?<strong>Chapter 268:</strong>


    Shawn had taken Aurora and Rnd out for the day, and Joelle had given the housemaids a break. When Rafael received the call and hurried home, he found Joelle on the living room couch, appearing utterly despondent.


    “Joelle, I—”


    Joelle interrupted him calmly. “Rafael, I think we should get a divorce.”


    Rafael froze. “That’s not possible!”


    He knelt before Joelle, taking her icy hands in his. He knew he had made grave errors. He regretted hiding things from Joelle, and he certainly regretted agreeing to let Liza keep the baby. Now that everything was exposed, his only hope was Joelle’s forgiveness.


    “Joelle, I’m sorry. I never meant to hide it from you. My mom pressured me. I felt stuck. Please, can we not talk about divorce?”


    Joelle looked up, her gaze meeting his. “Rafael, do you really think the baby is the main reason I want a divorce?”


    “Then what is it? Joelle, whatever it is, I’ll fix it. I promise I’ll change!”


    Joelle gave a sad smile and withdrew her hands. “Rafael, the real issue is deeper. I can’t move past what happened with you and Liza, and you can’t say no to your mother. We’re both at fault here; we’re both suffering. You’re caught between us. So how can we possibly make everyone happy?”


    Rafael was taken aback. After a moment, he stammered, “My mother mentioned she would find Liza a husband soon, and then…”


    Joelleughed bitterly. “Your mother? Do you still take everything she says at face value? Do you know what I heard today? They’re saying you haven’t divorced me because my brother helped you financially.”


    “It’s not true!” Rafael denied it. “Joelle, I promise I’m not lying to you. Even without your brother’s help, I would never consider divorcing you. I don’t acknowledge that child. That child changes nothing between us!”


    Joelle looked at him intently. “Are you expecting me to be okay with this?”


    Rafael swallowed hard, his voice trembling. “The doctor warned that if Liza lost this baby, she might never get pregnant again. So…”


    He couldn’t finish his sentence, but Joelle understood. She dabbed at her tears, striving to keep her voice even. “That’s exactly why I say we have a deep issue, Rafael. I can’t stay in this marriage. You have your duties, and I have my limits. It’s time for us to part ways.”


    Rafael hung his head, his posture sagging with resignation. Joelle felt a surge of sadness envelop her. Her first marriage had crumbled, and now, her second seemed to be dissolving just the same.


    Rafael held her shoulders, his head bowed, voice breaking. “Can’t you give us one more chance?”


    Joelle straightened up. Despite her recent tears, her gaze was unwavering. “Rafael, I appreciate all you’ve done for me. I’ve looked into it, and we’ll need to go through court for a divorce. I hope you’ll be cooperative when that timees.”


    As Joelle stood, Rafael embraced her from behind. His voice was rough. “Can I ask you one final question?”


    “Go ahead.”


    “Did Adrian lend me the money because you asked him?”


    In the past, such an usation might have sparked Joelle’s anger. Now, she was calmer and moreposed.


    “So you think that too.”


    “Joelle, I’m sorry. It’s hard not to wonder. I love you, but Adrian still lingers in your life. He’s always close by. I apologize for being so jealous, but it’s because I deeply love you.”


    “Do you not love me, or do you just not trust me?” Joelle forcefully removed his hands, using so much strength that her tears dropped onto the back of his hand.


    “Joelle, please, don’t leave me…”


    “Rafael, we’re just not right for each other anymore. Take care.”


    Without a backward nce, Joelle walked away.


    Rafael returned to his mother’s ce and silently started packing his belongings, which rmed Belle.


    “Rafael, where are you going?”


    Rafael didn’t answer and continued shoving his clothes into the suitcase as if he were leaving for a long journey.


    “Rafael, you’re frightening me! Where are you going?” Belle clutched the suitcase, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Are you ming me?”


    Rafael finally looked at her. “How could I? Mom, isn’t this what you wanted—for Joelle and me to split? We’re getting a divorce. Are you satisfied now?”


    “I did it for your own good!”


    “Yeah, thanks for that.”


    Rafael reimed his suitcase and resumed packing. He grabbed his passport and driver’s license from a drawer, then walked out, suitcase in hand.


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