice, like a warm embrace on a chilly day, startled the girls from their reverie.

"Jonas..." Raquel's lips curved softly as her eyes lifted, noticing Jonas there. A gentle gasp escaped.

Mischievously, Jonas pinched Raquel's nose, eliciting a surprised giggle. Her scrunched nose showed how she treasured his teasing ways. Warmth blossomed in their gazing, this bond one to nourish all who bore witness.

Nina's stomach churned like a roller coaster as she watched the lovebirds whisper sweet nothings to each other, oblivious to her presence. "Could you two please tone down the PDA? It's making me feel like a third wheel."

Alexander, Jonas's shadow, stifled a chuckle as he watched Nina's green eyes narrow with jealousy. "Is your soul poisoned by the venom of jealousy?"

"Jealous? No way. Why would I be jealous of my best friend, who's always been there for me, through thick and thin?" Nina's eyes scrunched up in annoyance as Alexander teased her with a playful grin.

"If you're green with envy over our bond, Alex is willing to be your temporary beau." Jonas's voice pierced through the silence like a sword, startling the others.

"Have you ever seen a donkey try to eat a cactus? It's not pretty. But I'd rather go on a date with one of those prickly bastards than with Alexander Watts." Nina's steely gaze pierced Alexander's soul, like a dagger cutting through butter. Her scorn was palpable, like the thick, acrid smoke of a burning forest.

"Hey, my love. Don't pretend to hate me. Who knows? Five years from now, we might be sharing a cozy nest, our laughter echoing through the walls."

"Well, you are my butler and I am your highness master," Nina interjected.

Raquel and Jonas's eyes crinkled with laughter as they shared a knowing chuckle, the sound like the gentle tinkling of bells on a summer breeze.

"Ugh, I'm losing my mind here. I'd better go home before I explode." Nina enveloped Raquel in a warm hug before slipping out of the campus lobby, her heart heavy as lead.

"Her eyes are like ice cubes when they meet mine." Alexander rested his chin on his hand, his lips pursed in thought.

"Maybe she's immune to your clumsy attempts at flirtation, like a seasoned bouncer at an exclusive club." Jonas's hand landed on Alex's shoulder with the weight of a reassuring boulder. "Change your ways."

"Damn you, Jonas, to the seventh circle of hell!"

Jonas's arm slid around Raquel's waist, drawing her close as they strolled towards their secluded hideaway. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of fiery orange and amber, casting a golden glow over the path ahead.

"Did you nail your presentation? Did it knock your audience's socks off?"

Raquel's tears welled up in her eyes like a river about to burst its banks. "It was quite challenging."

"Oh really? Do you want to tell me about it?" Jonas's lips curved into a smile as his beloved began to speak. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, savoring the moment.

Raquel nodded, but the tension in her temples felt like a throbbing drumbeat. "Mr. Josh Cullen's droning voice droned on and on, lulling me into a hypnotic state. His words were like a thick fog, obscuring my understanding of the topic. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of confusion, and I couldn't find my way to the surface."

With a playful glint in his eye, Jonas cupped Raquel's cheek in his palm, his fingers tracing the soft curve of her jaw. "It's okay, you're just tired after the presentation, and your capacity is like that. When you're tired, it's okay to take a rest, and absolutely don't feel like giving up. A good rest will leave you ready to tackle it with fresh eyes tomorrow."

"Jonas, I feel like my brain is a dumpster fire right now. I'm so burnt out, I can't even think straight. Is there any way I can switch educational programs?" Raquel's bottom lip jutted out like a petulant child's, and she muttered a complaint under her breath.

Jonas hugged to the girl of his dreams, his heart pounding like a caged bird. "Didn't you tell me that your parents are pushing you to take over the family business someday?"

Raquel's sigh was so deep and mournful, it sounded like the wind whistling through a graveyard. "My parents would drill me like a sergeant if I switched educational programs."

"That's why. Take a break and bounce back soon." Jonas chuckled. "I know how to temporarily forget about this problem."

Raquel turned towards him. "What is it, Jonas? What's your plan?"

"What if we visit the shopping center and play games or just indulge in delicious food?"

"Great idea." Raquel smiled widely.

"Well, princess. Let's go right now." Jonas took off his leather jacket and handed it to Raquel.

Raquel slipped on the sleek, black helmet, feeling its weight settle on her shoulders reassuringly. Jonas helped her tighten the chin strap, his fingers brushing against her skin gently. She smiled, knowing that he always took care of her, especially when they were riding his beloved Ducati motorcycle.

Jonas's gaze lingered on Raquel's face as he finished fastening her helmet strap.

"You look like Aphrodite herself today," he said

JENO HELD OUT A PINT OF RICH, CREAMY CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM TO RAQUEL. His eyes sparkled with mischief as he said, "A special chocolate flavor for a sweet girl."

"Thank you so much, Jonas. You consistently comprehend my desires." Raquel's cheeks flushed like a summer rose as Jonas's hand brushed against hers, his eyes sparkling with unspoken promises.

Jonas wasn't a fan of ice cream himself, but he loved watching Raquel eat it. She had the same wide-eyed wonder and messy enthusiasm as a toddler learning to eat for the first time.

To him, Raquel was like an angel without wings. Her eyes were as clear and blue as the sky, and her smile was as warm as the sun. She moved with the grace and lightness of a bird. She always spoke kindly and thoughtfully, even to those who were unkind to her.

"Raquel, you are truly beautiful. I often wonder what qualities your parents must possess to have a daughter as lovely as you."

Raquel's sigh turned into a snort, and her eyes glazed over as Jonas continued to shower her with compliments. She felt like a prisoner in a cheesy romance novel, forced to listen to the hero's over-the-top declarations of love.

"Jonas," she whispered, her voice like a cracked ice floe floating on a frozen sea. "Can you please stop acting like this towards me?"

"Truthfully, I can't stop praising your beauty, Raquel De Angelis," Jonas said with a warm grin.

Raquel's phone rang like a siren, jolting her out of her thoughts. She fumbled with it, her heart pounding in her chest. Finally, she answered the call, her voice trembling.

"Yes, Aunt Emma?"

"Raquel, is your class over?" Emma asked hastily over the phone call. "Raquel answered..."

"Actually, it's been over since earlier. But I'm hanging out with my friend," Raquel said to Emma honestly.

"Your parents are home. It's better for you to come home now because there's something we need to discuss," Emma's voice was a relentless drumbeat in Raquel's ears, urging her to come home.

Raquel's eyes widened like saucers, her heart skipping a beat. It was rare for her mom and dad to return to California without giving her a heads up, and the suddenness of their arrival filled her with a mix of emotions: excitement, surprise, and a hint of anxiety. Did they forget to call her or was there something urgent to discuss?

"Raquel... can you hear me, dear?"

"Well, Aunt Emma, but why didn't they call beforehand?"

"Raquel, there's an important matter that caused that, dear. It's better for you to say goodbye and come home now. Okay."

Raquel sighed as her Aunt's call cut their evening short. She had been laughing with Jonas by the zen pond, finally relaxing after weeks of stress. But her parents were home - the fun was over.

"Well, I'll head home soon."

"Be careful, sweet girl."

Raquel ended the call, her face unreadable. Jonas searched her eyes for a clue, but found only a storm raging within.

Jonas's voice cracked like a rusty hinge as he asked, "Is there something wrong?"

"Well, my parents returned home unexpectedly this morning without notifying me. It seems like they're going to discuss something important, Jonas." Raquel's phone weighed heavily in her hand as she slipped it into her bag. Her sigh echoed like a hollow drumbeat in the empty room.

"Don't worry sweetheart, I'm sure they just have a special surprise planned for your visit," Jonas's smile widened as he gently tucked a few strands of Raquel's hair behind her ear, revealing her radiant face. Her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, and her cheeks bloomed with a rosy hue. "It's been such a long time since they've been back home in California, after all. I'm certain they're excited to see you and want to make your reunion extra special."

"But we just got here! I was hoping to try their specialty coffee drinks." Raquel sighed wistfully, her bottom lip protruding in a pout.

"I know, it's a bummer. But next time we'll linger longer, check out the bakery case too. How's that sound?"

Raquel turned to Jonas, biting her lip anxiously. "I know we were supposed to hang out, but would you mind terribly if I headed home a bit early?"

"Of course, no problem at all. Don't fret - take your time with your ice cream, and I'll make sure you get home safe."

Raquel smiled in relief. "Thank you, Jonas, for understanding. You're always so kind."

Raquel nodded her head, her platinum-blonde bobbing like waves in a gentle sea. Jonas had indeed escorted her to Emma's house.

She turned to Jonas, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.

"Thank you for walking me home," she said softly.

Jonas smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"It was my pleasure," he replied. "I'm always happy to help my beloved one."

Raquel handed Jonas her helmet with a hopeful smile. "Since we're already here, would you like to pop in and say hi to Dad? I'm sure he'd love to meet you."

Jonas fidgeted, chewing his lip uneasily. "I appreciate the invitation, darling, it's just...meeting parents makes me nervous as a cat. But you can tell your dad I'll be studying extra hard. When I ace my exams and top my class, I'll feel more confident he'll approve of me for his daughter."

"Do I have to wait a little longer?" Raquel asked, eyebrows raised as she smiled up at Jonas expectantly.

Jonas chuckled. "Not much longer. Come on, go inside and meet your parents. They must be really missing their beautiful daughter."

Raquel nodded to Jonas and waved her hand, then darted into Emma's house. As she stepped into the foyer, Emma's hand shot out and grabbed Raquel's arm, like a lightning bolt striking from a clear sky.

"Who's that boy?" Emma asked, her eyebrows raised with curious intrigue

"His name is Jonas," she replied, hoping her tone stayed casual.

Emma leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming.

"And is there something...more between you two?" she pressed, as if sniffing out relationship gossip.

Raquel's cheeks flushed like a ripe tomato at Emma's question.

"Answer me, Raquel," Emma whispered, her tone taking on an edge Raquel hadn't heard before.

"Where are Mom and Dad?" Raquel asked, a note of desperation creeping into her voice. She glanced around the room, As if hoping to locate them for a hasty escape.

Raquel's heart leaped into her throat when she saw Emily's familiar figure approaching. She felt like she had been holding her breath for months, and now she could finally exhale.

Raquel ran towards Emily and wrapped her arms around her tightly. She squeezed her mom close, feeling the warmth of Emily's body and the familiar smell of her perfume.

"Look at you," Emily murmured, stroking Raquel's cheek with a caring smile. "Even more radiant than the last time I saw you."

"I missed you," Raquel said shakily.

Emily's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, and her eyes welled up with tears. She released her embrace and gently stroked Raquel's head, her fingers sinking into the platinum-blonde's soft, dark hair.

"I'm sorry, my sweet child. It was very sudden, my dear. But there's something serious we need to discuss."

"What's happening, Mom?" Raquel asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

Emily gave Emma a pointed look, and Emma immediately slipped out of the room. Emily then guided Raquel to the living room, where Marvin was sitting, his eyes fixed on the door.

"Raquel," Marvin's lips trembled as he caught sight of Raquel and Emily drawing near. "How are you, my dear?"

"I'm doing well, Dad."

Marvin patted the empty sofa next to him, inviting Raquel to sit. Raquel hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest.

"Actually, Raquel, we need to discuss something important with you," Marvin sighed and locked eyes with her.

Raquel's eyes darted to Emily, seeking answers. But Emily remained silent, her head bowed low. A shadow of sadness hung over her, like a heavy cloud on a gloomy day.

Raquel's heart sank. She knew Emily was hiding something, but she didn't know what.

Marvin took a deep breath and leaned forward. "Are you ready to hear it, Raquel?"

Raquel nodded slowly, her eyes still fixed on his.

Marvin took another deep breath and began to speak

"Our business is not doing well, my dear," he said, his voice as weary as the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Raquel's eyes widened in shock as she heard the news. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she felt her hands tremble. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Emily's voice was soft and soothing as she reached out and squeezed Raquel's hand.

"Sweetheart," she said, "Please calm down first. Listen to our explanation so that you can understand."

Emma's footsteps echoed softly on the polished hardwood floor as she carried a tray of steaming black Earl Grey tea into the room. She placed the tray on the coffee table in front of Raquel, Emily, and Marvin, and their eyes immediately lit up at the sight of the fragrant brew.

Emma's fingers danced lightly over the fine china cups as she poured the tea, carefully measuring out the perfect amount for each person. The steam rose from the cups, carrying with it the intoxicating aroma of bergamot and citrus.

"Here you go," Emma said, smiling. "Enjoy."

"Thanks, Emma. But let I say something to Raquel first." Marvin smiled.

"Well."

"Our business is in ruins," Marvin said, running a hand through his hair in disbelief. "One erroneous trade wiped out billionswithin seconds. I stare at the books but the figures make no sense - I don't know how did this happen?"

His shoulders slumped under the weight of all the jobs now at stake. The implications were devastating. This was a catastrophe he never could have foreseen.

"Dad..."

"Our stocks have been manipulated by multiple parties who have the intention to deceive us. However, if you can assist me, my dear, we can address this significant issue." Marvin's gaze turned to Raquel, who remained perplexed about Marvin and Emily's primary motive.

"W-what is it, Dad?" Raquel stammered.

As Marvin whispered Pablo Pavlovna's name to Raquel, she could feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. The name was like a cold, sharp knife being dragged across her skin, leaving an icy trail behind it.

"You've heard of him, right?" Marvin's words echoed through Raquel's mind, filling her with a sense of dread that she couldn't explain.

Raquel's heart was racing as she listened to Marvin's words. The mere mention of Pablo Pavlovna's name filled her with a sense of foreboding, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over her.

"Pablo Pavlovna..." she whispered, repeating the name as if it was a curse word. To her, Pablo Pavlovna's name was synonymous with corruption, deception, and underhanded tactics, and she couldn't imagine why Marvin was bringing up his name now.

"Dad, you know what kind of person Pablo Pavlovna is," Raquel exclaimed, trying to hide the fear and frustration in her voice.

"Please forgive us, my dear, but we are left with no alternative," Marvin lowered his head.

"Dad, don't you know how devious he is?" Raquel sighed.

"We may have found another option," Marvin began cautiously, "But it comes with risks."

Raquel's eyes narrowed. "Go on, dad."

"His firm is willing to offer a low-interest loan. But their representative was vague on repayment terms."

"And what do they want in return for this generosity?"

Marvin paused, choosing his words carefully.

"What are his demands, dad?" Raquel interlaced her fingers, a sense of disappointment creeping in as she grasped the potential peril her father faced. "Do you intend to tarnish our business realm with such unethical transactions?"

"He only asks for one thing. That is... to marry you to his son," Marvin pleaded, falling to his knees in desperation. His eyes welled with tears as he grasped Raquel's hands. "Please, I beg of you. It would save our family from ruin."

Raquel stood up in utter shock, her body trembling like a leaf. Her mind raced at lightning speed but found no words that could escape her open mouth. Images of her future dashed before her eyes - a loveless marriage, a controlling husband, a life in a prison she did not choose. She wanted to scream but no sound came out. After what felt like an eternity, she gasped "I...I cannot."

"How could you want to marry me off to the son of a mafia, Dad?" Raquel whispered angrily, her nostrils flaring in rage. "After everything they've put stake many family, how can you trust them?"

"Raquel, please, lower your voice," Marvin begged, glancing nervously at her. "This is only temporary, I assure you. Just until I can clear our debts."

"Raquel, please understand-" Marvin began, but she cut him off.

"No, I won't be sold off like cattle! This family's problems are yours to fix, not mine. Find another solution."

Emily pulled Raquel's arm. "Please, my dear, I am our only hope."

"I don't love him, Mom, Dad. Don't force me into this," Raquel growled.

"I promise, once we can stabilize our business's economy, you can divorce him," Marvin tried to reassure Raquel as best as he could.

"And I become a widow?" Raquel shook her head slowly.

Raquel flew up the stairs two at a time, her parents' desperate calls fading behind closed doors. Chest heaving, she leaned against the wall, hot tears spilling unbidden as reality crashed over her.

Betrothed against her will, to a man who could end her life in an instant. A gilded cage or early grave - those were her only options. Rage and grief warred within until she let out an anguished scream.

Knock! Knock!

Still weary but curious, Raquel cracked open the door. Emma's warm smile greeted her, along with the heavenly scent of strawberry muffins.

"May I come in?" Emma asked. At Raquel's nod, she entered bearing the peace offering. "I thought you could use something comforting."

She had been crying since she left Marvin and Emily. Slowly, she wiped away her tears and opened the door for Emma. However, Raquel didn't meet Emma's gaze but instead slumped on her bed.

Seeing Raquel's brokenness, Emma's maternal instincts swelled. She set aside the muffins and knelt by the bed, gathering Raquel's hands in her own.

"My dear Raquel, I understand that you must feel devastated by this decision," Emma spoke softly. "But we have no other choice, my sweet child."

Raquel stood tall, tears streaming down her cheeks, as she spoke with a sense of conviction in her voice.

"I don't want to marry someone I don't even know," she said, the words spilling out of her mouth like a torrent of emotion.

It was clear that this issue was causing her a great deal of distress, and Emma could feel her heart aching for her beloved niece.

Raquel's voice cracked as she continued, her eyes brimming with tears.

"I just don't understand how my own father could even consider this," she said with a mix of disappointment and disbelief.

Emma's tender touch on Raquel's head stirred something deep within her, like the comforting touch of a mother's caress or a beloved aunt's embrace. Raquel's body relaxed into the warmth of her aunt's arms, feeling the weight of her troubles lifted from her shoulders, if only momentarily.

Emma's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at her niece. She knew that Raquel was dreading her upcoming marriage to a wealthy businessman and a mafia's son, but she also knew that her family's business was on the verge of bankruptcy.

"I wish I could help you, Raquel," Emma whispered. "But I only have $10,000 in the bank."

Emma's words were like a dagger to Raquel's heart. She had hoped that her aunt would be able to help her, but Emma's savings were not enough to cover their debt. Raquel felt like she was drowning in a sea of despair.

Emma's fingers gently tilted Raquel's chin up, her eyes searching hers. "So, is that boy named Jonas your boyfriend?"

Raquel's heart skipped a beat at the question. She had been crushing on Jonas for months, but they hadn't made it official yet. "We're very close," she whispered, "but we haven't officially started dating."

Emma's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Do you love him, Raquel?"

Raquel's breath caught in her throat. She looked into Emma's eyes and saw the same love and longing that she felt in her own heart. "Very much," she said. "I don't want to be separated from him."

Emma's fingers snapped like the crack of a whip, her eyes flashing with determination. "Raquel, keep your relationship with him if you love Jonas. But for now, you have to marry that man. I will prepare a legal agreement so that your marriage is only for business purposes."

Raquel stared at her Aunty, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never seen Emma so serious before.

Raquel's gaze shifted to the floor as she asked her Aunt Emma, "Will that work well, Aunt Emma? Aren't they so cunning? They could tear apart and manipulate our family's life 100%."

"Shh, it's alright Raquel," Emma soothed, rubbing her niece's back gently. "I know this marriage stuff with Pavlovna's family has you stressed. But you know I've got your back - I'll have a talk with your mum and dad and make sure the terms are fair for both sides, nothing you're not comfortable with. Don't cry now, I'm here for you. Dry those eyes, yeah? Let's get some tea and enjoy my special muffins, that always cheers you up. I'll sort this out, you'll see - everything's gonna work out just fine in the end."

Shortly after, someone knocked on Raquel's bedroom door again. Emma sighed and quickly opened the door. It turned out to be Nina, who had come to visit after Raquel sent her a message a few hours ago.

Emma hurried to the door, her boots tapping briskly against the hardwood. With a flick of her wrist, she pulled it open to find Nina standing breathless on the other side.

"Is Raquel alright?" Nina panted, catching her breath. Emma sighed inwardly, hoping word hadn't spread too far of the marriage drama. She glanced back at Raquel, who sat sniffling into a handkerchief, and turned to Nina with a tender smile.

"She'll be fine, just a bit of troubles with her parents is all. Come in and say hello, I'm sure she'd appreciate the company right now."

After Nina entered Raquel's room, she plopped down beside her on the bed with a sigh.

"Hard day?" she asked, peering over at her friend.

Raquel just nodded, staring off into space with a frown.

Just then, Emma popped her head in the door, her blue eyes bright and cheery. "You girls doing okay in here? Don't forget those muffins - I slaved over a hot stove to bake them fresh for ya. I'll bring up a new batch as soon as these ones are gone. Might brighten your moods a little."

"Thank you so much, Aunt Emma," Raquel whispered.

With that, she flashed them a smile and disappeared, closing the door softly behind her. Nina leaned back on her hands and sighed again, gazing around the familiar room decorated with Raquel's posters and photos.

"Wanna talk about it?" she asked gently.

"I'm serious. There's no other choice," Raquel sobbed, clutching Nina's arm in desperation.

Nina's heart broke seeing her dearest friend normally so strong now reduced to tears. She gently squeezed Raquel's trembling shoulder, unable to bear her distress.

"Please tell me what's happened, my friend. Who is forcing your hand?" Nina asked gently. "Is he someone we know? An old man, perhaps?"

"Have you ever heard of a company called Pablo Pavlovna Imports?" Raquel asked Nina hurriedly. "Word on the street is they have connections in some shady circles."

"Um...are you going to be Pablo's wife?" Nina asked cautiously.

"No, but his son," Raquel replied curtly. She felt uneasy about the proposition but didn't want to be rude.

"I see," Nina said slowly, taking in Raquel's expression. "And they presented this arrangement as your only option for assistance?"

Raquel simply nodded, unable to find the words to describe her helplessness. A heavy silence fell between the friends, the reality of her limited choices pressing down. Nina reached out and grasped her hand sympathetically.

"I can't believe it," Nina said, her voice trembling. "Your family has been in business for generations. How could this happen?"

Raquel shook her head.

"I don't know," she said, her voice breaking. "It was like a house of cards. One little thing went wrong, and everything came crashing down."

"How much the loss of your company, Raquel?"

"I don't know why all of this happened. All I know is that the losses we have suffered are tremendous," Raquel hugged herself, her nose turning red with swollen eyes that couldn't be explained anymore.

"Oh my..." Nina let out a long sigh. "So, what about your relationship with Jonas? This could all get messy."

"I-I don't k-know, N-Nina," Raquel stammered through gasping sobs. She dropped her head in her hands, tears streaming between her fingers. "My mind is just s-spinning. I c-can't think straight... I feel like I'm going to break apart."

***

A week had passed, and Marvin finally determined the date of the meeting between Raquel and Pablo Pavlovna's son: today, at a five-star restaurant.

Emma, who was helping Raquel with her hair and makeup, couldn't help but smile sadly as she looked at Raquel's deeply saddened face. Raquel's eyes were like two pools of sorrow, and her lips were pressed together in a thin line.

"Raquel, are you ready for this meeting?" Emma asked.

"I don't know, I'm confused," Raquel sighed softly.

"When you meet them, please smile," Emma gently stroked my shoulder.

"Thank you, Aunt."

The bedroom door opened, and Emily entered.

"Darling, it's time to go. Don't keep our guests waiting any longer."

Raquel's smile was a fleeting glimmer, but it was enough to light up the room. She quickly grabbed her clutch bag, her fingers trembling slightly as she did. With unsteady steps, she followed Emily down the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest. Emma joined them, her expression grim. She had promised to be a witness and accompany them as their lawyer for this meeting, and she was determined to see that justice was served.

Raquel's world had flipped upside down, and she couldn't catch her breath. As they drove to the restaurant, she sat in silence, her head bowed and her fingers fidgeting. She was completely out of her element.

Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

Upon arrival, three huge guys stood waiting - Pablo Pavlovna and two buff bastards flanking him. Raquel gulped, throat gone sandpaper dry. These dudes didn't mess around, built like boxers itching for a brawl.

"By the way, you have a daughter who resembles an angel," Pablo Pavlovna complimented, causing Raquel's legs to tremble as if they had transformed into jelly.

Raquel found her voice had fled, leaving her unable to give sound to even a solitary syllable in her parlance.

Marvin's eyes beamed with pride as he shook Pablo Pavlovna's hand, a warm smile spreading across his face like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. "Mr. Pablo, your compliments towards our daughter are music to my ears."

Raquel bit her lip to hold back a curse. Pablo Pavlovna's wife, a woman with a hawk-like nose and piercing blue eyes, extended her hand.

"Hey, I'm Jacquelin Pavlovna. Your future mother-in-law, dear," Jacquelin said, her voice like honey dripping from a poisoned apple.

Raquel felt nervous as she glanced between Emma and the intimidating figure of Jacquelin standing before her, smoothing any wrinkles from her skirt with sweaty palms.

Emma nudged Raquel's arm reassuringly, shooting her a smile while reminding her under her breath, "Remember to smile and shake her hand."

Plastering on the brightest grin she could muster, Raquel stretched out a trembling hand to the formidable Jacquelin.

"It's lovely to meet you," she managed, her voice shaking only slightly.

Jacquelin's lips quirked in what may have been the hint of a smile as she grasped Raquel's hand in a firm shake.

"The pleasure is mine," Jacquelin replied, her icy blue eyes giving nothing away as she assessed the young girl before her.

"Pardon me, but have you seen the little man?" Marvin glanced around anxiously, hoping to spot his missing son amongst the crowd.

Jacquelin's eyes lit up as she checked her phone. "He's on his way," she announced with a smile. "He just returned from Dubai last night and overslept a bit, but he promised to join us soon."

Marvin's head bobbed up and down in a quick nod, while Raquel's teeth worried at her lower lip. Her heart pounded in her chest like a hummingbird's wings, and her palms were slick with sweat. She felt like she was going to be sick.

Pablo raised his hand and called over a waitress, who glided over with a smile on her face, like a warm ray of sunshine on a chilly day.

"Let's order some appetizers so that we can enjoy the main course when Gavin arrives," Pablo said.

Twenty-five minutes later, a man approached their table. He was tall and sturdy, but not bulky. His slightly tousled blonde hair swayed like golden wheat in the breeze as he walked with confident strides. His eyes were a deep, piercing blue, like the rarest sapphires.

Raquel's heart skipped a beat as she saw the man approaching the table. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't believe her eyes.

"Well, the groom-to-be has arrived," Jacquelin said, her voice trembling with excitement. She stood up and walked towards him, her eyes fixed on his. He smiled at her, revealing a row of perfect white teeth.

"Darling, let me introduce you," Jacquelin said, her voice soft as velvet. She gestured to the young woman standing before her. "This sweet girl is Raquel, you future wife."

The man's eyes narrowed like the slits of a snake as he examined the young woman standing before him. Her skin was as pale as moonlight, and her eyes were wide and innocent, like those of a newborn lamb.

"Why are you introducing me to an innocent lamb who knows nothing?" he asked, his voice dripping with venom. "I bet she can't even take care of a baby."

Raquel's heart sank like a stone in her chest. She knew that the man was right.

Raquel's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the man across from her. He was a widower, with a child named Damian. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her head spun. She wasn't ready to be a stepmother. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to be a mother.

"Gavin, please," his mother said, her voice soft but firm. "Have a seat."

"Mom, I-"

"Gavin, sit down right now! Do as you're told!" Pablo Pavlovna bellowed, her booming voice causing Raquel to jolt in surprise. In her haste, Raquel knocked over the platter of bruschetta before her, olive tapenade smearing across the white tablecloth.

Her spine prickled like icy raindrops as she met the gaze of the handsome widower.