Rapheus Giannopoulos: The Emotionally Detached Hero

Meet Rapheus Giannopoulos, the no-nonsense, billionaire real estate developer

How do you feel about your story finally being told?

Well, I’ve always been a public figure, but I was hesitant because there were just too many nuances about my family history that I would have preferred remained buried in a cave. But, once I rolled back the first layer of secrets, I knew I had to go the distance.

Did you ever consider ignoring your grandfather’s dying wishes? 

No, my pappoús was like a father to me since I was six and lost my father. I loved him dearly and would do anything for him. I would have climbed a mountain barefoot if he’d asked me to.

What was the most difficult part of your journey to HEA?

Facing my demons—the ones that developed when I was a child and had only grown stronger as I grew into a man. As I got to know Xio, so many emotions that I had buried years and years ago came bubbling to the surface, and I was forced to decide what I really did or didn’t want out of life.

What attracts you the most about Xiomara?

Her passion. She was full of it the moment I met her and it has only intensified as I get to know her better. She’s passionate about everything—making Jewel Beach a success and restoring it to its former glory, taking care of her younger siblings, being there for her mother and great-grandmother. She’s a very independent and driven woman, and she doesn’t take crap from anyone, least of all me.

Did there ever come a time when you felt like giving up and going home?

Not really. Within the first few hours after I landed in Akilina, I learned so much about my grandparents. But there were still too many unanswered questions––things that left a sour taste in my mouth. I knew I couldn’t leave without learning the truth about us––about them. There was too much at stake. I couldn’t go back to San Francisco with the mystery and the secrets hanging over my head. I couldn’t go on with my life without knowing the truth about my family’s past.

Now that you’ve been given a tour of Akilina, will you take Xiomara to Santorini?

Of course! I’d love to show her where I was born and lived for the first six years of my life. Santorini may not have as unique a history as Akilina, but there is still magic on my island. Although, anywhere with her is pure magic…