Rafael instructs me to head to my room, handing me one of his shirts to wear. I offer him a look of gratitude before I leave, but once in bed, sleep eludes me. The events of the day replay in my mind, but it's the memory of our hug that lingers most vividly. I've never seen anyone lose themselves so completely from a simple touch the way Rafael did. In those few seconds, he seemed to be transported to another place, his entire demeanor shifting as if the hug triggered a profound emotional response.

It makes me wonder about the hidden facets of Rafael's life. People like him are typically the ones who inflict trauma, so what could have happened to him to make him react this way? What don't I know about him?

And come to think of it, all I know is that he's after Thomas for sleeping with his wife, whom Rafael is suspected of killing to take over her father's cartel. Beyond that, Rafael is a mystery.

Why did he freeze? Why did I see a flicker of understanding in his eyes when I told him I didn't want to talk about it? He could have forced me to reveal more, but instead, he showed empathy. How is that possible? I don't understand it, but I feel an intense need to uncover the layers of Rafael's life that remain hidden. What drives him? What has shaped him into the man he is today?

I don't have a clear idea of what I plan to do with this newfound curiosity, but the desire to delve deeper into Rafael's past is overwhelming. I close my eyes and try to sleep again, knowing I'll need all my energy for the plans ahead.

***

The soft morning light filters through the kitchen window, casting a golden glow on the worn countertops. As I cook, the familiar motions of whisking eggs and flipping bacon feel like coming home after a long absence. It's been ages since I've stood at a stove, with everything else in my life pulling me in a thousand directions.

The sizzle of bacon provides a soothing backdrop to my thoughts, which drift between memories of happier times and anxious speculation about what the future holds. The aroma of breakfast wraps around me like a comforting blanket, momentarily pushing away the weight of my circumstances. I'm lost in thought when a voice startles me.

"What are you doing?" Rafael's deep tone comes from behind me.

I spin around, my heart racing, nearly dropping the bowl in my hand. Rafael stands in the doorway, his expression unreadable. He's impeccably dressed in a suit, a stark contrast to my casual attire—a simple T-shirt and jeans.

"I... I woke up late and missed breakfast," I explain, my voice steadier than I feel. "I asked Pedro if it'd be okay for me to cook, and he said yes."

Rafael's eyes narrow slightly. "You know how to cook?"

The skepticism in his tone irks me. "Yes, I do," I reply, a hint of defiance creeping into my voice.

He raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment further. Instead, he moves closer, inspecting the half-prepared meal. The kitchen suddenly feels smaller, and I'm acutely aware of his presence—the way his suit fits him perfectly, the subtle scent of his cologne that contrasts with the homey smell of breakfast.

"Let me have a taste," he says, reaching for a piece of toast.

Without thinking, I step back, pulling the plate away. "No," I say firmly, immediately regretting my boldness.

Rafael freezes, surprise flashing across his face before it's replaced by something darker. For a moment, I fear I've pushed too far. But then, unexpectedly, the corner of his mouth twitches in what might be amusement.

"No?" he repeats, his tone a mix of disbelief and intrigue.

I stand my ground, heart racing, my pulse thudding in my ears. It's the first time I've denied him anything. Rafael watches me for a long moment, his gaze intense, as if he's trying to figure me out. Then, without warning, he turns and walks out of the kitchen, leaving me confused and slightly shaken by the encounter.

As I finish preparing my meal, I can't help but replay the interaction in my mind. It was the first time we'd spoken without me quivering in fear, and for a fleeting moment, it felt almost normal—almost like a casual conversation. But then it ended so abruptly, with him walking away as if nothing had happened. I push it aside for now and eat my food while I still can.

***

I bounce on my feet as I stand in the driveway, eagerly awaiting Daniel's return from school. He'd asked me to take him on his first day back, but I couldn't, so I promised him I'd be the first person he'd see when he got home. The warm autumn air caresses my cheeks, a subtle reminder of the changing seasons.

My heart clenches as a wave of nostalgia washes over me. It's hard to believe it's fall already. Memories of my past life flood my mind – decorating my classroom with vibrant autumn leaves, planning cozy weekends with my sister, and savoring pumpkin spice lattes on cool mornings. Fall was always my favorite season, a time of comfort and renewal. Now, it feels like those memories belong to someone else, a distant echo of a life I once knew.

I can't help but imagine how different things could have been. In another life, I might be strolling through the park right now, feeling the crisp air on my face, perhaps even planning a trip to the apple orchard. But I quickly shake off these thoughts. Dwelling on what I've lost won't change my current reality.

Instead, I remind myself to be grateful for what I have. I'm not locked away in some dark, dank dungeon that reeks of blood and vomit. Rafael fucks me to oblivion daily, and I'm surrounded by people who bring laughter and warmth to my days. It's not the freedom I once knew, but it's a far cry from the worst-case scenario.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is my life now, chosen to keep Melina safe. I've made my decision, and now I need to embrace it fully. Dwelling on the past won't do me any good. I need to focus on the present, on the relationships I'm building, and on finding moments of joy where I can.

I'm jolted from my reverie by the sound of a car pulling up in front of me. Blinking to refocus, my eyes widen in shock as I see Daniel storming out of the vehicle and into the house before I can utter a single word. Confusion washes over me. What could have possibly happened? I rush after him, my voice laced with concern as I ask what's wrong.

"Don't talk to me. Just leave me alone!" Daniel shouts, slamming his bedroom door in my face. The sudden outburst leaves me reeling, but I resist the urge to force the door open, even as my bewilderment grows by the second.

"Daniel honey, what's wrong? Did something happen at school?" I ask softly, my hand on the doorknob. But as I begin to turn it, something hits my head, causing me to pause in surprise.

"Daniel!" I exclaim, shocked by his uncharacteristic behavior.

"Go away," he screams, his voice thick with emotion. Through the crack in the door, I catch a glimpse of tears streaming down his face. My heart clenches painfully. Over the past few days, I've grown close to Daniel, and seeing him in such distress breaks my heart.

"Baby, what's wrong? Talk to me," I plead, walking over and crouching down to his level. But he just turns away, refusing to meet my gaze.

As I part my lips to ask again, I hear the door creak open behind me. Turning, I see Julio standing there. He nods, silently signaling me to step out. I turn back to Daniel, attempting to place a comforting kiss on his head, but he moves away. The rejection stings, and my mind races, wondering what I could have done to upset him so deeply.

Rising to my feet, I say softly, "I'll be back, baby." With a heavy heart, I turn and follow Julio out of the room.

I'm jolted from my reverie by the sound of a car pulling up in front of me. Blinking to refocus, my eyes widen in shock as I see Daniel storming out of the vehicle and into the house before I can utter a single word. Confusion washes over me. What could have possibly happened? I rush after him, my voice laced with concern as I ask what's wrong.

"Don't talk to me. Just leave me alone!" Daniel shouts, slamming his bedroom door in my face. The sudden outburst leaves me reeling, but I resist the urge to force the door open, even as my bewilderment grows by the second.

"Daniel honey, what's wrong? Did something happen at school?" I ask softly, my hand on the doorknob. But as I begin to turn it, something hits my head, causing me to pause in surprise.

"Daniel!" I exclaim, shocked by his uncharacteristic behavior.

"Go away," he screams, his voice thick with emotion. Through the crack in the door, I catch a glimpse of tears streaming down his face. My heart clenches painfully. Over the past few days, I've grown close to Daniel, and seeing him in such distress breaks my heart.

"Baby, what's wrong? Talk to me," I plead, walking over and crouching down to his level. But he just turns away, refusing to meet my gaze.

As I part my lips to ask again, I hear the door creak open behind me. Turning, I see Julio standing there. He nods, silently signaling me to step out. I turn back to Daniel, attempting to place a comforting kiss on his head, but he moves away. The rejection stings, and my mind races, wondering what I could have done to upset him so deeply.

Rising to my feet, I say softly, "I'll be back, baby." With a heavy heart, I turn and follow Julio out of the room.

The hallway feels charged with tension as Julio and I step out. I can feel my heart racing, anxious to hear the reason behind Daniel's sudden outburst.

Julio releases a heavy sigh, his face etched with concern. As we begin to walk, he explains, "One of Daniel's friends is celebrating their birthday this weekend, and he asked if you could come along." My heart skips a beat at the possibility, but Julio continues, "Of course, I said no. That's when he started going on about how everyone's mother would be there, and he didn't want to be the only one without his mom. He's feeling embarrassed and left out."

"My poor baby," I whisper, my heart clenching with empathy for Daniel's pain.

Julio's voice softens as he adds, "I tried to make him understand he won't look any different in front of his friends, but he wasn't having it. He even said he wished he never met you because even though he has a new mom, he can't enjoy you the way he wishes."

Tears well up in my eyes as the gravity of the situation hits me. "I have to go. We have to convince Rafael to let me," I say with conviction, my voice trembling slightly. The thought of being the reason for Daniel's pain is unbearable. Knowing what Julio told me about his mother, I can't bear to add to this poor boy's suffering.

"Oh, the birthday party is at an amusement park?" I ask, realization dawning on me.

"Yes, so it's not possible," Julio reiterates, his tone gentle but firm.

I bite my lip, refusing to give up. "Aren't you coming with us? You could make sure I don't run off."

Julio shakes his head. "Daniel has forbidden me from going. He says he only wants you there. Besides, it's too risky. You're a prisoner here, in case you've forgotten."

"I know," I reply, my voice softening. "But you don't have to worry about me running away. I know that the moment I leave Rafael's side, Melina will be back on his radar. Escaping isn't on my agenda. I've made peace with that. My life isn't perfect, but it's a price I'm willing to pay for my sister's happiness. She deserves it after everything she's been through."

Julio looks at me, his expression conflicted. "Hmm, I understand your reasons, but that's still not enough for me to imagine Capo agreeing. I love my son but don't think it's possible."

"What's not possible?" a deep, baritone voice interrupts from the hallway, sending a shiver down my spine. I look up to see Rafael approaching, as ravishing and intimidating as he was this morning. I hadn't seen him since our earlier encounter, and truthfully, I wasn't hoping to after the way I refused to let him taste my food.

Julio quickly explains the situation, and Rafael listens in silence, his face a mask of indifference. I hold my breath, my heart pounding as I wait for his response. But when he speaks, it's far from what I expected—or wanted.

Before I can react, I find myself backed into a wall, Rafael's hand wrapped tightly around my neck, his hot breath fanning my face as I struggle to breathe.

"I might have given you some privileges a prisoner wouldn't have, but don't you ever forget your position," he snarls, his voice dripping with venom. "You are nothing more than a cunt for me to fuck, so I don't bury Thomas's bitch in the ground. Don't fucking forget that."

With that, he releases me, and I collapse to the ground, gasping for air, massaging my throat as my mind reels from what just happened. The shock of his sudden violence leaves me shaken, but deep down, I'm not entirely surprised. For a moment, I had forgotten my place, and Rafael just brutally reminded me.