Raphael stood there, stunned, but fully aware.
There was no denying it.
He watched as Olivia ran into Dylanâs arms.
She shoved Raphael aside and dashed away, only to halt after a few steps.
There stood Dylan, seemingly just arrived, yet likely having overheard everything.
Oliviaâs lips barely moved as she whispered, âDylan.
â
Dylan looked down at her and reached out, gently touching her head.
âThe foodâs ready.
You go back and start eating.
I need to use the restroom.
â
Olivia felt uneasy and tugged at Dylanâs sleeve.
Dylan gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.
âItâs okay, just go.
â
As Olivia hesitated, looking back every few steps, she followed his advice.
Her submission to Dylan sparked jealousy in Raphael.
Once she was out of sight, Raphael rolled up his sleeves, his voice low with challenge.
âWhat? Looking for a fight?â
Dylan casually loosened his collar and turned his neck, a smirk playing on his lips.
âIâve been putting up with you for too long.
â
Now that he was Oliviaâs boyfriend, he felt compelled to stand up for her.
If he didnât stand up for his girlfriend when she was harassed, what kind of man did that make him?
Raphael, undeterred and itching for a confrontation, felt a surge of aggression.
The restroom door was locked from the inside.
Occasionally, the sound of scuffles and muffled groans leaked out.
Blood stained the white floor tiles.
The commotion was so intense that the restaurant manager hurried over.
Unable to open the door, he had no choice but to call the police.
By the time the officers arrived, it was already thirty minutes later, and the fight was nearly over.
Both men were battered.
Dylan wiped his lips, looking at Raphael.
âYouâre tougher than I thought.
â
Raphael snapped back, âYouâre not so bad yourself.
â
They were evenly matched.
Initially, nobody was particularly eager, but then Olivia arrived.
She whispered Dylanâs name and approached to examine his injury.
At that moment, Raphaelâs complexion turned ashen.