?<strong>Chapter 266:</strong>


    Rafael leaned closer to Joelle, pressing her down. The nket was wrapped around his waist as he held himself above her, his breathing heavy and restrained.


    “Joelle.”


    He murmured her name repeatedly, filled with emotion. Joelle, wanting his happiness, wrapped her arms around his neck, her cheeks flushed. “Rafael.”


    They kissed again, but Rafael’s phone on the bedside table started ringing. Caught in the kiss, Joelle mumbled that someone was calling him.


    Rafael ignored it at first, saying, “Forget it!”


    Joelle chuckled and nudged him on the shoulder. “Answer the phone. It could be an emergency.” Reluctantly, Rafael reached for his phone.


    The caller ID showed it was his sister, Liza. Joelle noticed too. She quickly sat up and adjusted the bra straps that had slipped from her shoulders. “Answer it. It sounds urgent.”


    Joelle’s desire was gone, and she went downstairs to check on the children. Noticing her change, Rafael called out, “Joelle! Just give me a moment. I’ll handle this!”


    With a weak smile, Joelle responded, “Okay, I trust you.” After she left, Rafael picked up the phone with a neutral expression. “What’s up?”


    Liza asked tentatively, “Rafael, can youe to the hospital with me tomorrow?”


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    “What’s the hospital visit for?”


    Liza exined, “For a check-up. I’m considering an abortion but need to check my health first.”


    Having just assured Joelle he would handle things, Rafael agreed.


    The next day, he went with Liza to see the obstetrician. “Ms. Romero, as I mentioned before, your uterine wall is very thin. If you proceed with the abortion, you may not be able to conceive in the future.”


    Liza clenched her hands, bit her lip, and whispered, “I understand.”


    “But you still want to go through with the abortion?” Liza looked over at Rafael, her eyes conveying a mix of emotions that left Rafael unsure of how to react. She wiped her tears and said firmly, “Yes, I must do it. Because this child was conceived in sin.”


    The doctor sighed and turned to Rafael. “And who are you to her?”


    Rafael replied, “She’s my sister.”


    The doctor continued, “Since you are her brother, I urge you to talk to her. It’s not easy to have a child. Many people struggle with infertility. The government has even introduced policies encouraging childbirth. This is her first child, and given her fragile health, why is she so adamant about terminating the pregnancy?”


    Liza said, “Doctor, please don’t try to convince me! I must end this pregnancy. It’s my decision. I won’t be a burden to anyone!”


    “Are you sure?” The doctor sighed heavily with disappointment.


    Rafael interjected, “Hold on a moment.” He then took Liza out of the room.


    “Liza, I know you didn’t n this alone, and I understand you tend to hesitate. It’s not entirely your fault. But I can’t ept this child. I’ve already done wrong by Joelle. I can’t let this mistake continue.”


    Liza sobbed and embraced him. “Rafael, I’m so sorry. I know your heart belongs to Joelle, not me. But please, this might be my only chance to have a child. Please let us go, and I promise not to trouble you anymore. I will take the child and move far away.” Rafael didn’t push her away. In fact, he felt a deep sense of gratitude towards her. Though they weren’t rted by blood, she had always looked after him like a sibling since they were children. Back then, when the Romero family faced a crisis, it was Liza who stepped up and resolved it through her unhappy marriage. He always regarded her as a sister and felt deep sympathy for her.


    “Liza, let it go. After the abortion, I’ll make it up to you.” He was firm that she had to consent.


    The abortion was scheduled for the afternoon. Liza felt it was too soon, but Rafael believed it was timely. Resolving this would eliminate the major issue between him and Joelle.


    However, just as Liza was about to be taken into the surgery room, Belle appeared, having somehow learned of the situation, and confronted them furiously. “Mom, why are you here?”


    “If I hadn’te, you would have killed my grandson!” Behind her, Liza exined tearfully, “Rafael, don’t be angry with me. The doctor warned that if I don’t have this child now, I may never be able to have another. I just can’t give it up.”


    Rafael was losing his patience. He shouted, “Then what do you expect me to do? This child should never have existed. I can’t betray Joelle. I have my own family. Why must you force my hand like this?”


    Belle stepped in front of Liza protectively and said, “We won’t pressure you anymore! From now on, you go live with Joelle! Liza and I will take care of this child ourselves. We won’t tell anyone she’s had a baby. In two years, when she marries someone else, we’ll say the child is that man’s. Don’t worry. We won’t cause trouble for you and Joelle! But you can’t deny Liza her right to motherhood!”


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