Bathed in the soft glow, her face softened into a tender expression shared by many new mothers.
Yet, it was an expression that Raphael had never witnessed.
Flora, with years of wisdom behind her, cast aside the affectionate display of the couple and addressed Olivia with a note of concern.
âDid the baby move?â
Olivia cradled her belly and offered a warm smile.
âYes.
Iâve never felt this before.
â
Unable to resist, Flora reached out and placed her hand on Oliviaâs midsection.
âIt seems that the little one is full of life.
Just feel that energy!â
Olivia, lost in the gentle moment, was unaware of how maternal and beautiful she appeared.
A short distance away, Raphael watched in silence.
Meanwhile, Sharon was brimming with irritation.
With a sneer, she called out, âThatâs not your baby, Raphael.
Whatâs with the excitement?â
Upon hearing this, Raphaelâs gaze snapped to Sharon, his eyes cool and distant.
The tension between Sharon and him had only grown since Kileyâs drastic measures to secure a marriage between them.
The two were betrothed, yet Raphael found endless reasons to delay their nuptials, leaving Sharon more than a little bitter.
And now, witnessing Raphael so engrossed by Oliviaâs presence, Sharon seethed with anger.
Halting her efforts with the wedding gown, Sharon spat out, âFine! Itâs clear you donât care about what I wear.
So, Iâm leaving.
Letâs just see if your darling will run back into your arms.
And take a good look, Raphael.
Sheâs expecting.
That baby is Dylanâs.
Do you get that?â
Her words cut straight to the point.
Raphaelâs anger flared at her words, but it was quenched by the sight of Sharonâs tear-filled eyes.
Feeling defeated, he dropped his hand.
He met her tired yet soft gaze and said icily, âOlivia and I have been over for a long time.
So, sheâs not part of this equation.
â
Sharon, attempting to mask her pain with a weak smile, replied through tears, âReally? Then why the pity for her?â
Without a word, Raphael turned and left.
âRaphaelâ-â Sharonâs voice trailed off after him.
He didnât look back.
Before long, he had vanished from her view.
Then the growl of a car engine rose from below.
Despite herself, Sharon let out a cry of distress.
âRaphael Jones, you bastard!â
Once they had gone, Flora let out a relieved breath.
âWell, that was telling.
Are those two seriously going to wed? Theyâre like oil and water.
Clearly, Miss Yeats isnât the one for Mr.
Jones.
â
Oliviaâs response was a subdued nod and a slight smile.