𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 ◇ 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐃

M

Njeri’s presence had stirred emotions, particularly for Rafe, who found himself increasingly jealous of her interest in Armando.

Rafe paced around the room, muttering under his breath, unable to hide his frustration any longer. "I don’t get it. She doesn’t even know the whole truth about you, Armando."

Armando, leaning against a wall, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. "And what truth would that be, Rafe?"

Rafe stepped closer, his voice rising. "That you’re not some hero. That you’ve done things most of us can't even stomach. She deserves to know who she’s really dealing with."

Armando’s eyes narrowed. "You think I’m hiding anything from her? She can handle the truth better than you give her credit for."

The room fell silent as the tension between the two men escalated. Just then, Njeri walked in, sensing the hostility in the air.

“What’s going on here?” she demanded, looking between Rafe and Armando.

Rafe scoffed. "Just trying to make sure you know who you're dealing with. This guy’s not some knight in shining armor, Njeri."

Before Armando could respond, Njeri stepped forward and slapped Rafe across the face, the sound echoing through the room.

"You have no right to judge him. None of us do," Njeri said, her voice steady and full of conviction. "People do what they need to do to survive. So while you’re over here having a pissy fight over what you can’t have, think about what you do have."

Rafe, stunned, rubbed his cheek. "I’m sorry," he mumbled, looking down.

Njeri shook her head. "You should apologize to him."

Njeri turned to Armando, her eyes softening. "And Armando, I know where you stand. That doesn’t change anything about how I see you. Don’t let people like Rafe mess with your head."

With that, Njeri turned and walked out of the room, leaving everyone in stunned silence.

Dorn, trying to lighten the mood, spoke up. "So, I guess I’ll just order cheese pizza?"

Kelly rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Yeah, cheese pizza sounds good."