?<strong>Chapter 262:</strong>


    “Pleasee back, Rafael! I swear, if I’m lying to you, I’ll meet a terrible end!” Belle cried. This was a critical moment. Even if there was a chance it wasn’t true, Rafael had to believe it. Belle’s desperate scream made Rafael feel like he was sinking into the ocean’s depths, suffocating and unable to draw breath. A loud ringing filled his ears as he bolted outside. Joelle tried to stop him but couldn’t.


    When Rafael reached the hospital, Humphrey had already passed away. Belle was pounding on Humphrey’s chest, her actions rough, not at all how one would treat a sick person. Liza was on her knees nearby, weeping bitterly. The doctor, who had been overseeing Humphrey’s health, sadly shook his head.


    If this whole scene was orchestrated to make Rafael ept Liza’s unborn child, then it was a bit over the top. “What’s wrong with my dad?” Rafael didn’t notice how shaky his voice was until he spoke.


    The doctor replied, “Your father suffered a heart attack. There was nothing we could do to save him.”


    Just then, a cry from Belle filled the room. “Humphrey! Why have you left me all alone?”


    Rafael seized the doctor by the cor. He knew it wasn’t right, but this situation was too cruel. “What do you mean? My father was healthy! I saw his medical report justst month! Everything was perfect! How can this be?”


    “Rafael.” The doctor took Rafael’s hand. “You’re a doctor too. You understand that life is full of unforeseen events.”


    “I can’t believe this.” Tears reddened Rafael’s eyes. “I can’t believe this.” His voice grew louder with each utterance. “I can’t believe this!”


    He hurried to Humphrey’s bedside, now despising his own profession. If he weren’t a doctor, he wouldn’t have that internal voice urging him to face reality—to ept that his father was gone. Seeing Humphrey’s closed eyes and blue lips, Rafael knew this was no deception. He copsed to his knees beside the bed.


    Belle clutched her son, sobbing uncontrobly. “Rafael, our family is falling apart!” She cursed their cruel fate, her sorrow manifesting as feeble punches on Rafael’s chest.


    Rafael fought back tears and grasped Belle’s arm. “Mom, that won’t happen. We won’t fall apart.”


    Belle wept and shook her head, overwhelmed by sorrow. Rafael reassured her with gentle firmness. “I’m still here.”


    That day, a vehicle from the funeral home took Humphrey’s body from the hospital. Everything happened so fast that Rafael didn’t get a chance to tell Joelle. It was Shawn who learned of Humphrey’s death from others.


    “How could this happen so suddenly?” Joelle was taken aback.


    Shawn sighed and said, “Life is full of surprises. It’s best to let go.”


    Joelle’s face showed her concern. “I can let go. I just worry about Rafael.”


    “My silly sister.” Shawnforted her with a pat on the shoulder. “Do you remember Dad’s and Mom’s idents? Give him time. He’ll get through this.”


    Joelle responded, “I understand.”


    Rafael hadn’t been home in three days, nor had he slept. His thoughts kept returning to hisst encounter with Humphrey. They had parted on bad terms, full of anger. Reflecting on his childhood, Rafael realized that Humphrey hadn’t always been harsh or unreasonable. There were good times, yet it was only now that Rafael recognized them.


    With this realization, fresh tears streamed down his tired face. Liza reached out to wipe his tears, but he pushed her away harshly. A fall could be dangerous for a pregnant woman. Liza winced in pain, yet Rafael remained unmoved, not even looking her way.


    “Rafael, I know you’re hurting. Talk to me if you’re upset. Don’t keep it all inside.”


    Rafael replied coldly, “Leave.”


    “Rafael…”


    “Get out!”


    With a heavy heart, Liza dried her own tears and walked away.


    Three dayster, theyid Humphrey to rest. His burial took ce in the cemetery. It was a stormy day, with everything cloaked in shades of ck and gray. Rafael stood at the forefront, paying his respects before Humphrey’s photograph on the tombstone.


    Joelle and Shawn stood nearby, offering their final goodbyes to Humphrey along with others. Once the ceremony concluded, the crowd thinned. Ovee with sadness for Rafael, Joelle broke down in tears.


    In the dispersing crowd, her gaze inadvertently met Adrian’s. It seemed he had been watching her the entire time. Joelle was taken aback. She lowered her head and said to Shawn, “Let’s go, Shawn.”


    Shawn questioned, “Aren’t you going to say hello to Rafael?”


    Joelle shook her head and replied, “He must be very busy right now. I don’t want to disturb him.”


    Shawn also noticed Adrian and felt it wasn’t the right moment to approach him. “You’re right.” He positioned the ck umbre over them and turned to leave with Joelle. “We should visit Mom.” Their mother was alsoid to rest in the same cemetery.


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