Shadow's Embrace

Chapter 7

Xian could see that the older children at the orphanage were focused on their homework and extracurricular activities. Renzo had been teaching Morgana on her  math assignment. Xing was working on a science project on the water cycle using recycled materials. Alisha was sketching in her notebook. Xian knew that despite the struggles they faced, the children were resilient and he was proud of them.

However, Xian was also aware of Rafael's increasing influence over the orphanage. He worried that Rafael's control could eventually harm the children, and he hoped to maintain the orphanage's independence. For now, he pushed those concerns aside and refocused on the present moment, taking comfort in the peaceful atmosphere of the orphanage.

Sean's arrival interrupted the tranquility, bringing a welcome surprise in the form of a large donation check. Xian welcomed Sean warmly, and they stepped outside to discuss the details of the gift on the patio.

"I hope you'll consider using these funds to treat yourself as well," Sean said, his voice softening. "After all, the person caring for everyone else deserves care too." Xian felt a flutter of discomfort at Sean's forwardness but attributed it to mere politeness. As Sean stood to leave, he brushed his arm against Xian's, his touch sending a subtle spark of electricity through the air. Xian didn't realize the significance of the gesture, but Rafael, watching from afar, did.

Rafael approached Xian after Sean left, his expression stern. "What was the meaning of that display?" he asked.

"I'm not sure what you're referring to," Xian replied.
Rafael' jaw clenched as he took another step closer to Xian. "Don't play dumb," Rafael said. "You know exactly what I'm talking about."Xian raised his eyebrows, still trying to grasp Rafael's perspective. "I think you may be misreading the situation," he replied.
Rafael' expression twisted in disgust. "I am not misreading anything. You are either incredibly stupid or deliberately obtuse."Xian groaned as Rafael suddenly punched him sharply in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Rafael snarled. Xian struggled to catch his breath, unable to speak. Rafael yanked him into the corner of the patio, preventing anyone inside from witnessing the confrontation. "Listen carefully, Xian," Rafael warned, his voice low and menacing. "I've already told you that Sean is not welcome here. Yet despite my warnings, you continue to indulge in these...flirtations." Xian winced as he struggled to regain his breath. "I-I don't think Sean's intentions are malicious," he stammered. Rafael sneered. "That's because you're blind to what's really going on. But I'm done arguing about this. From this moment forward, you will distance yourself from Sean entirely." Xian rubbed his sore belly, still catching his breath. "I...I disagree," he said, wincing at the pain. "I don't see why I can't accept donations from whoever is willing to give them."

Rafael pulled out a gun from his pocket and pointed it towards the living room window. Through the glass, they could see Morgana who is alone now sitting at the piano, completely absorbed in her playing. "You will do as I say," Rafael threatened, "or she will pay the price." Xian's eyes darted towards Morgana, his heart racing as he processed Rafael's threat. "You wouldn't dare," he whispered, hoping against hope that Rafael was bluffing. Rafael chuckled, a cold and mirthless sound. "Oh, but I would. You should know by now that I always follow through on my threats." With the gun still trained on Morgana, Rafael added, "Now tell me, Xian, are you ready to cooperate?"

Xian swallowed hard, feeling a wave of desperation wash over him. He watched, frozen, as Morgana continued to play the piano, completely unaware of the danger hanging over her. "Y-yes," he stammered, "I'll do whatever you ask." Rafael lowered the gun slightly, though his aim remained steady. "Very well," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "As long as you keep your word, no harm will come to the children."

With a final nod, Rafael seemed to consider the matter settled. "Remember, Xian," he cautioned, "I'm always watching." He tucked the gun back into his pocket and turned to leave, his parting shot echoing across the patio. "You'd do well not to forget."

Xian watched Rafael go, feeling a mix of fear and despair. He couldn't shake the image of the gun pointing towards Morgana, and the weight of Rafael's threat hung heavy in the air. As he stood there, struggling to process the encounter, he heard the gentle strains of music drifting from the living room. The contrast between the serene atmosphere inside and the tense confrontation outside was jarring, making Xian's anxiety even harder to bear.

Later, Rafael and Sean gathered at a dimlylit bar, nursing their whiskeys as they engaged in discussions about a potential merger between their organizations. Rafael explained that his company had extensive connections with various suppliers, which would significantly enhance the partnership. Sean listened intently, knowing that such alliances could catapult his family's business to new heights. "I agree our primary goal should be mutual success," he said.

"I believe we share a common vision for growth and prosperity." Rafael' gaze remained thoughtful, weighing the pros and cons of Sean's counteroffer. Just as he was about to respond, Sean casually steered the conversation towards Xian. "Speaking of things we both value, I've been hearing great things about your philanthropic efforts, particularly concerning the local orphanage. How does the caretaker there fit into your plans?" Rafael' expression turned cold. "Xian is none of your concern." Sean raised an eyebrow, his voice unwavering.

"I must respectfully disagree. I think Xian is very much my concern." Rafael' face hardened, his voice dripping with disdain. "You are mistaken. Xian is committed to me, and I will not tolerate you pursuing him."
Sean leaned in, his expression serious. "Ownership or patronage aside, shouldn't Xian have a say in who he wants to associate with?" Rafael' gaze intensified, his eyes narrowing. "Xian is under my patronage and is effectively mine."

Sean raised an eyebrow, his curiosity evident. "And what does Xian want?" he asked.
Rafael' gaze intensified further, his eyes narrowing. "Xian is content with the arrangement he has with me. That should be enough for you."
Sean leaned in, his expression calm. "I think Xian should be free to decide for himself whether he is truly content or not," he said.
Rafael' patience had clearly worn thin.

"I think this discussion has strayed far enough from the topic at hand," Rafael snapped. "Given your apparent lack of seriousness regarding our proposed partnership, I think we are done here."
Sean rose from his seat, calling after Rafael. "You're the one who lacks seriousness. We were having a productive discussion until your ego got in the way."  The barkeep polished a mug with a dirty rag, barely looking up as Sean spoke. Realizing his protests were falling on deaf ears, Sean reluctantly accepted that the meeting was indeed over. He cursed silently, racking his brain for how the discussion had derailed. His thoughts kept circling back to one conclusion: Rafael's reaction had been motivated by a desire to protect Xian. The realization sparked a mix of emotions within Sean, including a twinge of guilt for unintentionally sabotaging the deal and a growing sense of determination to learn more about Xian and his relationship with Rafael.