?<strong>Chapter 259:</strong>


    From his early years to adulthood, Rafael learned from Belle and Humphrey’s marriage that openness was important between partners. Rafael wrestled internally for a long time before deciding he needed to be honest with Joelle. He couldn’t bear to keep living with Joelle while having such a significant secret. Yet, he knew that disclosing this secret might spell the end of their marriage. The thought of losing Joelle was more frightening to him than the prospect of confessing. After finishing his cigarette, he downed another bottle of wine to muster his courage. Finally, he felt brave enough to call Joelle.


    As Joelle was talking with Katherine, her phone began to vibrate on the table. It was Rafael calling. Katherine noticed his name on the disy. Joelle felt ufortable. “Answer it. Maybe it’s something urgent,” Katherine urged. Joelle then stepped out to the balcony with her phone. She quickly answered the call, and Rafael felt uneasy. “Joelle, are you still awake?” “Yes, Kathy and I were talking.”


    Rafael lowered his head, wiped his face, and said in a raspy voice, “I have something to tell you.” Joelle was just as anxious as he was. They both understood that once this was out in the open, things could never return to how they were. In the past, Rafael had loved her deeply, and she had trusted himpletely. They had supported each other and brought their two children back to Illerith from abroad, building a family together. They had been close, with an unspoken understanding and shared everything freely. She had never imagined that two people so sincere and affectionate could find themselves in such a predicament.


    “Alright, go ahead,” Joelle said, then quickly covered her mouth to muffle her sobs. Rafael said nervously, “Do you remember I had gone to my parents’ ce a lot a while back?” “I never told you this, but each time I was at home, you were in my dreams.” Joelle was overwhelmed with emotion, crouching down on the floor, on the verge of breaking down. Rafael could feel that something was amiss, his own voice quivering as if he were about to cry. “Joelle, please, try to stay calm. I’m so sorry. I’m a doctor, yet I didn’t realize something was off with the milk my mother kept giving me. Joelle, I’m truly sorry!”


    Joelle struggled to regain herposure. “Rafael, I know you didn’t mean for this to happen, but it’s just too much for me to take.” How could shee to terms with the fact that he had a child with another woman? Rafael inhaled deeply and asked, “Do you want to end things with me?” He believed their love was still strong and full of life; the word “divorce” seemed to tarnish their feelings. Joelle couldn’t stop crying. She had nned to leave before Rafael’s call, but his voice softened her heart, making her earlier decision seem pointless. A part of her wondered if she could possibly endure this. “Rafael, I’m not sure.”


    Rafael’s hand shook as he covered his face, trying to steady himself. “Joelle, I’ve wanted to tell you so many times since the incident, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. My parents and sister deceived me. Now, all I have is you, Aurora, Rnd, and our family.” Joelle didn’t want to make it harder for him. “What about the child Liza is carrying?” Upon hearing this, Rafael slowly lifted his head and said, “So you were really there that time.” But dwelling on it was pointless now. “Joelle, I’ll make sure she doesn’t go through with the pregnancy. I’ll cut all ties with her. Please, let’s not split up, okay?” Joelle’s mind was in a mess. Why did life keep throwing such cruel twists at her?


    After overhearing their conversation for some time, Katherine abruptly took her phone. “Talking isn’t enough, Rafael. First handle the situation with Liza, then think about Joelle! I really misjudged you!” With that, she ended the call. Rafael covered his face with his hand. In the stillness of the night, his muffled sobs broke the silence now and then. A few minutes passed, and he regained hisposure before calling Liza. Liza was also restless, unable to sleep at this time. “Rafael, you—”


    “Go to the hospital and have an abortion. I cannot ept this child.”


    Katherine asked Joelle angrily, “Liza? And Rafael? They’re having a baby?”


    “Yes,” Joelle said, her expression somber.


    “Damn it!” Katherine cursed, frustrated. “What a mess!” Joelle grasped her hand and said, “Kathy, please keep this to yourself. Let Rafael and Liza handle it first.”


    “An abortion?” Katherine sighed deeply. Joelle didn’t say anything. She was torn. She couldn’t stand the thought of her husband having a child with another woman, but it was still a life. Her deep respect for life conflicted with her emotional turmoil, given the untimely circumstances of this pregnancy. She looked at Katherine and questioned, “Am I being heartless?”


    “Showing mercy to the enemy is cruelty to yourself!”


    “Alright, I’m not in the wrong.” Joelle clenched her fists, finding some resolve. “If I’m to stay with Rafael, this child cannot be part of our lives!”


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