Chapter 268 What Do You Want Me To Do?
"I know my sister wronged you and caused trouble for you on multiple occasions—I witnessed that myself. My words aren’t meant to ask for forgiveness or to erase what happened between you two. Your feelings are valid, and I appreciate your restraint in dealing with her, especially given our agreement. Your generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed. I admire that about you, and I realize now that I made a mistake by only hearing my sister’s side of the story." With sincerity, he bowed slightly to Hera, but he had more to say.
"I realize this may sound hypocritical, as we are similar in essence. However, I sincerely disapprove of what my sister has become and fear your earlier warnings may prove accurate. I’m determined not to let her reach a point of no return. As her brother, it’s my duty to discipline her." With that, he knelt before her, meeting her eyes on the same level, demonstrating his sincerity.
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Hera asked, raising an eyebrow with a smirk on her lips that belied her lack of amusement.
Rafael pursed his lips, noticing his words hadn’t quite reached her. Suppressing his frustration, he instead looked crestfallen and sighed. "I know I’m not the best among my friends, nor am I a perfect person. But like everyone else, I hope you’ll give me a fair chance to court you. Things may have moved quickly; we’ve only known each other for less than a month and met only a few times. But denying my interest in you hasn’t worked, and if I continue, someone else might sweep you away." Rafael’s chiseled face flushed with embarrassment, his cheeks tinged red.
"I don’t expect you to believe me right away, but I hope you’ll give me a chance to prove my worth. I’ll do anything to earn even a shred of your trust," he said sincerely, pursing his lips. His eyes glazed over and the rims turned red with emotion. Sharing his feelings was new and difficult for him, and he struggled to convey the depth of his sincerity.
But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try. He had witnessed the positive changes Hera had brought to his friends. Even the workaholic Zhane was now rearranging his schedule just to court her. The hopelessly lazy Dave had become serious about work, eager to prove himself as no less than the others. He had been the group’s mascot, never taking anything seriously and making unreasonable demands, but he didn’t want this image to affect his chances with Hera. Luke, usually calm and smiling, had turned serious and flustered, starting to compete with Leo, whom he saw as his biggest rival for Hera’s affection. Even Xavier, who loved nothing more than sleeping and acting aloof, was now doing his best to communicate his feelings and stepping out of his comfort zone to become a reliable person worthy of standing beside her.
On the other hand, he expected to be Hera’s least favorite and likely eliminated from consideration. Not only had he made a bad impression when they first met, but his sister was the one who continually caused Hera trouble. While he begrudgingly commended his sister for stealing Hera’s boyfriend—an act that allowed him to meet Hera—it also meant his sister had hooked up with someone unworthy.
But he couldn’t say this out loud; Hera might think he enjoyed seeing her hurt, which would only add to the list of reasons she might reject him.
"Oh... You’ll do anything?" Hera repeated, her lips curving up in amusement and her eyes shining with cunningness. Rafael noticed the glint in her eyes but pretended not to.