Chapter 18

Raphael took a deep breath and lowered his head, choosing to remain silent. In that moment, Catherine's anger flared up. She strode forward and grabbed the collar of Raphael's suit jacket. Forcefully, she yanked his face toward hers. Raphael hadn't expected Catherine to lash out like that, nor had he anticipated just how much she had changed over the past five months. When their eyes met, hers were filled with fury, while his showed only shock and restraint. "Raphael, what exactly are you apologizing for? Do you think acting like this will make me pity you?" she spat, her voice dripping with contempt. Since that morning, Raphael had been putting on an act—he was holding back and pretending. Where had the decisive and ruthless Raphael gone? Did he think that putting on a pitiful front would erase the pain he had caused her and make up for the way he had trampled over her feelings? Raphael's eyes revealed deep regret and concern. "Cathy, you and… You and Ezra…" Catherine's breath