Chapter 15 (Author’s POV)

Amanda folded her arms across her chest, narrowing her eyes at Raphael.

"I don't understand. Why should I stop working?" He exhaled as if the answer was obvious.

"Because I don't see the need for it." She scoffed.

"What do you mean you don't see the need?"

"Amanda, I'm a billionaire. Whatever you need, I'll provide. You don't have to work anymore." His voice was calm but firm, as if this was something he had already decided on long before she even asked.

She shook her head, still unable to process his reasoning.

"So... what, I'm just supposed to sit around all day doing nothing? That's ridiculous." His jaw tightened slightly, but his voice remained measured.

"That's exactly the point. You don't have to stress yourself anymore. You can travel, shop, explore hobbies-do anything you want. That's why I married you." Amanda felt her breath hitch.

That's why I married you. She should have expected that answer, but hearing it made something tighten in her chest.

"And what if I don't want to stop working?" she pressed. "Then we'll keep having this conversation until you do," he said simply, like he wasn't giving her much of a choice. She stared at him, her mind racing. The thing was-she could tell he meant every word. It wasn't just some controlling tactic or empty promise.

The way he looked at her, the certainty in his eyes, the way his voice softened ever so slightly when he spoke about giving her the best life-it all showed he truly believed in what he was saying.

He wanted her to have everything. But there was still the matter of Annabel. That lingering question that Amanda couldn't shake. Who was she to him? And why did he always avoid the topic?.

Before she could ask, Raphael's gaze swept over her, and his lips curled into the faintest smirk.

"You look beautiful this morning." The compliment caught her off guard. Just moments ago, they were practically arguing, and now...

She hesitated before muttering, "Thank you."

His smirk deepened. "I'm lucky to have you as my wife." Amanda stiffened. Her confusion only grew.

One minute, he was cold and distant, the next, he was saying things like this. Was this how it was going to be with him?.

A constant push and pull?

Raphael checked his watch, then stepped toward the door. "I have to go now," he said.

"But before I do..."

She raised a brow. "Before you do what?" He turned back to her, his dark eyes locked onto hers.

"Give me a kiss." Amanda blinked.

"What?".

"A kiss," he repeated, as if she hadn't heard him the first time.

"You're my wife. I deserve a good day kiss." She stared at him, searching his face.

He was serious.

"Raphael, you can't just-".

"You're hesitating?" His voice dipped lower, more teasing now.

"Are you shy?" She rolled her eyes.

"I just didn't think you'd demand one." He tilted his head slightly.

"I demand a lot of things, Amanda. A kiss from my wife should be the least of them."

Her heartbeat quickened.

There was no getting out of this, was there?.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped closer. Raphael remained still, watching her like a predator waiting for his prey to make a move.

Then, she kissed him. It started slow, hesitant. But the moment their lips touched, something shifted.

Raphael didn't just receive the kiss-he deepened it, his hand reaching up to cup her jaw, holding her there like he wasn't ready to let go.

His lips moved against hers, unhurried yet deliberate, tasting her, claiming her. Amanda felt her knees weaken.

Heat curled through her, unexpected, intoxicating.

This wasn't just a kiss-it was something else entirely.

A slow, burning possession.

By the time she pulled away, she was breathless. Raphael leaned in, his lips grazing the shell of her ear.

And then, in a voice so soft she barely caught it, he whispered- "I love you." Amanda froze.

And just like that, he straightened, grabbed his keys, and walked out the door.

Leaving her standing there, stunned. When did they get to 'I love you's'?