Chapter 242: Miss this
She quickly wiped at her face with the back of her sleeve, trying to swallow the storm as the door creaked open.
Rafael stepped inside quietly, a soft understanding in his eyes, closing the door behind them. He didn’t say anything at first. He just walked to her, saw the letter on the bed, and gently gathered her into his arms.
"You finally read it," he murmured, holding her tighter as her body trembled. His embrace was warm, steady, a silent promise.
Mara rested her head on his chest, tears still falling but slower now. "You okay?" Rafael asked, brushing her hair back and pressing a kiss to her forehead. She nodded faintly, a sad smile tugging at her lips. "Yes... I think I am now."
It wasn’t a lie. The grief still lingered, but there was clarity now. And in Rafael’s arms—in the warmth of a family laughing just outside her window—there was something else too. Peace. Forgiveness wasn’t easy. But Mara was starting to believe it was possible. And maybe... just maybe... healing had already begun.
"I wanted to come see you these past few days," Rafael said softly, still holding her close. "But I knew you were grieving. God... you have no idea how much I missed you."
Mara pressed her face into his shoulder, his scent grounding her. "Thanks for being here, Rafael," she whispered.
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his smile soft and teasing. "Did you miss me?"
She smiled, and instead of answering, she hugged him tighter. He pulled her closer, his lips brushing hers with a gentleness that made her heart ache.