Chapter 20 (Author’s POV)

The moment Raphael spoke, Amanda felt a surge of tension in the air.

His command, "Come to my office," was sharp and clear, and as he turned to walk away, she could sense the undercurrent of his anger.

Fear prickled at her skin, but underneath, there was something else-an excitement, an anticipation. It was as if she had stepped into uncharted territory, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to whatever consequences awaited her.

A rush of adrenaline coursed through her, and her heart beat faster. When she entered his office, Raphael had already settled on the sofa, his posture casual, but his eyes told a different story-hard, unforgiving.

"Close the door," he commanded. She hesitated for a moment, sensing the weight of his gaze. She could feel the simmering tension. With a slight nod, she did as he asked, locking the door behind her.

His stare softened just enough to let her know she'd done well, but there was no mistaking the storm brewing behind his eyes.

The "Come to me," he said, sitting back further into the cushions, his tone dripping with authority. Amanda frowned, crossing her arms.

"Why do I have to do that?" she asked, challenging him. Raphael's lips curled into a small, knowing smile.

"Because I said so," he replied simply, but his voice had an edge to it that made her pulse quicken. She shook her head, defiant.

"No," she said, a teasing note in her voice.

"I don't think I'll do that." His smile grew, but there was something predatory in it now.

"You're not going to listen to me?"

"Nope," Amanda said, almost as if daring him to make her do it.

"I'm not your puppet." His eyes darkened, and he leaned forward, his gaze never leaving hers.

"You want to test me, huh?" he said softly.

"Alright, then. Let's see how far you're willing to go." Amanda couldn't stop the shiver that ran down her spine at his words.

She might be defiant, but there was a part of her that thrilled at the challenge, at the spark in his eyes. He wasn't backing down, and neither was she.

"Why am you here, Amanda?" Raphael's voice was low now, his eyes locked onto hers, intense.

"You're supposed to be at home. You're not supposed to be working." Amanda stood her ground, unflinching.

"You don't get to decide how I live my life, Raphael. I'm not just going to sit at home, waiting for you to tell me what to do. I can't. I need something of my own, something that's just mine." He tilted his head slightly, considering her words.

"Something of your own?" He leaned back, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

"And what exactly are you going to do with that? Work? You think that'll satisfy you?"

"I don't know," Amanda said, shrugging.

"But I can't just follow you around, be your wife, and go on trips you tell me to go on. I need a purpose." Raphael's eyes gleamed as if he'd just won some small victory.

"So, you want to go on trips with me, then?" Amanda raised an eyebrow.

"Well, yeah. I'm not opposed to that..." Raphael's grin widened.

"How about Bali for our honeymoon?" he said, his voice laced with something she couldn't quite place-playful, but with an undeniable intensity.

Amanda blinked, taken aback.

"Bali? That's my favorite place. Why would you pick Bali?" Raphael leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers.

"You don't remember that night, do you?" Her pulse quickened.

"What night?"

"Remember when you told me Bali was the place you wanted to visit?" he said, his voice a low murmur now, as if recalling a private memory.

Amanda's eyes widened in realization. "You remember that?" He nodded.

"I do. And I was thinking... how does this Saturday sound? We'll go away for a week. I think we both need it." Amanda's heart fluttered at the thought.

She wasn't expecting this.

A honeymoon, already?

But she couldn't deny that a week away with him, in a place like Bali, sounded perfect. She smiled.

"Sure," she said, her voice light.

"That sounds amazing." Raphael's gaze deepened.

"Good," he said, "Now... come to me." Amanda hesitated for a second, the tension between them thickening, but then she couldn't stop herself.

She moved closer, settling onto his lap. His hands slid up her thighs, his fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles that made her breath hitch. He looked at her, his expression serious, almost dangerous.

"Don't defy me again. You won't like the consequences." Her lips curled into a mischievous smile.

"If I don't defy you, then who will?" His smile turned dark, and his grip on her tightened slightly.

"You're starting to get too encouraged, honey. Don't test me," he warned, his voice a low growl. Amanda felt a surge of excitement flood her.

"I want to see those "consequences" you're talking about." Their faces were inches apart, their breath mingling, and just as she was about to kiss him, there was a sharp knock on the door.

Amanda jumped up, startled. She quickly walked to the door and opened it, and there, standing before her, was an older man. He was dressed impeccably, but there was something about him that she couldn't quite place.

He looked at her for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Amanda?" he asked, his voice curious but warm. Amanda froze for a second, unsure of how to respond.

"Good afternoon, sir," she said politely, trying to mask the confusion.

"Sorry, do I know you?" Before she could gather herself, Raphael's voice cut through the air.

"What are you doing here, Dad?" Amanda froze, her mind racing.

Dad?.

She looked at Raphael, her heart hammering in her chest.

Raphael's father?.

She couldn't believe it. This was the man she was about to meet?