Episode 4

Tonight is the dinner with Raphael's family, and I had to look perfect.

I wore a sleek white fitted gown that hugged my curves, with a high slit on one side—elegant but with just enough edge.

I added three-inch pointed heels, putting me at 5'10", though Raphael still managed to tower over me at 6'3".

My hair fell in soft waves down my back.

Makeup was natural but radiant, highlighting my cheekbones and lips just enough to catch the light.

Honestly? I kind of loved the feeling.

The rush, the anticipation.

Was this what people called love at first sight?

Or maybe i was just addicted to the game.

-

I'd sent Raphael the address the day before.

They pulled up right on time.

As they got out of the car, their eyes went wide.

I couldn't help but smirk. They didn't expect the house to be this big.

"Come in!" I said sweetly, flashing my most charming smile.

Raphael's eyes swept over me, obvious admiration there.

Good.

That was the goal.

I leaned in to kiss his mom's cheek, then did the same with Viviena.

His dad, Al, gave me a polite nod as they stepped inside.

We moved to the dining room, where my parents and Samuel were already waiting.

I sat down close to Raphael, leaning in just enough to make it look natural.

Throughout dinner, he kept adding food to my plate.

Like we were the picture-perfect couple.

My mom noticed.

She smiled that knowing smile.

Hook, line, and sinker.

My dad eventually cleared his throat.

"So. When's the wedding?"

"Next month," I replied smoothly. "In California."

Mom frowned. "Why not here in the Philippines?"

I kept my tone light. "We just want it to feel extra special."

Raphael's dad raised a brow. "California's a bit far."

Raphael nodded slightly. "We want a fresh start. Somewhere new."

My dad seemed satisfied. "As long as you take care of my daughter."

Raphael's hand found mine under the table, squeezing lightly.

"I will, sir. I promise."

His mom beamed. "I can't believe my son is finally settling down."

My mom laughed. "Same here. We've been waiting for Claudia to bring someone home."

Raphael grinned. "Well, here i am."

Viviena snorted. "We all know Claudia's the boss in this relationship."

"Obviously," I said proudly. "And Raphael knows better than to argue."

He just shook his head, trying not to laugh.

Samuel, who'd been quiet, finally spoke. "At least she's marrying someone decent."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Shut up."

After dinner, everyone moved to the living area for wine.

My dad and Raphael's dad were deep in business talk.

Our moms sat nearby, giggling like old friends.

Viviena and Samuel barely looked up from their phones, they'd always gotten along weirdly well.

Meanwhile, Raphael and I sat in the corridor with our drinks.

"You played your role well, Doc," I teased.

He gave me a crooked smile. "You too, fiancée."

I nudged him. "Admit it. You're having fun."

He took a slow sip. "It's... not as bad as i thought."

I raised an eyebrow. "Not as bad?"

He let out a low laugh. "Fine. It's kind of fun."

I grinned.

Exactly what i wanted to hear.

-

When it was time for them to leave, I walked them out.

That's when i spotted her.

Kourtney.

Standing by the gate.

Crying.

Of course.

"They're faking it!" she screamed, voice shrill.

Everyone froze.

My brain didn't even think.

I grabbed Raphael by the collar and kissed him.

Hard.

Deep, slow, and real enough to silence any doubts.

I felt him tense for half a second before relaxing, returning it.

When i finally pulled back, Kourtney shrieked and covered her eyes.

"AHH! MY EYES! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!"

I smirked. "Believe it, sweetheart."

But then she spotted Samuel.

Tears gone.

Instant smile.

"Oooh!" she squealed. "Who are you?"

Samuel blinked. "Uh... Samuel?"

"Wow. You're cute," she said, flipping her hair like we'd all forgotten she'd been crying.

I just stared at her.

Did i really just kiss Raphael only for this crazy girl to set her sights on my brother?

Samuel, idiot that he is, introduced himself politely.

Before she could say anything else, I cut in.

"Go home, Kourtney. Or I'll call your dad."

She pouted but gave Samuel a wink before skipping away.

Raphael scrubbed a hand over his face.

"What the hell just happened?"

I sighed. "Honestly? I have no idea."

But one thing was clear, this game had just gotten way more complicated.

—

After a lot of back and forth, Raphael and I settled on something simple for the wedding.

Just our families. No circus, no spectacle. Just us.

Both sides agreed easily.

Thank God.

-

Today, I was on my way to pick him up.

Technically, I was dropping him at the hospital before heading to my office.

Was i doing it just to keep up the act?

Or did i actually want to see him?

Either way, I was here, parked outside his house.

He walked out looking annoyingly good in his white coat, hair a little messy in that deliberate way.

I rolled down the window. "Get in."

He didn't even hesitate.

"You don't have to do this," he said, buckling his seatbelt.

I shrugged. "I want to."

He shot me a look. "Next time, maybe don't use such an expensive car? We're supposed to be low-profile."

I smirked. "Sure, Doc."

Truth was, i kind of liked hearing him complain.

His voice was oddly calming, like a song i could play on repeat.

When we got to the hospital, he hopped out, giving me a small wave before walking in.

I watched him go until he disappeared inside.

Couldn't help but smile.

Enjoy the view, Claudia.

I shook my head, finally starting the car.

Time to get to work.

—

When i got to the office, I dove straight in.

Papers to sign. Orders to approve.

Once that was done, I headed to the lab.

Vanessa was waiting.

We were testing a new formula for China.

I carefully chose the base notes, middle notes, and top notes:

Base: warm musk, sandalwood. Long-lasting, deep.

Middle: jasmine, peony. Sophisticated floral balance.

Top: fresh roses, hint of citrus. Bright, luxurious.

I blended it slowly, testing the ratios until it felt right.

Vanessa took a careful sniff.

Her eyes went wide. "This is actually amazing."

I grinned. "Told you."

I called Mr. Lim immediately.

"We have a scent ready," I said.

He came over, tested it, and nodded.

"Perfect. Let's get production started."

I didn't waste time.

I called my team in for a meeting.

"Get moving. If we get this done quickly, everyone's getting bonuses."

Because next month?

I'd be busy getting married.