His sinful Obsession

Jealousy

Rafael stood by the stairs, his sharp gaze fixed on Frida, her figure framed by the soft afternoon light. She was standing there, her silky hair cascading over her shoulders as she tilted her head slightly, absorbed in the delicate task of adjusting her violin.
There was something hypnotic about her—a quiet elegance that made the world around her blur.
His thoughts were broken by a familiar voice behind him.
"Rafellooo! There's my fairy!"
He turned just in time to see Daisy darting past him, her laughter ringing through the hall. She barely spared him a glance as she sprinted toward Frida, her tiny legs carrying her with the kind of excitement only a child could muster.
Rafael's lips curved into a faint smile, but it wasn't for Daisy. It was for what was coming next.

Frida's face lit up as she set her violin aside and knelt gracefully before Daisy, her hands folded in mock reverence.
"Your Majesty," she said with a playful bow, "how may I serve the Queen today?"
Daisy giggled, standing up straighter.
"I have returned from a grand tour of the royal aquarium," she declared, her curls bouncing with regal flair.
"I saw the largest jellyfish in all the kingdoms, and it glowed like magic! Now, my loyal subject, I command you to play a magical song on your violin."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," Frida replied, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her dress before rising with a flourish.
She picked up the violin and positioned it under her chin, her fingers poised like a court musician ready to perform before royalty.

With a soft, whimsical melody, she filled the air with notes that seemed to shimmer and dance. The music curled around Rafael like unseen tendrils, latching onto something deep within him, something he wished would stay buried.
Daisy clapped her hands in delight, her wide eyes sparkling as she leaned forward. "You're the best assistant in the whole world, Fairy Frida!" she proclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Rafael stood frozen at the top of the stairs, his body rigid, his hands curling into fists at his sides. The sight of her—so soft, so effortlessly enchanting—unnerved him in ways he refused to name. She didn't belong in his world, yet here she was, slipping into the cracks of his existence like light breaking through a wall of darkness.

And he hated it.

"Lisa," he called out casually, his voice smooth, untouched by the darkness that had just clouded his mind. "I could use a drink."

With a sharp breath, he turned away, his usual composure snapping back into place. He forced his feet to move, descending the stairs with slow, deliberate steps, each echoing against the polished wood.
He wouldn't allow this feeling to settle.
Not now.
Not ever.
.

.

In the foyer, Carlos was standing by the door, his coat slung over one arm. Lisa stood nearby, her arms crossed, an amused expression on her face.

"Leaving so soon?" Lisa asked.

Carlos nodded, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "I've got a wife waiting for me. You know how she gets if I'm late."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Lucky for her. Though I'm starting to think she spoils you too much. Here's some blueberry jam for her"

Fernando, leaning casually against the wall, chimed in with a smirk. "Spoils him? Please. If anyone's spoiled, it's Carlos. The man can't even make his own coffee."

Carlos rolled his eyes. "Keep talking, Fernando. One day, I'll make sure your coffee comes with salt."

Rafael's lips twitched slightly in amusement as he stepped into the room. "Enough, you two. Carlos, go."

Carlos nodded, giving a quick farewell before heading out. Fernando waved him off, still grinning.

.

.

In the study, James was already seated, a tumbler of whiskey in his hand. Nicolas stood nearby, his tablet in hand, ready as always. Rafael entered, his presence commanding the room instantly. He poured himself a drink before taking a seat opposite James.