RAFAEL

I'm stunned, tongue-tied, watching her as she runs out of the kitchen, until I'm left staring at her shadow.

Did she just say what I think she said?

My heart is pounding so loud, like I've just been hit with the worst rejection. I've heard how people say rejection from your mate hurts, but in my case... Lila isn't even my mate.

Still, it hurts. It stings worse than a fucking bee sting.

Divorce. That stupid word means she won't be mine anymore. That she won't bear my name. That I'll lose her, she'll leave me, find someone else, and build a life with someone fucking else.

I intended...