?<strong>Chapter 190:</strong>


    Joelle had mentally prepared herself for the inevitable encounter with Adrian, yet she hadn’t anticipated their first meeting in years would involve him defending another woman. The initial sting of heartache was quickly suppressed as she reminded herself of her growth and strength over the past three years. In the adult world, she knew that maintaining one’sposure was paramount.


    Despite theirplex past, Joelle felt no obligation towards Adrian. Any apologies owed were his to make. Now, with her own family and Adrian seemingly involved with someone else, she resigned herself to the possibility that they might never be friends again, but could at least maintain a cordial distance.


    “Joelle!” Katherine’s voice broke through her thoughts, vibrant with excitement. “Adrian ising this way!” Remainingposed, Joelle nodded subtly.


    Rafael, ever protective, positioned himself slightly in front of her, holding Rnd close.


    “Rafael, I can handle this,” she murmured quietly.


    Rafael responded not with words but by gently squeezing her hand, a silent show of support as they stood together, a united front.


    From Adrian’s perspective, the four appeared as a picturesque family unit, something he had not expected. He approached with a controlled demeanor, his first words in years pragmatic yet heavy with unspoken emotions. “How’s the child?”


    “She’s bruised, but it’s nothing serious,” Rafael replied, keeping his tone even.


    Adrian’s gaze lingered on Rnd, trying to discern any familial resemnce. The boy seemed different, not quite fitting the image of either Joelle or Rafael.


    Rafael, sensing his scrutiny, decided to break the tension. “Adrian, this is my son with Joelle, Rnd. He’s two years old.”


    Adrian’s face betrayed little, but his clenched fist hidden in his pocket spoke volumes. He managed a stiff smile. “Congrattions, really.” The silence that followed was thick, each man wrestling with his own turbulent emotions.


    “And who is this?” Adrian finally asked, turning his attention to Aurora.


    Was she his daughter? So, Joelle had given birth to an adorable daughter for him. Aurora looked up, innocence written across her face, unaware of the significance of the man before her. Joelle didn’t leave him hanging too long. She pulled Aurora forward. “Aurora, say hello to Mr. Miller.”


    In a small, hesitant voice, Aurora greeted him, “Hello, Mr. Miller.”


    Adrian crouched to her level, patting her head with a forced lightness, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. His own daughter, a living reflection of himself, addressed him as a stranger.


    “I apologize on behalf of thisdy,” Adrian said softly, concern evident in his tone. “Does it still hurt?”


    Aurora observed Adrian cautiously. Although his expression was stern, his eyes softened as they met hers, reminding her of the warmth she saw in her parents. She shook her head. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”


    Adrian gently took her small hand, his voice tender. “Who is your daddy?”


    Without a moment’s hesitation, Aurora scampered over to Rafael, clutching his leg with a joyful grin. “This is my daddy!”


    Adrian’s fleeting smile vanished as he stood, his gaze intensifying as itnded on Rafael. The simmering anger in his eyes was unmistakable.


    “Adrian!” Joelle moved protectively in front of Rafael, her voice steady and clear. “Rafael and I are married. We tied the knot overseas. I hope you can respect that.”


    The news struck Adrian hard, his frustration palpable. Had the setting been different, he might have made a scene, but the presence of his daughter tempered his response. He gave Aurora a long, poignant look before turning sharply and striding away.


    The woman apanying him was left bewildered, calling after him, “Adrian? Adrian!”


    Once they were out of sight, Katherine exhaled sharply and took a few deep breaths to calm herself. “My goodness, that was terrifying! For a moment there, I thought Adrian was going to lose it!”


    Aurora, still puzzled, looked up at Joelle. “Mommy, who was that?”


    Trying to mask her ongoing tension, Joelle smiled reassuringly. “Just an old friend of Mommy’s.”


    Aurora seemed to ept this, quickly shifting her focus to the gifts she had received. “Daddy, look! Kathy bought me and my brother gifts. I picked out the little turtle for him!”


    “How cute!” Rafael eximed, while his eyes remained concerned on Joelle, noting every nuance of her reaction.


    Later that day, they arrived at the newly acquired vi in Serenity Vis. Joelle had chosen this ce as their new home, finding their previous residence at Hignds Bay too cramped, especially with Shawn living there too. This home offered the spaciousness and safety needed for their children.


    They busied themselves with setting up the home—Katherine unpacking items, and Rafael child-proofing potential hazards—while Joelle tucked the children into bed.


    Once settled, the adults gathered to rx with some tea. Katherine then addressed another serious topic. “The funeral for Irene is in two days. It’s expected to be arge gathering.”


    Joelle nodded solemnly. “That’s why I came back. Irene was always kind to me. It’s only right that I’m there to say goodbye.”


    Her voice held a mixture of respect and sadness, reflecting her deep gratitude towards the one member of the Miller family who had shown her kindness.


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