CHAPTER 152. CLAIRE

CHAPTER 152. CLAIRE
The days passed quickly and boringly. Our wedding was looming. Even though we were getting married tomorrow, we continued working as usual and only requested two days off. Anthonio was at the peak of his schedule, while I... I wasn't particularly busy, but why would I request such a long leave if Anthonio was going to work the day after our wedding?
I felt there was nothing special about our wedding. It would only be witnessed by Anthonio's mother, Aiden, and one civil registry officer. Chiara questioned our decision to get married. She felt it was too soon and without any preparation.
Honestly, I felt the same way, but Anthonio insisted that tomorrow was the perfect day for the wedding and that we shouldn't postpone it any longer.
Half of my heart admitted that the wedding was just Anthonio's attempt to salve his wounded ego. He was terrified by Raviel's presence, even though Raviel had never done anything other than have dinner with me and bond with Aiden.
I missed him terribly. He hadn't shown up at my apartment since that night. We didn’t exchange numbers. Even if I could get his number from Seth or Charless, I couldn't call him because I had no reason to. Using Aiden as an excuse would sound incredibly trite.
Anthonio had already hurt him too much that night with his words. I didn't want to add to his pain by talking to him because we both knew nothing would change between us.
I rested my chin on the table, staring at Aiden's photo on my phone. Whenever I saw him, he always reminded me of Raviel. I couldn't get him out of my mind forever.
"That guy is really hot."
"You're right. Leaning next to the shiniest Ferrari I've ever seen, he was killing me with his charm."
"What do you think such a hot guy is doing in front of our office?"
"I don't know. Maybe he's one of our boss's clients."
"Or maybe he's there to flirt with the young women passing by on the sidewalk."
"I don't think so. He doesn't look like he's flirting with anyone. He looks like he's expecting someone."
I listened to my two coworkers' conversation with a frown.
They seemed to be talking about someone I knew. But I was probably just hallucinating because I'd been thinking about Raviel so much lately.
"Is that guy still standing there?"
"Yes. He's still in the same spot, he hasn't moved an inch."
I was curious about the man they were talking about and hurried to the window to peek out.
"Who are you guys talking about?"
"That guy. He's been there for half an hour."
My eyes widened in surprise when I saw Raviel standing in front of my office door. He was leaning against his Ferrari, looking bored.
"Hey. Where are you going, Claire?"
I ignored Janet's shouts and hurried down to meet Raviel. If what my coworkers said was true, he'd been standing there for a long time.
"Rave. What are you doing here?"
He pushed his back off the car as soon as he saw me exit the double doors. He smiled at me before pulling me into his arms.
“Rave...”
I was too shocked to say anything.
“I miss you, Claire,” he whispered in my ear.
“Me too. I thought you’d gone back to Miami.”
“I’m going back to Miami tomorrow.”
My heart sank at his words. He was returning to Miami just as I was about to marry Anthonio. How ironic.
“Are you here to say goodbye?”
“Maybe. I wanted to take you to dinner.”
“Are we having dinner at your apartment? Or at your house?”
“Neither. We’re having dinner somewhere special. Can we go now?”
I checked my watch.
“I’ll be done in ten minutes.”
“Then I’ll wait for you in the car.”
“We’re not going in separate cars? I’m driving my own.”
“You’re going with me. Your car will be driven to your apartment by my men.”
“What about Aiden? Emma’s shift ends in half an hour.”
“Don’t worry, I already told Emma that you’re going out to dinner with me. She agreed to look after Aiden until we get back.”
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously at her.
“You planned all this, huh?”
“Actually, it was spontaneous.”
Raviel looked down at his watch.
“Your shift will be over in five minutes.”
“Then I’ll pack my things now. Wait a moment.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
My heart was pounding as I quickly gathered my things.
My coworkers walked up to me with curious faces. I knew what they were going to say to me.
“You know that guy, Claire?”
“Umm... He’s my friend.”
“Seriously? You’re friends with a guy that hot?” Alice’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Does he have a girlfriend? I know you’re with Senator Alan Robert’s son, so you can’t be with him.”
Janet’s words irritated me. I ignored her, pretending not to hear her question.
“I have to go. See you tomorrow.”
“Claire. You haven’t answered my question.”
“Sorry, I’m in a hurry. Raviel’s waiting for me.”
Thank goodness they weren’t following me.
I yanked open Raviel’s car door and climbed in.
“I hope you don’t get bored waiting for me too long.”
“I’m used to it.”
I raised an eyebrow at her.
“I waited for you for so long, until you were born and grown up before I dated you. Waiting for you for half an hour is nothing compared to waiting for you for twenty years.”
I chuckled at his joke. Even though it wasn’t entirely a joke, it was still funny.
“You’re a patient man, then.”
"Because I knew you were worth the wait. And it was true. You're priceless, Claire."
I smiled and turned my face to the window.
Being with Raviel always gave me a peace and happiness that was indescribable. I knew all his flaws, but that didn’t stop my heart from fluttering for him.
That was love.
I knew it was ironic. I loved him, but I didn't have the courage to say it. If I did, it would only destroy everyone I cared about. I had to stop being selfish. I had to repay Anthonio for all his kindness. He lost his father because Raviel killed Senator Alan Robert, so I thought Raviel would understand why I couldn't be with him, no matter how much I loved him.