Chapter 9: Family • Enemy

Is this the right outfit?

I asked myself as I twirl and check myself in front if the mirror. I've been standing in front of my whole body mirror for 1½ hours now.

First my make up, I have a light pink almost nude actually. Pink blush on and pink glossy lipgloss. I let my hair straight and just be natural. I am glad my hair is naturally beautiful.

As my outfit, it was a very expensive brand. Just based on the cloth. It hugs my body tight yet it looks so amazing in me. It marched a stiletto shoes and I loved it. It is very amazing.

I grab a black pouch and paired with a diamond circle shaped earings. I love the accessories. I am super in love with them. I can't believe an entertainer like me in a cheap club can have so expensive things like this. Even though it was only temporary. I will make the most of it.

Oh, did I mention why am I dressing up?

I am meeting the mysterious and rich Knight Family in a couple of hours. I told you before that I never had a boyfriend so I would never imagine myself meeting other person's family. So I am very nervous right now. My heart was beating too fast and I don't know what will they tell me.

Also Rafael told me that his Dad is very scary and mean so I am very scared.

Then there was a knock on my door. "It's open" I shouted and since my back was facing it. I heard it open behind me

"Wow, you look stunning" it was Rafael's hot and husky voice

I quickly turn around and my mouth opened, seeing Rafael in his suit. His shirt in his suit was two buttons open and he can be a handsome supermodel for sure.

I am a lucky wife having a man like this as my husband.

"Um...you look... stunner?" God, is that even a word? Stunner? For stunning.

A chuckle escaped him and he walked closer to me. His eyes were traveling my body and I felt my body shivers at his hot gaze.

"Why are you nervous?" He asked, his lips curling in a smirk. He must he noticing that my hands were shaking and my body looks tensed.

I scratch the back of my head and answered "Why am I nervous?" I asked myself "I am meeting your rich family, for Christ's sake!" I shouted all of the sudden

Rafael's eyebrows deepened "What? Why are you nervous at something like that?"

My lips  parted a little. Yeah, he's a guy, right? And I am sure he is used to meeting families of his girlfriends. But I am the girl here! My first boyfriend's family.

Wait, correction...my husband's family. We never became boyfriend and girlfriend thing. Shit, I am making a fool out of myself. But my husband is here, laughing at me. Yeah, that helps me.

"Stop laughing!" I snapped, running my hands through my face and put a hand on my waist, letting out an irritated sigh

But Rafael continued to laugh "I am not laughing"

I rolled my eyes and groaned. Yeah, who would believe that? "You are!!!" I protested, glaring at him. What am I? An idiot not to know that?

"I'm not!" He lied, but still laughing.

Jeez.

"Yeah? Then what are you doing?" I asked, crossing my arms across my chest and raised my chin, confidently.

"Enjoying my view"

What???

"Oh, so I am just a view to you? Something you want to watch if I am making a fool out of myself?" I narrowed my eyes at him. God, Please...give me a little patient so I won't kill my husband.

"Nope. I am enjoying the look of my wife be nervous" he replied, catching my feelings again. Oh Lord.

I took a deep breath. Inhale, exhale...

"Hey..." Rafael came closer to me...close enough that I can hear his breathing

"Calm down. All you have to do is introduce yourself, answer their questions, smile, be yourself and just be my wife" he told me like it was so easy to do.

I shook my hands and started jumping to calm down. "This is the first time I am gonna do this"

"This is your first time meeting someone else's family?" He asked

I nod my head "Duh? That's why I am shaking here"

Again, another laugh escapes his mouth making me more irritated. "Haha, laugh all you want. I am not coming out of this room" I pouted.

Rafael smirked, "Come on, I am sure one of your ex boyfriends had introduced you to his family before. Nothing different"

"What if I told you I never had a boyfriend?" I confessed, looking away, embarrassed.

"You never had a boyfriend before?" He looked so surprise to know about that.

"Yes. Having a boyfriend is the last thing I want before while I was still at the club because it will just get in my way" I told him, looking in front of my mirror again. "You married a very very poor woman, Rafael. That's why I don't think I can do this"

"They like you or not, it's not their decision anymore. I married and you there is nothing they  can do about it. They have no choice but to accept you as part of my family" he said, his face changes into a cold one.

I sigh again "Fine. Do I look okay?"

His eyes gazes at me, his fingers moved to his chin "Something is missing"

"Oh, do you want me to redden my lipstick? I was only wearing a lip gloss" I put my hand on my lips and I was going to get my makeup when he stopped me

"No, not that" The say it ready! I just want to shout that in his face.

"Turn around" he told me and I made a confused look but do not disobey your master, right? "And lift your hair up"

So I did what I was told. I turn around and lift my my hair up. What is he going to do now? I was waiting for him to do something until I felt something cold around my neck and his warm smooth fingers at my neck.

My eyes widen when I notice that it was a necklace...the necklace I was staring at when we bought the ring last week. A simple diamond heart necklace. It is so beautiful. I slowly turn to face him with a shook or stunned look. I can't believe he bought me this and I can't believe he saw me looking at it.

I touched the diamond heart and look up to Rafael who is also looking down to me "There...now it's perfect"

My mind was too shock and I really want to jump right now. No one has ever give me something so precious like this. Not just precious...but a thing that is more expensive than I am.

But I did something that shock the two of us. I can't hold the happiness in me. I wrapped both of my arms around Rafael's neck and jump to him.

"Thank you, Rafael. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!" I exclaimed, almost squealing and started kissing his face but not his lips. I don't kiss people on their lips, okay.

I stepped down and went infront of the mirror and examined how beautiful is was on me. Wow, I look so rich. I really look like a billionaire's wife.

"Oh my God, this is amazing" I murmured then I turn to face Rafael and realized what I just done but I let it passed. Like it didn't bother me at all "Now, I am ready...Let's go?"

Rafael nod his head "Remember, act like a lovable wife" he said before turning to leave my room. A smirk appeared in my face once he left. Did my cold husband just got shy??? He did!

Wow, I am gonna write this in my diary. Haha.

•■•■•■•■•■•■•■•

Remember what Josh said, having a party in the island? Well I never thought that it was true.It was really is a private island.

I was surprised that Rafael's car stopped at a deck, where a speedboat is waiting for us. I turn to Rafael and looked at him questioningly but he was busy talking to some of his client over his phone.

Rafael stepped out of the car and talked to some men in uniform, then he motioned me to come out with his fingers and so I did.

"Good day, Mrs. Knight" the men greeted.

Mrs. Knight

Still not used of hearing that name.

Rafael helped me hopped on the speed boat  and he never let go of my hand. He was holding it until we settle down on the seats. The driver of this boat buckled up the seat belt and asked if everything is ready and Rafael nod.

I held his hand tighter when it started and lean my body closer to him to feel his warmth. But he let my hand go and I felt disappointed quickly but my heart beats faster when his arm wrapped around my shoulder behind me then his other hand, held my hand.

Now we look like a sweet married couple. But I enjoy the thought of that.

"So, it's true that your parents have a private island?" I asked him

"Yeah, we use it in special occasions" he answered, blankly.

On special occasions only?! Man, if I have a private island, I am gonna live there and stay there forever. Only me...and myself. Haha.

"So, who owns this speedboat?" I asked again,

"Mine. I have my own speedboat to get to the island" he respond, looking at my eyes this time "Hey..."

"Hm?" I questioned and look at him as well.

"I can feel your hand shaking" he whispered to my ear "Relax. No one will kill you so don't worry" .

I hesitantly nod my head as response. He is right. I need to relax. Jeez, Lord Please help me today. Don't make me embarrassed myself in front of my husband's family.

Phew, I can do this.

A few minutes later, I can see the island showing up, little by little. A huge mansion showing up and yachts were anchored near the deck. I believe that I am meeting the biggest family ever.

The speedboat stopped us on the deck and another men in uniform helped us out. They greeted Rafael and some of them greeted me. But I am so thankful that Rafael is here with me, holding my hand as we walk towards the mansion.

But before the entrance, I felt a little relief in me when I saw familiar faces.

"Boss, what took you so long?" Don spoke first when he saw us coming.

Scott turn around and his eyebrow touched seeing our hands intertwined together. "I can't believe the boss is being so touchy and sweet to this woman"

I glared at him and he just laughed at me. But he immediately stood when Rafael did it. Steve was there too with a drink in his hand as he looked bored and serious at the same time.

"Is Dad here?" Rafael asked, clearly wanting to know the answer

"Not yet" Steve answered "But everyone is looking forward for your return. As well as meeting your wife"

Scott scoffed and a grin appeared in his face "I bet they will be disappointed how plain his wife is" he said, taking a sip of his wine

I pouted a little and rolled my eyes "You're so mean" I said, under my breath earning a laugh from the others.

Rafael tightened the hold of my hand and we walked inside the mansion with the boys, behind us. Jeez, it looks so awkward having strong and cold men following behind us like bodyguards.

The mansion was was so big like the White House but this is so much bigger. My mouth was open while my eyes were roaming around the place. The place is really big. The biggest one I seen in my whole entire life.

"Stop looking around like a innocent girl" Rafael whispered at by ear, as I see people we passed through stare at me. Their eyes were like judging me in how I look or dressed. "I am gonna introduce you as a cousin of Steve and I will tell them that you are a daughter of a rich businessman"

"And then?" I asked

"I will take care of the rest" he suddenly stopped from walking when I saw a woman in her mid or late 40s looking very elegant and beautiful, walking towards us with a smile in her make up faced.

"Rafael" she gave Rafael a welcoming hug and they quickly pulled away.

"Welcome back, son"

"I am not your son" he coldly replied back, putting a hand on my lower back, bringing my closer. I saw the changes in the woman's face but still registered with a smile.

"So, is the lucky wife you had that everyone wants to see?" She turn to me "Hi, dear" she kissed both of my cheeks, making me surprise a little.

"H-hi?" I smiled back, weakly. Jeez, this woman looks so rich and beautiful. I am so jealous of her. I wish if I reached her age, I can still be as beautiful as her

"Nikki, this is my wife, Isabelle. Belle, meet my Dad's wife,  Nikki" Rafael introduced. Oh, so this is her stepmother

"Hello, so glad to finally meet you" I cut the awkward tension in the place "I'm Isabelle Knight but please just call me Belle"

"I am also very glad to finally meet you too, Belle. Everyone was so surprise to know that Rafael has finally married." She said "You must be one special and different girl that made Rafael tie a knot"

I let out a laugh and turn to Rafael "Is my husband that cold? He was really romantic when we met" I lied, of course. All he give to me was coldness when we met. But Rafael glared at me and his eyes telling me to shut up.

"Really?" Nikki seems really shock to know that "Love can really change everyone" she said, I think her smile is pasted in that face of her.

"Where's Dad?" Rafael broke our conversation

"Your Dad just took care some meetings he had but he will be here any minute now" Nikki answered. "Oh the whole gang was here!" She saw the boys behind us "There are foods inside, boys. Have you boys are already?"

Scott nod his head "We will later, Nikki"

Nikki just smiled again "Okay, so I hope you guys enjoy the party. Don't be a stranger asking us." she told us, while her hand was on my arm  "Rafael, show your wife around" then she left us, heading to the other visitors.

"She seems nice" I told Rafael

"Really? I don't think so. She's a gold digger" Rafael respond, his face hard and emotionless.

"Maybe because you won't give her a chance and you are always cold" I respond back, giving him a glare.

Men in tux started greeting Rafael and he just nod at them or give them a fake smile. Jeez, its hard to be friends with Rafael. You wouldn't know if he is real to you or fake to you. He is so weird.

"Rafael!" A cheerful voice exclaimed and I saw who it was and it came from a very beautiful woman.

She had long blonde  hair, her eyes were blue, her nose was pointy but looks good on  her. She was wearing a short golden cocktail that hugs her body perfectly but she would have been perfect but she is too short compare to me and Rafael.

I was surprised when this shortie suddenly ran towards Rafael and hugged him in front of me. Okay, who the heck is she to do this to my husband?

I am surely sure that she knows that he already has a wife. But here she is, clinging to my husband like she is the wife! And you know what is more irritating? That Rafael hugged him back and a smile in his face.

I can hear the boys chuckling behind me as they watch me, being awkward at the situation.

When this woman finally pulled away from the hug, she saw me and her smile deepened "Oh my God, is this your wife?"

"Haha, obviously" the boys said together and laughed

"Fuck you, boys" she rolled her eyes but she smiled again when she saw me "Hi, pardon my words. I'm Stacy" she shook my hands "Oh, your sister-in-law"

My sister-in-law??? Oh, my eyes widen in realization. "Rafael's stepsister?" I asked but I think it's already obvious

Stacy chuckled "Finally! To be honest with you, sis...Rafael was the last person on Earth I thought who is going to marry and settle down"

Is Rafael really that bad? They always say the same things over and over.

"Oh what's your name? I am so sorry if I am too talkative"

A weak laugh came out from me "Isabelle but just call me Belle" I told her, "and it's fine"

Then Stacy turn to Rafael and punched his arm "You retarded man! You said big boobs and butts are your types but this girl is totally the opposite"

Again, the boys laughed behind me hearing what Stacy said but except for Steve while Rafael frowning at his sister "Go back to your shell, Stacy. Stop embarrassing my wife" Rafael cut in.

"I am not embarrassing her. I just want to be friends with her" she pouted, narrowing his eyes at him before turning to me again "But believe me, you're so beautiful. Simple yet gorgeous"

I blushed at her words "Thank you, Stacy"

"Don't believe her, Belle" Scott spoke again "You know she is lying and you know in your heart that it is not true"

Just little more push, Scott. I will kill you. He is so mean.

"Don't listen to them" she whispered to me and I just nod my head

"They always torture me" I whisper back at her and she gasped "But I am already used of it"

"Seriously, why did you marry my brother? He is colder than ice " She crossed her arms, his words hitting his brother "He threatened you, didn't  he?"

Now I faked a gasp, playing along "Oh my, how did you know?"

"Alright, That's enough" Rafael butted in, grabbing my hand and dragging me away "See yah later, Stacy" then he left her there, waiving at us.

"That was rude" I muttered at him when we got our distance from her sister.

But he just scoffed "That woman won't shut her mouth until you Stop her" then we head towards the away from the party and head towards the garden at the back of the mansion where there are no guests but I can see group of people gathered together near the gazebo. They are all wearing formal attire and they all look dazzling. I noticed one of them is Josh talking to 3 guys

One of them saw Rafael and I coming and a huge smiled appeared in his handsome face "Brother!" then all of them turn their heads at us.

So, these are all Rafael's siblings. Very handsome, I see. One of them is a girl but she looks like older than the rest. Based on Rafael, he did told me he had 2 stepsisters. One is Stacy and this might be the other one.

Josh's smile also widens seeing us as he head towards us with the other brothers.

"Hey long time no see, Raffy" the one with blonde hair spoke and gave him a manly hug making me back out a little and stay behind him

"Zac, I already told you to quit the nickname" Rafael spoke, his tone calm and yet husky. This Zac had blue stunning eyes, his smile is very flashy that it can light up the room. His handsome, of course...He had well built body too underneath that designer blue tux

This 'Zac' laughed and then another taller men, his skin was the whitest among all of them, her hair is messy but looks good on him. He had blue eyes too, beard growing on his face, he had pointy nose and he is wearing a normal black tux "I'm glad you still have time to attend some little family gathering" wow, his voice is very sexy and...British???

he called this a little family gathering? Are you kidding me?

"Jack, the old man will surely give the company to Roberto if I didn't show up" Rafael's tone this time has a humor on it. Good job, hubby. Keep up the good work and be more friendly to your family.

"Hey Rafael, my amazing little brother who doesn't know how to smile!!! I missed you so much!!!!" another cheerful voice came from a man who looks like Jack. But this man is thinner compare to Jack's tall and well built body. He had the same dirty blonde hair like Jack. Then I was surprised when he suddenly hug Rafael...I mean really very tight hug

"Justin, you're drunk again. Don't touch me, you nasty man!" Rafael pushed him off him, "Jeez, since when are you going to be serious in life?"

Justin smiled and drink the glass of wine on the table before answering in a slurred tone "Little brother, I'm not drunk...just a little energetic"

"Oh stay away from us, Justin. If you throw up here, it's not our business anymore" Zac told him, then another man show up!!! I will nearly be confused with their faces.

The next one who show up looks the youngest among all of them. He was the cutest actually. He looks 19 or in her early 20s. He had black hair, nice brown eyes, his smiles just like Rafael. They had the same eyes and smile. How wonderful.

"Hey, little bro..." Rafael greeted him and he patted his shoulder "Bran , you're getting taller than the last time I saw you"

Bran chuckled tucked his hands in his pockets "It's been a year since you last saw me, Rafael. I'm 18 now and had puberty, of course"

Rafael laughed and playfully punched him away then suddenly he remembers me, by pulling me to his side and the four boys' reaction was priceless. They look so surprise to see me. Didn't they know that I was coming? Or they were expecting someone beautiful?

"Boys, I want you to meet, Belle, my wife" Rafael wrapped her arms around my waist and pulled me his side "Like I told you, she's gorgeous, right?" he told them making me blush and my heart was beating too fast.

Say something, Belle "H-hi"

"Damn you, Raffy! You told us that you married a simple woman!" Zac broke the silence "This lady is so hot!!!" his tone raises, his eyes were on me making me blush even more

"She's shy" Jack teased and laughed "Don't be shy, Belle. You're part of the family now!" he told me, with a warm smile in his face.

Rafael, tighten to hold on my waist and glared at them "Shut up, guys. You're scaring my wife!"

Bran rolled his eyes and smirked "Possessive, eh? This is no not you, Rafael" he teased and he walked closer to me "Hi, Belle, my name is Bran...you're husband's younger half brother" then he kissed my hand "Nice to meet you"

Oh, isn't he the flirty type.

"Belle, meet my step brothers, Jack and Justin..you already met the other...Josh who is busy doing something in his phone over there" Rafael looked at him then back to me "Zac and Bran, my half brothers" he introduced and they did all kissed my hand as greeting.

Now...the only one left is Roberto. I really want to meet him to see how handsome he is. But I am sure my husband is way more handsome than he is.

"My step sisters, Mandy and Stacy. These 5 are all Nikki's children from her previous husband" Rafael added and then loosen his hold, finally. I can breathe.

"Hey Mandy!" Rafael shouted to call his step sisters a little far from us, she was holding a child in her arms. She raised her head and heard us then she smiled. She stood up slowly and carefully not to wake up the sleeping baby in her arms and walk to us

"Rafael, good to see you again, how are you?" she asked, her blonde wavy hair swaying as she moves that goes along her waist. She smiled when she saw me "Hi, you must be the lucky girl who melted his stone heart"

I smiled "Hi, it's very nice to meet you, Mandy. Rafael told me so many good things about you guys" I lied, of course just to carry on but I think it's not a great idea, earning a glare from Rafael

"Rafael talk about us?" the boys asked together in disbelief. Oh, didn't he?

She smiled back "It's very nice to meet you too, Belle. When we heard from Josh that Rafael got married, we were really shocked...our face was so priceless when we saw the news"

"Y-you saw me on the news?" I asked, a little nervous to hear that

"No, sweetie. I think Rafael forbidden to have some photos of you while he still haven't introduce you to us" she respond, "You're husband must have told Josh and Josh told us that our heartless brother has married!" she excitedly told us

I let out a laugh "Oh, really? I don't really believe also the news that Rafael is a heartless man" I told her, ready for the lie "He is actually very nice to me and sweet"

"Sweet???" Zac and Bran asked at the same time, really doesn't believing what I am saying

"Yeah, you're brother is really sweet and romantic, if you don't know. He will do anything when it comes to me, right babe?" I smiled cheekily at him while eying him 'just play with me'

But he seems not too pleased at what I just said and stayed quiet but then he spoke after the awkward silence "Sorry about my wife, she can be a little talkative" he smiled at them but glared at me

"No, I am starting to like her as my sister actually" Justin said, "She is different from the other girls we met from you"

Rafael sigh deeply hearing that "Well, she is different from the others. That's why....I-I married her" he said, like he was telling the truth but my heart is beating too fast listening to him.

Then another awkward silence

"Punch me in the face, Jack...this is not Rafael" Justin muttered, looking shock and I was surprised when Jack really did punch Rafael in the face but he didn't end up on the ground.

What an adorable looking family Rafael had. A big family but happy unlike me...small family but broken. Just me and my abusive Mom who doesn't do anything but torture me before.

"Shut up, boys. You're making my wife uncomfortable" Rafael hissed at them but they just continued laughing.

"I wish I had brought my wife with me" Jack said, laughing as well

"Me too" Justin also said, controlling his laugh but just burst out laughing. Is that really how surprising it was to know Rafael married and being romantic? He probably is cold before.

Then suddenly, the laugh stopped when some of the butler came to us and spoke the 4 words that made Rafael, held me tighter and his face to be darker and colder in a second. He looks at his usual self

"You're Father has arrived"

Oh snap