Chapter 1 From Dust We Came

• Nadia
• If someone had mentioned to me that what I considered the happiest day of my life would turn out to be the saddest and most cruel, I'd have called their bluff and told them how much bitterness they had in their heart.
• Alas, they wouldn't be wrong with their statements or assumptions, rather.
• ***
• I was halfway down the stairs when I heard the front door click open. And the face I saw? My heart swelled with so much happiness.
• I bolted the rest of the way down, rushing straight into his arms.
• Raffiel stumbled back, letting out a surprised laugh.
• "Easy there, baby." He said as he wrapped his arms around me.
• I hadn't seen him in months and all we ever did was to communicate to each other through voice and video calls.
• I missed his scent, voice, everything.
• "Well, I guess I know who my princess was really waiting for." My father said, He was behind Raffiel and sounded really amused.
• I smiled at my father. "Good thing you know. Was this the surprise you had for me?"
• He nodded in affirmation, smiling as he walked forward.
• “I am glad that you are happy with my surprise,” he said as he softly touched my shoulder and then looked at both of us.
• I turned my attention back to Raffiel. "You know, you are pretty lucky.”
• “Am I now?”
• “Yes! My mom and I just finished setting up the table for dinner,” I said as I grabbed his hand to lead him to the dining room.
• “And you are definitely joining us.”
• The moment I pulled on his palm, he winced and his fingers flinched in mine.
• I stopped immediately, giving him a concerned look. "What happened? Are you okay?"
• "Yeah, yeah, it's nothing really," he responded and I watched as his gaze flickered to my father before turning to me.
• "I just had a little accident at work, that's all."
• An accident?
• “I am so sorry about that. Let me see?” I asked and without waiting another second i took his hand in mine again.
• There was a cut on his palm, probably about three or four inches long, like he had been slashed with a knife.
• “You… do you not have first aid at the office?” I asked incredulously.
• The cut didn't look as though it was attended too and I wanted to ask further questions on how he was in such proximity with a knife while at the office.
• He gave my dad a look again, one that I couldn't decipher.
• “Nadia, I’m fine, you don't need to worry. I poured some alcohol on it the moment it happened to stop the bleeding."
• “Of course you did. Did you even bother to seek other alternatives?” I turned to my father who just stood to watch the exchange between both of us.
• “It looks like you know about this. Didn't you advice him to get it checked out at the clinic?” I turned to Raffiel again.
• “How did you even get this sort of cut? It looks recent.”
• Neither of them say a word they just stared at me.
• “Oh, how much you take after your mother,” my father said with a low chuckle and softly ruffled my hair. “I'll go on to prepare for dinner now. I hope that both of you join me soon?”
• “Yes sir,” Raffiel answered for us both. My father slightly patted his shoulder and left the both of us.
• “I can't hear you answering my questions,” I said a few seconds after my father's departure.
• “I am fine Nadia. If it pleases you, I'll get it checked out tonight,” Raffiel said as he cupped my face in his palms.
• “I'll take a proper look at it after dinner and I need a back story of how you got that cut. For now, we should head to the dining room. My mother hates waiting.”
• “Lead the way,” he said with a smile.
• We went into the dining room and my father was already seated. Same with mother and Andrei.
• Great. Dinner was perfect.
• Just having all my favourite people in one place, Raffiel, Daddy, Mom and Andrei, made me feel great.
• It was moments like this that I lived for. My small bubble of warmth, laughter, and love. I knew exactly how lucky I was.
• Small talk was made over the table and I chipped in a word or two when my mouth wasn't full.
• The moment we finished dinner, Raffiel leaned over to whisper in my ear.
• "Would this fine maiden have mercy on me and grant my hear desires?”
• I blushed a bit at his statement. “Don’t be dramatic, Raffiel. What do you want?”
• “Walk me out?”
• “Definitely,” I said and briefly instructed Andrei to pack up the plates.
• My parents were already having small talk at the corner.
• I followed Raffiel to the front door and we stepped outside. I had my hands in his, and our fingers were intertwined.
• As soon as we got to his car, he pulled me in for a kiss, soft and gentle.
• I could feel his hesitation to pull away and even I didn't even want that moment to end.
• When we broke apart, he stared at me.
• "I am just so happy I got to see your beautiful face today after so long," he murmured as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.
• I smiled at him. “I am happy too. Do you know how long I have been waiting?”
• "I know. The numerous texts you sent to me serve as evidence,” he said with a small smile. “It is sad that I ahve to leave so soon. I just miss you already. Why don't you come with me? We'll take a night drive, maybe go to the beach or something. I'll drop you off by morning."
• I loved the idea of that, but I didn't think my father would like that.
• "As much as this idea of yours makes me feel all giddy inside, you know that I can't. Mother would flip if she hears this and father? You know what he thinks of our relationship."
• My father loved working with Raffiel, but I don't think he is okay with the fact that I am dating one of his workers.
• "Your father is just pretending. He loves me for you, he knows I'm the only one that can keep his little girl happy and safe,” he said and stroked my cheek with his fingers.
• "Of course you would say that." I rolled my eyes.
• “So it's a no then?”
• “How about I gently break it to my mother and hear what she has to say? Father would have no other option but to comply.”
• He touched his chest playfully and nodded. “It's a date then.”
• “It is. Goodnight, baby,” I said, blushing. It wasn't often that I called him baby.
• “I love it when you call me baby,” he said, making me blush even harder.
• “You should get going now.”
• He gave me one quick kiss before getting into his car and starting the engine.
• I waited until his car was out of sight before heading back into the house.