Forbidden Affair with My Mafia Stepbrother R18-Chapter 153: False Hope

"I hope you don’t mind me joining as well. My schedule suddenly cleared up, and I thought that it would be nice to visit my dear friend and his family," David said in his booming voice. I quickly stood up from the table before the two old friends shook hands and slapped each other’s backs enthusiastically.

"Thank you for coming. You’re always welcome here, and you know that," Bennett said warmly.

"I hope that you’ve been well and that your health has improved," David said.

"Of course, I’m perfectly fine now and in good health," Bennett replied with a smile.

"That’s great to hear. If that’s really the case, then I guess there is no point in delaying the wedding any longer. I think that Raphael’s and Rosabella’s wedding has been delayed enough already," David said before he looked at his friend levelly.

My chest tightened when I realized that Rosabella had once again brought her father to apply pressure on Bennett and Raphael. Recalling what Raphael told me about how much he cared about the family business and the connection that they had with David and his family, I started fearing the worst. I began to doubt more than ever if Raphael was going to call off the wedding or if he was even in a position to do so.

"I totally agree with you, Papa," Rosabella said softly. "I’ve been so patient, but it’s really true that there’s no real reason for us to wait any longer." She turned, and her eyes narrowed slightly at Bennett, although her lips were still smiling.

"We need to make sure that this important union is celebrated properly, don’t we, Bennett?" David asked, and it wasn’t really a question.

"Of course. There’s no reason why we should be dragging this out. I’ll definitely speak to Raphael, and this time I will make sure that we set a confirmed date." Bennett replied.

"I’m relieved to hear that. I can’t wait for us to become the same family," David replied with a smile.

Rosabella’s smile widened just enough for me to see the triumph that she hid beneath it. Then her gaze flickered in my direction. It was quick and almost unnoticeable, but I knew that she wanted to show me that she had won. I sat there frozen with my fork in hand as my stomach twisted violently. My mother was nodding eagerly with a bright smile on her face.

"Oh, that is so wonderful! Abigail and I have been helping Rosabella with the preparation of her wedding, and we will always be here to support her all the way," my mother quickly added with a generous smile.

"Thank you so much. It’s such a pleasure to have Abigail and your support. It means so much to me. It makes me feel like I’m already part of the family," Rosabella said while looking extremely pleased.

As all of them smiled warmly at each other, I struggled to breathe. Rosabella’s victory wasn’t just in the date that the wedding was going to be set. It was also in every word and every look that she gave my mother. Every little second broke my heart even more than before. My mother had no idea what Rosabella was really like and how she was nothing more than poison disguised as sweet, innocent sugar.

I felt my failure more than anything at that moment. I had waited too long, hoping for the perfect moment to tell my mother the truth. However, there had never been a perfect moment. I needed to move fast before I lost the opportunity forever.

"So, when shall we set the date for the wedding?" David then turned to ask Raphael, who had been silent throughout the entire ordeal.

I didn’t dare glance at Raphael, afraid that he would smile and quickly offer a date for when the wedding was to be held. Before I had to listen and witness them set the date for the wedding, I quickly stood up from my seat.

"I just remembered that I have something to do real quick. Please don’t mind me, and please enjoy the rest of dinner," I said quickly before turning to leave.

"Are you okay, Abigail?" my mother asked quickly.

"I’m fine. I just have something that I forgot to do. Please excuse me," I said again. Before anyone could ask any more questions, I quickly left the room.

...

I thought that I would make it back to the safety of my bedroom before the tears came, but in reality, I barely made it up the stairs. My chest grew too tight as my vision blurred. By the time that I reached my bedroom, I collapsed against the door and slid down, my entire body shaking.

Everything struck me like a tragedy. Rosabella had successfully pushed me into a corner that I couldn’t escape from. But worse than her victorious smile, worse than her father pressing and demanding for the wedding date to be set in stone, worse than my mother looking so happy for her, was the fact that Raphael hadn’t said a word.

Raphael had not uttered a single word during the entire conversation, even though it involved him more than anyone. He had not said a word about stopping the wedding, and not a single word about us. Raphael just sat there in silence as if he was calmly accepting it all. I had heard the saying that silence was acceptance, and that made me believe that perhaps Raphael was willing to go along with it all. Perhaps all his brave words and promises were nothing but words meant to fool me and give me false hope.

I couldn’t help but think that perhaps Rosabella was right. Perhaps I really was just another girl to him. I stumbled to the bed and buried my face in the pillow before letting my sobs break free. Everything inside of me felt bruised and broken. My heart, my pride, my love-everything felt like it was being torn apart.