"Raphael, don't take this the wrong way, I only have Hugh's best interest at heart," Sophia said trying ro ease Raphael into the conversation. She didn't want him going on another bender.
"No! Sophia keep my son out of your mouth. I know you took cared for his sister and him cause they were sick and for that I really appreciate you but I don't want to you to get more involved with them" Raphael said with a hardened look on his face.
Sophia was just as tired of this nonsense with Raphael, their constant back and forth with each other. It was wearing her down. She stood up from the bed, quickly grabbing a robe that was just on the sofa beside the bed. She was all but ready to argue on this matter with Raphael.
"You know what Raphael, I don't understand what the hell your problem is. What's the big deal about my involvement with your children's life?" She shouted. "One way or another Raphael you know we'll still end up together and I might as well start situating myself in their lives, I love them Raph....I really do" Sophia said solemnly.
Raphael was taken aback by her confession, he hadn't expected her to tell him she loved them.
He continued to stare at her until he was finally able to get the words out of his mouth. He knew at that moment that he didn't have a choice but to do this, as much as he wanted Sophia in his life he just couldn't risk it. There was more to all these, more to his past and the children.
"Sophia you're going to have to leave..." Raphael said with a cold look. It was amazing how fast he could switch so fast. Just a few moments ago, he was sweet to her and looked at her with warmth in his eyes but the way he looked at her now, it looked like it could cut through her soul.
"Ok Raphael, yeah you're right. We need a break, i'm just going to go to another bedroom and give you some space. Really we can't continue like this." Sophia said rubbing her head with closed eyes.
"No Sophia, I don't think you understand me. I meant you have to go, get out of this place. I'm terminating our contract. You have to leave my life" Raphael said harshly, unable to look Sophia in the eyes anymore.
It was like all the air was sucked out in the room for Sophia, she couldn't believe what she was hearing. A lot of things were running through her mind at one. Questions flowed through her like had he been using her all these while? Was this revenge?
After all, she had been on her own and it was Raphael that approached her with the contract. Why the hell did she agree to it then only to he dumped like this.
She suddenly couldn't breathe anymore.
"Raphael, what the hell do you mean by leave?" Sophia said calmly.
"Exactly what I meant Sophia, leave" He repeated coldly.
Tears swelled up in her eyes and her next words were broken. "You- you don't get to do this to me Raphael! You don't!" her shout was loud enough to wake the whole house.
"I would call someone to help you pack your things here and from my condo. The person will take you to wherever you want" Raphael said.
"What...what about Bella, Hugh and, Sarah? Won't they ask were I suddenly left to?" Sophia sniffed.
"I would handle them on my end Sophia, that isn't your concern"
"This is ridiculous Raphael, all because I want to get involved in your children's life?" Sophia continued to cry.
"I have nothing more to say Sophia"
Raphael left the room.
Sophia fell to the ground, her tears soaking up her robe. She promised herself there and then that she wouldn't fall in love again. With the way it was tearing her up from the inside. This wasn't a feeling she wanted to experience again. Never again.
********
She got to porch of the house, were Raphael was waiting for her with one of his workers. That must be the driver that would take her away from this hellhole. She passed by Raphael without even giving him a glance.
"I wish you the best life Sophia" Raphael said.
Sophia halted in her steps to the car. With her tear stricken face, she turned around to face Raphael
"Well I hope you rot in hell Raphael and I hope you find another woman to fall in love with and that person breaks your heart to the point that it can never be put back together. I wish you a very miserable life" Sophia laced the words with all form of bitterness.
The man who was supposed to drive Sophia, looked stunned and taken aback. He had never seen anyone talk to his boss like that. Sophia passed by him too and entered the car.
Raphael gave the man a look which basically said he should move his ass already.
Just as they were about to drive off, Sophia rolled down the window and gave him the finger. Well that certainly surprised Raphael but he didn't show it.
In the car, the driver asked Sophia where she wanted to go. "Take me to the airport" Sophia said looking so lost in space.
Back at Bella's house. Bella sat in the living room, waiting for Raphael to enter.
"You just made a big mistake Raphael" Bella said. Her brows furrowed and wrinkles that makes up for concern. "She's the best thing that ever happened to you," Bella continued.
Raphael looked away, clenching his jaw and his fists.
"This was for the best mum, she was going to get involved in their lives and I couldn't have that. Not when it would endanger her life." His eyes pleading that Bella should drop the conversation.
"Not when those kids comes from a very dangerous man. I certainly don't want to risk her life"
"We're moving back to London" Raphael said with all finality in his voice.
Bella stood up from where she was sitting and came to stand in front of Raphael. She held his face in her hands. "Maybe you're right Raphael, but the way you went about was so wrong. That girl would wonder where it all went wrong," Bella said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I know mum, I know but it's for the best. Let's leave it at that."
**********
At the airport, Sophia was sure that she must have been getting looks with the way she looked. Not that she wasn't dressed decently or anything like that. With her black knee-length dress she believed that she looked ok but it had more to do with her face and how she hadn't bothered to put up a happy face.
She got to where she would be a ticket.
"I would like to book a ticket to Chicago."
Sophia had every bit of plan to have a good start in Chicago. Good riddance Raphael...she thought.