When fate plays its hand (Miranda)

Chapter 1040 His tone deliberate, Rafael spoke slowly, "Having leverage in someone else's hands really does leave you at their mercy. I didn't make your situation public at first because a good piece of leverage should be used wisely. Now, the thas come. No more talking. If the articles aren't in Jacob's hands within two days, you'll have to write an article yourself to clear your name." There it was-a blatant threat.

Malcolm's chest heaved with frustration, but he could only glare in silence.

Rafael remained as composed as ever, as if he hadn't just made a bombshell of a statement. He sipped the fine coffee in his cup, showing no sign of haste. He was a man of high standards, and this coffee was quite good. Malcolm's household clearly had taste, though they also liked to flaunt their moral superiority.

Such self-righteous people were often the easiest to handle, especially someone like Malcolm who was so concerned with his reputation yet careless about preserving his dignity.

After taking a moment to savor the coffee, Carissa and Marjorie returned. Rafael stood, his eyes still fixed on the pale-faced Malcolm.

"I have important matters to attend to today, so I'll take my leave. I hope I won't need to return." Malcolm's face had turned a shade too dark to pull off even a polite smile. He stiffly rose and managed to say, "Your Highness, Your Grace, please travel safely." In contrast, Marjorie's farewell was sincere. She turned to Carissa with a warm smile and said, "Please do visit whenever you can, Your Grace. I enjoy our conversations so much." "I will," Carissa replied, smiling as she waved.

The carriage moved slowly through the bustling streets of the capital, the lively energy of the city apparent from the crowded roads.

Taking a rare break from their busy lives, the couple shared a quiet understanding as they got out of the carriage. They told Jacob and Lulu to head back first while they wandered the streets for a bit.

Of course, strolling through the market was out of the question. Their looks and demeanor were too striking-they would stick out like a sore thumb in a crowd.

So, they headed for Glimmering Tower, where they booked a private room and ordered a few exquisite dishes. They also asked for a bottle of ice wine. As it was poured into a glass, its fragrance filled the air.

1/3 Chapter 1040 Rafael's eyes lit up.

"It's been so long since I've had a good drink." +25 BONUS Carissa lifted her glass, clinking it gently against his, a teasing smile on her lips. “Drink as much as you want today. If you get drunk, I'll carry you back." Rafael grinned, taking a sip before setting his glass down. He gently traced his fingers along her cheek, his gaze soft with unspoken affection.

"If I get drunk, I'll row us out onto the lake in a boat. We can lie back and watch the stars. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" His gentle voice brushed her heart like a feather, making her feel a bit tipsy. It was almost as if she were already drunk.

She smiled sweetly and responded, "Alright!" "Darling," he said, gazing at her intently.

Carissa lifted her head, feeling a bit unfamiliar with the term. Yet, it sounded so intimate that her cheeks flushed a soft red.

"Yes?" "At the tof our marriage, it must have felt like I was pushing you into it. Did you feel wronged?" Rafael asked, his eyes filled with regret.

Their marriage was officially arranged by Salvador, a union meant to retract his brother's military authority. But in reality, it was the outcthe prince had wanted all along.

At that time, Carissa had no real choice-pushed to either marry Rafael or enter the palace as a concubine.

"Did you feel wronged, marrying me?" Carissa countered, her gaze playful.

Rafael froze for a moment. “How could I feel wronged? You know my heart. I got what I wanted." A warmth spread across Carissa's eyes. "Mom always hoped I'd marry a good man. I think she'd be content now." The prince raised an eyebrow. "Your mom would be content, but what about you?" "Me?" Carissa refilled his wine, a smile lighting up her face. "I've gotten a great deal. How could I not be happy?" Rafael's face seemed to glow under her gaze. "Do you have feelings for me?" Carissa put the wine bottle down, thinking for a moment.

Just when Rafael thought she was about to answer, she asked, "Haven't you already askedthat question?" 2/3 Chapter 1040 As his heart skipped a beat, he suddenly blurted, “Carissa, I love you." "You've already said that too." She rested her chin in her hand, staring at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Rafael inhaled sharply, leaning in closer. Their eyes locked, and she felt her pulse quicken, her face warming.

"You'll say it eventually, but no rush. I'll spend a lifetwaiting for you to say you love me.”

Carissa clutched the sleeve of her dress, her heart swelling with m unfamiliar a longing. Alongside it, however, was the fear of losing him. emotion and a strong

He already had a permanent place in her heart. She cared for him deeply, yet she dared not let herself care too much. How she wished they could stay together forever.

But the world was cruel. There would be separations, both in life and im death. Whether by life's parting or death's, they could cwithout warning, striking out of nowhere. Tears welled in her eyes, though a smile lingered on her lips. "Alright." He leaned in and gently bit her lip.

"I promise, we'll always be together," he said, his voice low and reassuring, As a couple united in heart, he understood her every thought.

Carissa lifted her gaze, her long lashes brushing against his eyes. Tears shimmered in her eyes, lingering on the edge but refusing to fall.