"Nadine, you know my feelings for Raphael, but why...?"
She sniffled, her delicate hands clenching over her chest as though she were the true victim in this scene.
The murmurs grew louder.
"Poor Colette… how could Nadine do this to her?"
"She was already humiliated, and yet she still flaunts that she had Raphael?"
"Disgusting. So shameless."
Just as I forced myself onto my feet, ready to end this ridiculous performance, a voice cut through the noise like a whip.
“What the hell are you all looking at? Focus on your own damn business!”
The authority in his tone silenced the crowd instantly.
I turned my head just in time to see Raphael, his sharp jaw clenched in fury, his piercing gaze sweeping over the gathered audience like a predator assessing its prey.
His steps were swift and controlled. Without hesitation, he reached for me, his hands firm yet gentle as he gripped my arms.
“Let me help you.”
Before I could protest, he had already pulled me up, his touch grounding me against the spinning dizziness of my emotions.
Then, in a move that stunned everyone, Raphael peeled off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders, shielding my soaked blouse from prying eyes.