?<strong>Chapter 201:</strong>


    With a dismissive roll of her eyes, Amara remarked, “It’s just a girl, nothing extraordinary. Keep her if that’s your wish.”


    Turning away from Amara, Belle smiled warmly as she took Joelle’s hand. “Joelle, can you believe it? I thought the Miller family might contest Aurora’s custody, but your ex-mother-inw’s unexpected generosity gives us peace of mind. Rafael will surely embrace Aurora as his own, so there’s no need to worry.”


    “Thank you, Belle,” Joelle replied, her smile broadening. “Rafael is destined to be a wonderful father; I’m sure of it.”


    “Let’s head over there, Mom,” Belle’s daughter, Liza Romero, said as she approached.


    Joelle greeted her politely. “Hello, Liza.”


    “It’s been ages, Joelle.” Turning her attention to Rafael, Liza remarked, “Rafael, you seem content with your new family, but it’s been three years. You should have visited Mom and Dad. Mom really missed you; she thought someone was preventing your return.”


    Her words carried a hint of usation as she nced subtly at Joelle.


    Offering a rueful smile, Rafael replied, “I’m here now, aren’t I?”


    “Yes.” Liza took Belle’s arm. “Mom, let’s walk over there.” Amara, watching the scene unfold, couldn’t hide her difort.


    “Hey! Belle, are you sure about this? Joelle was rejected by the Miller family. Are you sure you want her as your daughter-inw? And raising Adrian’s child—aren’t you concerned about the talk it might stir up?”


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    The words hit Joelle hard. She had always been kind and fair to Amara, yet here was Amara, publicly using her. Belle was about to retort, but a look from Liza silenced her.


    “Mom, let Rafael and Joelle sort this out themselves.” While Belle was fond of Joelle, her feelings for Liza, whom she had raised from infancy, were stronger. Motivated by Liza’s suggestion, she moved forward.


    “Mrs. Miller,” Rafael said, positioning himself protectively in front of Joelle. “Back in the day, Joelle was deemed suitable by Irene herself. Are you implying Irene made a poor decision by criticizing her?”


    “Absurd! She only got Adrian through underhanded tactics. Irene defended her just to save face! Rafael, why do you treat a woman we rejected like she’s a gem?”


    “You—” Joelle was about to retort.


    Rafael cut her off. “Joelle, we shouldn’t waste our time arguing with them. Let’s move on.”


    Amara’s taunts echoed behind them. “A divorced woman unting herself publicly! Aren’t you worried about being mocked?”


    Once they were in the lounge, Belle, concerned Joelle might be hurt, took her hand. “Joelle, please ignore what Amara says. A divorce doesn’t bother me. Look at Liza; she’s been divorced too and is doing wonderfully.”


    “Absolutely, Joelle. Rafael adores you, and he’s got two kids already, doesn’t he?” Liza added. Rafael nudged her, whispering, “Liza.”


    Liza quickly corrected herself. “I’m sorry, Joelle. I didn’t mean to put it that way.”


    “It’s alright.”


    Joelle appreciated that the Romero family was far more progressive than the Millers. The Romero family had long been a business dynasty, yet they wholeheartedly supported Rafael’s pursuit of a medical career. Belle had been a supportive mother-inw, publicly defending her just moments ago.


    With such a supportive family, how could their rtionship be anything but harmonious?


    “I’m not going to let those words upset me.” Joelle offered a smile, her tension easing. “My dad always told me that we should look forward, not back.”


    “That’s exactly right,” Belle responded, giving her hand a reassuring pat. “Why don’t you and Rafael set a date for the wedding? It’s time you two settled down and started a family of your own.”


    Liza set down her cup, maintaining her smile though herposure slipped slightly. Joelle held back her response, knowing the decision wasn’t solely in her hands. They were officially married for the children’s sake, yet her bond with Rafael remained undefined.


    He had suggested they proceed cautiously, leaving Joelle hesitant to push things forward, choosing instead to follow his lead.


    Turning to Rafael, Belle inquired, “What are your thoughts, Rafael?” Liza expressed her concern, asking, “Mom, don’t you think it’s a bit too soon?”


    “Too soon? A wedding would formalize things, wouldn’t it? Then Amara wouldn’t have grounds toin!” Rafael remainedposed as he answered, “Mom, we’ve got a n in ce. There’s no need for you to worry.”


    Following the funeral, Rafael and Joelle headed home together. During the drive, Joelle noticed Rafael’s mood had darkened ever since the wedding was brought up.


    “Rafael, if you’re not keen on a wedding right now, it’s okay. The ceremony isn’t as important as our life together.”


    At a red light, Rafael pressed the brake. “Joelle, I’m sorry. There are just some things I need to work through.”


    As the light turned green, he elerated and added, “But I promise, we’ll have our wedding.”


    Arriving home, they were greeted by the distant sound ofughter from the children. Joelle wondered if Gina was managing well with Aurora and Rnd.


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