Before long, the newspapers began to criticize Raphael harshly, and his companyâs stock price continued to plummet.
One by one, his employees began to quit, and his business partners abandoned him.
Everyone had turned their backs on him, leaving him to face the disaster alone.
In one night, it seemed as if everything he had worked for was about to vanish right in front of his eyes.
Soon, Elissaâs father called, demanding that he divorce Elissa immediately.
Yousef even said he would make sure that Elissa had an abortion.
Raphaelâs voice was hoarse as he replied him, âSheâs over six months pregnant.
How can you do that? Besides, Elissa wouldnât agree to it.
â
âIâll convince her!â Yousef shot back.
Even though it was late at night, Raphael sat alone at his companyâs lobby.
The surroundings were dark, quiet and empty.
But just then, Elissa arrived.
She was heavily pregnant.
The early autumn night was a bit chilly, so she had a shawl over her dress.
Gently and quietly, she walked back into Raphaelâs world.
In the dimly-lit lobby, Raphael glanced up at the woman before him.
It was his wife, six months pregnant.
Elissa held an umbrella, folding it shut, and water droplets cascaded to the ground.
Only then did he realize it was raining outside.
As he Looked up, the faint tear at the corner of his eye became barely visible.
In a hoarse tone, he asked, âWhy are you here? Itâs raining outside.
How did you get here? Did the driver bring you?â
.
.
Library
Elissa folded the umbrella with deliberation.
Meeting his gaze, she stared at him.
Raphaelâs gaze, dark yet faintly tranquil, lingered.
After a moment, Elissa approached him, taking a seat beside him.
Her voice remained composed as she spoke.
âThis morning, I settled the house driverâs final wages.
The maids, cooks, and gardeners have all left.
â
Raphael felt a tightness in his throat upon hearing this.
Elissa pressed on, âIn a matter of days, the company has plummeted.
Did you not attempt to salvage it, Raphael? Are you seeking redemption for your mistakes? Do you think this wealth caused you to make mistakes and led to a girlâs death, and now you want it all gone? Is that it?â
Raphael turned to her, his eyes fixed silently on her.
In a soft tone, Elissa divulged, âMy father called this afternoon, urging me to return to the Palmer family.
Raphael, I came here to ask your input.
â
Raphaelâs Adamâs apple bobbed as he reached out, tenderly caressing her swollen belly.
âItâs been over six months,â he stated.
After a prolonged silence, his voice slightly hoarse, he began, âThe company accountant projected that filing for bankruptcy would cover the remaining employeesâ wages.
Additionally, Iâve set aside funds for you and the baby.
You can live comfortably, even without me.
You deserve a good life.
â