?<strong>Chapter 257:</strong>


    With each step Joelle took up the stairs, a mix of anger and sadness weighed heavily on her heart. She felt an overwhelming urge to burst through the door and confront Rafael about his actions. The deepest wound from her previous marriage to Adrian had been his unfaithfulness. Was it too much to expect a man to remain faithful? Yet, when she saw Rafael sitting there smoking, her storm of emotions unexpectedly settled.


    Rafael rarely smoked, and it was umon to see him so distressed. Perhaps the situation wasn’t as bad as she thought. Joelle paused at the doorway, taking a moment to steady herself. At that instant, Rafael became aware of her presence and stood up, his expression filled with guilt. “Joelle.”


    She asked evenly, “Why have you started smoking?”


    “I’m sorry.” Rafael quickly put out the cigarette and opened the window to let the fresh air in.


    Joelle approached and embraced him from behind. “Rafael, we’ll continue to be happy, won’t we?”


    “Of course,” Rafael replied, his expression one of deep sadness that Joelle couldn’t see. “What were you and Liza discussing?”


    Rafael’s heart raced. “Nothing important, just some family issues.”


    Joelle asked, “Family issues that need to be kept from me? Are there really family matters I shouldn’t know about?”


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    “Joelle.” Rafael turned to face her, gently holding her shoulders. “Trust me, I ammitted to you. I’ve been preupied recently, but just give me a little time. I’ll resolve everything, and we’ll get back to our joyful life as a family of four.”


    Joelle had already offered him an opportunity toe clean. Since he didn’t take it, she decided not to press him further.


    “I’m going to stay at Kathy’s ce tonight,” Joelle said.


    Rafael inquired, “Are Aurora and Rnding along?”


    “Yes,” Joelle replied, managing a weary smile. “Kathy has missed seeing the kids.”


    “Okay.”


    With that, Joelle exited the study. The excuse about visiting Katherine was just a lie she made up on the spot. She simply wasn’t ready to confront Rafael just yet. Her previous marriage had ended in failure, but it had taught her maturity. Initially, she wanted a pure love with Adrian. Now, all she wished for was a peaceful and simple life with Rafael. Yet, even this simple wish now seemed challenging to fulfill.


    That evening, Joelle took Aurora and Rnd to the finest restaurant in Illerith. As Aurora picked up her fork, she grinned sweetly. “Mom, are we enjoying this lovely meal without telling Dad?”


    “Yes.” Joelle managed a smile and straightened the napkin tucked into Aurora’s cor. “Let’s keep it a secret from him, okay?”


    Aurora nodded with enthusiasm. Joelle gazed at her with affection. “After we eat, we’ll go see Kathy, alright?”


    Aurora hesitated before asking, “Aren’t you staying with Dad tonight?”


    “Just for tonight,” Joelle replied. She needed this day to herself to sort through her thoughts.


    After thinking it over, Aurora smiled and said, “Okay! I want to see Kathy too!”


    Momentster, Rnd pointed excitedly towards the restaurant’s entrance and eximed, “Mom, look, candy!” He was referring to Adrian, who often gave him candy. Joelle and Aurora both turned to look.


    Sure enough, Adrian was there, dressed in a suit, amidst a crowd. Time had passed. Joelle once had a close bond with Adrian, but now they felt distant.


    “Rnd, eat your food.” As she spoke, Adrian nced their way. Joelle maintained a calm exterior, but internally, she was tense. She worried that Adrian might pick up on the tension between her and Rafael.


    The person speaking with Adrian noticed his distraction. “Mr. Miller?”


    “Excuse me. I saw a friend. I need to say hello,” Adrian said courteously.


    The man nodded and replied, “Alright, I’ll be in the private room waiting.”


    Joelle felt uneasy as she watched Adrian approach. In her nervousness, she identally nudged her drink, which was on the edge of the table. She inhaled sharply. Just as she expected it to shatter on the floor, arge hand caught it, but not before the red wine sshed onto his white shirt.


    Joelle quickly handed him some napkins. “I’m sorry.”


    “It’s alright.” Adrian cleaned his hand and seemed unfazed by the stain on his shirt. “Are you here by yourself?”


    After a brief hesitation, Joelle nodded. Aurora and Rnd cheerfully greeted Adrian.


    “I’m sorry, I forgot to bring candy today,” Adrian said, gently patting Aurora’s head.


    “That’s okay,” Aurora replied with a sweet smile. “We still like you even without candy!”


    Adrian gave a nod, then addressed Joelle. “I’m here for a business dinner tonight. Do you need a ride hometer?”


    “No, that’s not necessary,” Joelle said, avoiding eye contact with Adrian.


    Adrian looked briefly at the bottle of red wine on her table but held back any furtherment. “Just try to drink a little less,” he suggested.


    “Alright, you can return to your meeting,” Joelle responded.


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