Making An Effort

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CHAPTER 17

Kiera could hardly believe her ears. The truth was she did not see Raphael as that kind of person given how interested he was in her friend.

"Are you sure?" Kiera found herself asking. A part of her wished that this was all a joke, a ruse by her friend to escape the matchmaking she was given.

"Do I look like I am laughing?"

"Uh… technically I can't see you." Kiera chuckled lightly but when she did not hear from Skai she cleared her throat and apologized.

"Tsk. I'm very sure."

 "Umm I'm coming I need to call and…"

The moment she said that, another call beeped via the call. Kiera's brows furrowed. 

"Speak of the devil," she muttered. 

"Huh?"

"Sorry, I need to take this. I'll be in your place soon."

She did not give Skai a chance to speak before ending the call and connecting with Raphael's.

"Give me one good reason why I should not block your number now."

Panic surged in Raphael's heart. "Kiera please listen. It's not what you think."

"The fact that you're calling alone means it is what I think." She drew in a deep breath. "You fucked up," Kiera added as she massaged the bridge between her brows.

"What was that stunt you pulled? Why did you…"

"Kiera, please before you dismiss me, hear me out."

"Would anything you say differ from what exactly happened?"

"No. I mean, yes. Yes."

"So you're saying Skai is lying?" Her eyes squinted as she stared into her phone as though he could see her. "You better not lie to me. I'm risking my friendship by helping you out here."

"I'm sorry. I appreciate what you've done but Kiera I–I…" he gulped. There really wasn't any excuse. "I just don't know what came over me. I can't say it was a joke because…"

"It was too expensive. Do you know how hurt you made her? In fact I caused it by helping you and now I regret it."

Raphael exhaled sharply. Everything was falling apart. 

Prior, he did not bother getting that close or involved with any girl or worried for any reason but ever since he met Skai, he felt something shift inside him.

"I regret it too. I want to make amends. I need to apologize to her."

"I've heard those lines before and look how that turned out." She threw her words at him, not bothered with the effect. 

That was Kiera, always the outgoing type but when pissed, she could become the devil in guise. 

"Kiera I am being serious."

"That makes two of us. Or no…" her gaze turned darker, her brows knitting deeply. "I thought you were but now I know better."

"Urgh!" She was proving to be more work than Skai.

"What?" 

Raphael gulped. The anger in her tone reminded him he was in the wrong, thanks to a certain someone. 

"Kiera take a breather. I am being sincere here. I didn't mean to hurt her. I…"

"You know what? This whole charade is just…"

"It's no charade," Raphael refuted, cutting her short. 

"Whatever you say. However, now isn't the right time. She needs some time off. I do too. And I guess you should take this time to re-evaluate your values. See if you really know what you want. Until then…"

"Shit. Kiera wait," Raphael interjected but Kiera was faster. 

"Enjoy." With that one word she disconnected the line, leaving Raphael to his thoughts.

"Damn it!!" 

He gritted his teeth, his hold on his phone tightening.

The funny or painful aspect in all these was till now he did not sense Damien trying so hard to take control of his body and left him to deal with the mess. 

Without wasting time, Raphael turned on the car's engine, ready to drive home only for him to halt. 

"Wait… If I can't rely on Kiera, I have Ace to help me." 

He tapped on his phone, unlocking the screen quickly. "Hey Siri, call Ace."

At the sound of the automated machine, Raphael's muscles tensed slightly. It still felt new and different.

Sadly, he had no time to delay. For all he knew, Damien could be trying to get back now. Seeing this through was of utmost importance. 

"Hello."

"Ace."

"Boss."

"I need you to get me the phone number of our employee, Skai Jayden and send it to me."

"Understood sir."

"Good. Be fast about it."

He ended the call and drove off, heading home. Although he was aware of Damien's work, Raphael could not be bothered about such, no matter how important it was. 

He had bigger fish to fry. 

Just as he alighted from his car, the sound of his phone's notification alerted him. Taking out his phone, he checked the message to see the number.

A small smile spread across his cheeks while his finger tapped on the number. 'Now I can make proper amends.' 

As soon as that thought crossed his mind, he had a change of heart.

''Hmm, Kiera might be right. Fine. I'd better send an apology note along with gifts. I bet girls love chocolate, flowers and cakes. Yes. That's what I would do.'

Raphael made a call to one of his clients before heading inside to write his apology. Once he was done, a satisfied grin spread across his lips, spilling into his eyes. 

He composed the message, hoping it conveyed his sincere apologies. After clicking the send button, he returned the secret phone back into the drawer. 

The drawer closed with a soft click, sealing away his recent efforts and hope that his message strikes the right chord and get him back on track with Skai.

Exiting his secret room, Raphael made his way to Damien's study. Once inside, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, letting out a long satisfied sigh. Closing his eyes, he braced for the transition, feeling the familiar, sharp pang of pain that shot through his head. 

His eyes, upon opening, were no longer his own, the emerald color taking Damien's slightly lighter shade. His vision swirled as Damien took over the reins once again.

Damien blinked several times, the world coming into focus with each flutter of his eyelids. He glanced at his watch - the hands pointing to 4:45 PM.

"Shit... Almost a day gone... Wasted, thanks to you, Raphael," he muttered internally, clearly frustrated and hoping Raphael could sense his irritation.

"Now, where was I?" Damien uttered aloud, flipping open his laptop to pick up the work Raphael had made him abandon.