?<strong>Chapter 160:</strong>


    “Really?” Joelle’s voice quivered with excitement, the thought of returning to the stage and ying the violin again stirring a rush of hope, albeit as faint as the chances of Austin, paralyzed, waking up. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she absorbed the contents of the letter.


    Rafael handed her two tissues with a gentle smile. “Don’t get too excited just yet. I informed them about your pregnancy. You’ll need to wait until after the baby is born to begin treatment. Just a bit longer.”


    Wait. She had been waiting for so long. What were a few more months?


    “Rafael, thank you so much. I don’t know how to ever thank you.”


    Rafael gazed at her intently, his expression unreadable. “Actually, you do know.”


    Joelle felt her earlier joviality wane under his gaze, aware of the unspoken suggestion in his words, yet she was unsure how to respond. Sensing her difort, Rafael tactfully shifted the conversation.


    “Today’s been positive, hasn’t it? How about we celebrate with dinner?” Joelle agreed with a nod.


    They headed back to Hignds Bay. It was still early evening, and the rush hour crowd hadn’t yet started. Deciding to cook dinner, Joelle led Rafael to a nearby supermarket to buy ingredients.


    At the checkout, the cashier stole several curious nces at them.


    Rafael, ufortable with the attention, addressed the cashier. “Is there a problem?”


    “Oh, no, no!” The cashier stammered, cheeks coloring. “I just thought you two make a perfect pair.”


    Caught off guard, Joelle nced at Rafael, her face warming. “We…”


    “Thank you,” Rafael interjected smoothly, sparing Joelle further embarrassment. He reserved his warmth for those he knew well. With strangers, his demeanor remained politely detached.


    As they left the supermarket, Joelle felt a need to apologize, though for what, she wasn’t entirely sure. “I’m sorry, Rafael.”


    “For what?”


    Joelle struggled with the notion of being seen as a couple without foundation.


    “Joelle.” Rafael paused, meeting her eyes with a gentle smile. “Sorry for what? Does it really bother you that others might see me as your boyfriend?”


    Joelle quickly looked up, a hint of distress in her voice. “No, it’s not that. I just don’t want to cause you any trouble.”


    “No trouble at all,” Rafael assured her earnestly, his tone softening. “Do you realize how happy I am?”


    Joelle bit her lip, feeling the weight of her situation more each day as her pregnancy advanced, reminding her of her ties to Adrian.


    “Rafael, I don’t know how to respond. I’m carrying Adrian’s child. You two are close friends, and here I am, already once married and now expecting. I don’t want to bring any scandal or trouble upon you.”


    Rafael stood a step below her, bringing their eyes to level. “I’m not afraid of any of that. What about you?” Feeling cornered but honest, Joelle confessed, “You deserve someone better, someone whole and unencumbered.”


    “Joelle.” Rafael’s hands gently grasped her shoulders. “I’ve considered all of this. To me, you’re more important than any potentialplications. I’m d you care, but does this mean you feel the same way about being with me?”


    Joelle’s mouth opened to respond, but Rafael cut her off. “Don’t rush your answer. I know you’ve just been through a lot. We can take our time.”


    Joelle found herself at a loss for words, silenced by his understanding.


    For the first time, Joelle felt that Rafael was also a strong man. But his strength was different from that of Adrian, as Rafael used the gentlest way to make her fall for him. She had to admit that she wanted to be with Rafael. Although the thought only shed by and was quickly denied by herself, her heart was beating faster. “Okay, let’s take our time,” she agreed, feeling her heart betray her momentary resolve.


    As they reached Hignds Bay, Joelle was about to open her door when Adrian’s door swung open. She thought it was Leah who came out to greet her, but it was Adrian instead. He had nevere back this early.


    The two men bumped into each other like this, which gave Joelle a headache.


    “Adrian, have you recovered from your injury?” Rafael greeted him.


    The injury on the corner of Adrian’s mouth was caused by the fight with Rafael on the streetst time. Now it was not obvious.


    Adrian perceived the greeting as a challenge, his expression turning icy. “Why are you two together?” he demanded, his tone sharp.


    Joelle found the question almost amusing—after all, she was no longer his to question.


    Adrian’s gazended on the shopping bags in Rafael’s grasp, the green onions peeking out, signaling their ns for dinner. His displeasure was palpable.


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