"No, I still won't marry you,"
Raphael sighed, feeling defeated. "I'll make you change your mind, woman." He hailed a taxi and handed her in. "Now go home."
She handed him back his phone and quickly got into the taxi. She typed her address and gave it to the driver, who smiled and started the car, leaving Raphael alone with his thoughts.
Moments later, Damian walked up to him. "She's a mute," he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, she is," Raphael replied with a scoff.
"You sure your mother will accept her, given that—"
"Yes, she will. Let's focus on making her accept me."
Damian laughed. "You know you can have any girl you like, right? Why her?"
Raphael's expression turned thoughtful. "I don't know. She seemed weak and timid when she was being humiliated by that miserable waste of space, but when she was with me, she acted fierce, though she couldn't suppress her fear in the end."
He said this with annoyance audible in his voice, and Damian laughed.
"Like at first sight, perhaps?" Damian teased. "But you know that lady isn't going to make it easy for her, right? Just been informed that the 'miserable waste of space' you were talking about is the youngest daughter of the Hood family."
Raphael shrugged nonchalantly. "So?"
Damian chuckled. "She's going to make your little mute's life miserable."
Raphael looked up at the sky and said, "Maybe it won't be so bad."
Damian laughed as they both walked to their car.
Meanwhile Cheyenne trudged up the creaky stairs to her small apartment, the worn carpet muffling her footsteps. She pushed open the door, revealing a cramped space that was barely larger than a shoebox. The faded wallpaper peeled off in corners, and the single window let in a sliver of dim light. A threadbare couch sagged against one wall, opposite a tiny kitchenette with a sink, stove, and fridge that seemed to be held together by rust and hope. Cheyenne's few possessions - a handful of clothes, some second-hand books, and a small TV - were scattered around the room, giving the space a cluttered, makeshift feel. Despite its shortcomings, Cheyenne felt a sense of relief wash over her as she closed the door behind her, shutting out the world and its expectations. This tiny, imperfect apartment was hers, and for now, it was home.
She took a quick cold shower,changed into her pajamas and sat on her bed. She started replaying the evening's events and when she thought of Raphael standing up for her she smiled. 'That bastard wasn't bad after all.' With that she closed her eyes and fell into a deep slumber awaiting for tomorrow.
When Raphael walked into the family's house, he was greeted by his father watching ball in the living room. He respectfully greeted him and went to his room without further conversation. His father was shocked to see him there, as Raphael never came home unless there was an event or his mother forced him to. The old man didn't pry much into it and continued minding his own business.
When Raphael was done taking a shower, he went and stood by the large floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the moon. He thought of that little mute and smiled. Why did he have to choose a mute who didn't even know her own lineage? But fuck standards; the damage was already done. He had declared her his wife, such a stupid move on his part. He could have at least said she was his fiancée. Tomorrow, there was no doubt that she'd go to work and continue as a waitress. He couldn't have the future Mrs. Quinns spoiling his image, plus he didn't want his mother to cause any drama. He sighed and went to the bedside table, took his phone, and sent Damian a message before getting into bed. He closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep.