?<strong>Chapter 209:</strong>


    Over the weekend, Joelle and Rafael took their two children out for some fun. In front of the children, Joelle and Rafael presented themselves as a harmonious unit, embodying the idea of a happy family of four that Joelle cherished.


    “Joelle?”


    Upon hearing her name called, Joelle turned her attention away from the children. It was Lacey and Michael.


    “It’s been a while.” Joelle gently pulled Aurora closer. “Aurora, say hi to Michael and Lacey.”


    “Hello!” Aurora greeted cheerfully.


    Lacey crouched down, smiling as she gently touched Aurora’s face. “So pretty, looks just like Adrian…” She quickly caught herself, realizing the inappropriateness of herment, and abruptly stopped.


    At that moment, Rafael returned, carrying Rnd, who had just had his diaper changed.


    “Rafael, it’s been a while.”


    The air grew tense as the old friends exchanged greetings. Michael looked at him intently, as though trying to see through him.


    Undisturbed, Rafael said, “Rnd, say hello.”


    “Rafael, is this your and Joelle’s child?” Lacey asked, forcing a smile yet seeming shocked.


    Joelle stood up and linked arms with Rafael. “Yes, he’s our child.”


    Michael, previously quiet, finally voiced his discontent. “Rafael, how could you do this to Adrian?”


    His expression had been gloomy from the start, and although Lacey attempted to restrain him, she was unsessful.


    “What is this? Are you together now? Did you even consider Adrian’s feelings?” Michael added.


    Aurora, feeling scared, hid behind Joelle.


    Rafael stepped forward, his face marked by a stern coldness. “Michael, there are certain things that should not be discussed in front of the children. Joelle and I are together, and we have wronged no one.”


    Michael locked eyes with him. “I can’t believe you would do this! Joelle was Adrian’s ex—”


    “Enough!” Lacey interrupted, preventing Michael from finishing his thought. “Joelle, we’re leaving now!” With that, she quickly pulled Michael away.


    “Why are you so upset about other people’s lives?” she asked.


    Michael balled his hands into fists. “I just can’t stand seeing it. You know how Adrian has been for the past three years.” Compared to Rafael, Adrian appeared even more unfortunate. Joelle and Rafael enjoyed a happy family life, while Adrian was always alone.


    Lacey ced her hands on her hips and said, “Well, it’s his fault he pushed his wife away.”


    “Can you really me Adrian? He was tricked into marrying someone he didn’t love. Would you be content if you were in his position?”


    “If he wasn’t content, he shouldn’t have married in the first ce! Once married, he should have steered clear of other women. Just look at him with Reba. No woman would tolerate that.”


    Michael stood up for his friend and asked, “Why are we bringing Reba into this? The Lloyd family helped the Miller family in the past. Adrian was merely repaying them.”


    “Why didn’t he exin that earlier?” Lacey crossed her arms. “Now they have two kids; what’s the use of saying all this now?”


    “True.” Michael rubbed his head, growing more frustrated the more he thought about it.


    “Don’t obsess over it.” Lacey tugged at his sleeve. “Come on, if you’re concerned, then have a drink with Adrian!”


    The family of four made their way back home, and the two little ones were so exhausted they fell asleep during the drive. Parents spend most of their time supervising their children, and they value the quiet moments when the children are asleep.


    “Your right hand seems to have healed nicely,” said Rafael.


    “Why do you mention that all of a sudden?”


    Rafael showed her his phone. It seemed a passerby had uploaded a video of her ying the violin at a promotional event a few days earlier. The person filming had a keen eye for detail, capturing the angles and lighting just right. Joelle hadn’t expected the video to look so professional.


    She was thrilled to be able to y the violin once again. Filled with happiness, she turned to Rafael with a look of deep gratitude. “Rafael, thank you. I was close to giving up, but you encouraged me to keep up with the treatment.”


    “Why are you always so formal with me?”


    Joelle felt slightly awkward after hisment, and Rafael patted her head. “If you really want to thank someone, thank the Kovach Institute. They did an incredible job.”


    “Yes.”


    As time passed, they found themselves having consumed half the bottle of wine, and Rafael initiated a new conversation. “I’ve been thinking about what my mom suggestedst time. We should start nning our wedding. I’m ready to spend my life with you. Joelle, will you marry me?”


    “Of course!” Joelle’s face beamed with joy as she clinked sses with him. “My brother will be returning from abroad soon. Let’s n a dinner with him and your parents.”


    With Austin still in aa, Shawn remained as Joelle’s sole family connection.


    “Okay.”


    Suddenly, the doorbell echoed through the house. It was quitete. Who could it be?


    Joelle’s expression soured from curiosity to coldness as soon as she saw Adrian. “What do you want?”


    Adrian was smelling strongly of alcohol. “Can’t Ie to see my daughter?”


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