?<strong>Chapter 258:</strong>


    Thirty minutester, Adrian’s business meeting was progressing smoothly. Can approached and murmured to him, “Mr. Miller, Joelle took the kids over to Katherine’s house. She hardly drank, maybe just one ss.”


    “Alright.”


    Adrian’s expression remained neutral as he engaged in his business talks. Meanwhile, Joelle reached Katherine’s house. The kids were full of energy, and it took a while for them to wind down and fall asleep. Exhausted, Katherine massaged her back, saying, “Looking after kids really takes it out of you. You and Rafael did an incredible job. Managing one child is tough enough, let alone two! Did you see them earlier? They almost turned the house upside down.” Katherine kept talking, but Joelle was distant.


    She had brought the wine bottle from the restaurant to share with Katherine. However, she had already drunk it before Katherine could join her.


    “Hey, Joelle, what’s going on?”


    Joelle emptied another ss, her eyes growing red. “Kathy, what do you think matters more in life, love or principles?”


    Katherine reclined on the sofa, gazing at the ceiling. “Principles, definitely. Feelings are too unreliable.” Joelle remained silent, pouring herself another hefty ss of wine.


    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Katherine intervened. “What’s going on? Did Rafael do something that went against your principles?”


    Joelle shook her head and said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”


    Katherine observed Joelle carefully. “If this is about Rafael, forget what I just said. We’ve all seen how well he treats you. Unless it’s something serious, try to forgive him.”


    But at that moment, Joelle’s tears, which she had suppressed all evening, began to flow. “I want to. I wish I could act as if nothing’s wrong. I just want a family. Why is that so hard?”


    Joelle ceased drinking and broke down in Katherine’s embrace. Katherine gently rubbed her back. “Tell me what’s troubling you. Sharing might lighten your burden.” Joelle just kept shaking her head. It was a scandal that involved the Romero family, too sensitive for her to openly discuss. And the notion of the siblings having a child was too painful for her to even say.


    After a lengthy bout of crying, Joelle finally began to settle down. “You’re right, principles shoulde before emotions.”


    Katherine panicked. “Joelle, what are you nning to do? Please, don’t do anything drastic!”


    Joelle was no longer one to act on impulse. Her days of reckless decisions were behind her. That naive phase of her life was long over.


    “I have to divorce him,” Joelle said, taking another sip of her wine.


    “What?” Katherine was genuinely puzzled. To Katherine, Rafael was a good man—sessful, attentive to the children, and faultless throughout the years she’d known him. Nobody seemed a better match than Rafael!


    “Divorce? Are you sure about this?”


    “Yes.” Joelle had never been so sure of anything. If she continued to ignore the problem, it would only leave her with persistent difort. She couldn’t tolerate any lies in her marriage. If enduring meant suffering, she’d rather be a single parent.


    “Kathy, I need to divorce him. I’ll fill you inter, but it’s the only way.”


    Katherine looked at Joelle intently. She knew her well; Joelle was typically gentle and would only take such a drastic step if her limits had been truly tested. If Joelle was considering divorce, then Rafael must have done something unforgivable.


    “I’m here to support you, Joelle. But what about the children? They need their family together. It’s hard on them if the parents are at odds.”


    Katherine was taken aback by her own words. She had always looked down on couples who stayed together just for their children. And she had seen women endure domestic abuse without seeking divorce. Yet here she was, advising someone to weigh their decision because of the kids. She felt a deep sympathy for Joelle.


    “I’m sorry, Joelle. You need to think about what’s best for you first. Remember, you’re a person first, before being a mother.”


    Joelle gave Kathy a grateful smile and embraced her. “Kathy, thank you for standing by me. I know a lot of people might not understand my decision.”


    As sheforted Joelle, Katherine said, “Don’t worry about that! I trust your judgment, Joelle. Rafael must have done something awful, right?”


    Joelle shut her eyes, hiding her anguish. “Yes.” While Joelle was away for the night, Rafael had more time to think. He was resolved not to lose his family, but the situation with Liza had spiraled out of his control. A child. His first child. It was from Liza. How absurd!


    After smoking half a pack of cigarettes, Rafael pulled out his phone to confess everything to Joelle, but as he dialed her number, he hesitated and eventually pulled back.


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