Chapter 53

• Shortly after Tristan left the room, Raphael cursed loudly and threw anything on his desk. He felt infuriated that Tristan hadn't given him even a moment to speak. Raphael had anticipated this happening, but he hadn't expected Tristan to find out so quickly. It was completely beyond Raphael's expectations.
• Picking up a collection of photos of himself and Gracia from his desk, Raphael felt hurt. The sadness he had buried deep inside resurfaced, forcing him to remember. As he wiped one of the photos, memories flooded back. Staring at Gracia's picture, Raphael muttered to himself, "Gracia... why did you have to leave me so soon? Do you know how lonely I am without you?"
• Raphael closed his eyes tightly. Tears welled up and fell down his cheeks. He had harbored his love for Gracia for years, and even now, his feelings hadn't faded or diminished. To Raphael, his biggest mistake in life was leaving Gracia. Even though it was brief, the consequences were devastating. The woman he loved had even been taken by his own friend. Determined not to repeat the same mistake, Raphael swore that nothing he possessed would be taken from him by anyone else.