Chapter 82 We're inviting you to our wedding.

Chapter 82 We're inviting you to our wedding.
KIMBERLY.

"And I'm sorry for how I acted earlier, it was rude and–"
"No, Kim."He interrupted me, giving me a brief glance.
"Trust me, I get it, I was too intense."
"You weren't."I said gulping down nothing."I was scared and I didn't want to overwhelm–"
"Nonsense, you won't."Rafael cut in sharply, frowning.
Not until you hear that a Sarah Sloane exists somewhere.
"Thank you for that."I sniffled, wiping the little tears off my face.
Even though, I know I still have a turbulent bridge to cross, it felt relieving to hear him say something like this.
"Have you seen Rita? Or do I need to greet her too?"He asked, leading me to a secluded balcony in the hospital.
"No."I replied swiftly behind him."I will see her later, not now."
"Sure."He nodded, cleaning the seat for us.
After he was done, we both settled down on the soft cushion, letting the evening wind blow right in our faces.
"I'm worried about Eliana ruining your plans."I blurted, crossing my legs over each other and folded my arms tightly.
Rafael scoffed beside me and shook his head."She won't do anything else than playing cheap tricks like this."
A frustrated sigh choked out of me as well."Aren't you worried about your company or–"
"One at a time,Kim. My company will be fine."He shrugged, resting his back on the chair properly.
"Let's hope so."I muttered, praying that everything works out well for him so I don't have to worry about me tearing him down with mine.
After a while, Rowan came to fetch us that Baron was done with the first session of his therapy and left almost immediately, leaving me alone with the already tense Rafael.
"You know you don't have to force yourself into this right?"I asked, pulling him back by his arm.
Rafael's body stilled a little against my touch and he retained his gaze on me."I wanted to see if it would exhilarate me a little."He chucked, running his fingers through his hair as a shaky breath escaped his mouth.
"Pathetic right?" He laughed, giving me a brief look.
"No, it's not."I debunked him immediately and tightened my grip on him."If that will give you the closure or courage to make something out of your relationship with him, then fucking do it."I admonished, my tone curt.
He bobbed his head and sighed."Yeah, you're right."
"Let's go."I urged him, taking his hand in mine properly as I now lead him towards Baxter's ward.
His steps felt reluctant as we got closer and instead of me urging him to walk faster, I slowed down my steps as well, giving him the room to gather himself properly.
Getting to the door, I stood rooted in front of it, my palms sweaty against him, Rafael brushed beside me gently and pushed the door in, causing us both to face Baxter who was just taking his drugs as well.
"Hey."Rafael croaked out, walking deeper into the room while I followed him as well.
"Kimberly."Baxter called cheerfully, waving at me with a full grin on his face.
"Hi, Baxter."I waved back as well, clearing my throat, making me wonder if the drugs are making him delirious.
Even Rafael wasn't cut up either, he greeted him first which is a progress in my book.
Rafael dragged out two seats for us and we both sat down on it, while we watched the nurse give him the last dose of his drugs before leaving the ward.
"And how are you feeling now?"I stuttered, raising my head at the drip hung up and stapled on his skin.
He stared down at it and nodded before digging his head weakly into the pillow."Fine, it just made me feel like an immobile asshole."
"Serves you right."Rafael grumbled, tipping his chin up at him.
"I will take that in a good heart."
"I don't give a fuck if you take it like a fucking loser or an asshole like you called yourself,Baxter."Rafael growled, almost getting off the seat.
"Rafael!"I gasped, holding him back, quite surprised at how the atmosphere changed so suddenly.
Baxter gave me an understanding smile."It's fine, I deserve that."
Rafael scoffed and threw his head back sarcastically, like he was trying to diffuse the tension surging through his body."Please don't tell me you're going to narrate how you had it worse–"
"No, I'm not."Baxter snapped, his tone ragged as well."Yes, I had it hard but not like you, and guess who didn't weaponize it?"
Rafael fumed, fisting his hand against the edge of the seat, but I could see the subtle falter in his expression.
"You."Baxter said, pointing at him."You stayed with Mom, I didn't. And no one appreciated you–"
"I don't need you to give me a fucking accolade, Baxter."Rafael interpolated, averting his gaze elsewhere.
I placed my hand gently on his lap and rubbed on it gently.
"Thank you."Baxter mouthed, giving me a wet smile but I could only nod, even though I didn't understand why he was thanking me.
"I'm not trying to give you one, Rafael, this is me apologizing for being horrible and–"
"Yeah no shit."He scoffed, his Adam apple bobbing constantly.
Baxter's shoulder slumped a bit, he wanted to say something else but I shook my head at him.
I cleared my throat again and gulped down nothing."We will be having our ceremony soon and–"
"This is just telling you ahead of time so it won't cause you to go back to those shitty drugs–"
"Rafael!"I exclaimed, withdrawing my hands from him immediately."What do you think you're doing?"
He gave me a cursory look and cursed under his breath.
"You're invited, Baxter."
He whipped his head up at me immediately,frowning.
I turned back to Baxter who was looking confused and anticipating what I have to say.
Giving him an approving nod, I smiled."You're invited to our wedding, Baxter."