Raphael watched his wifeâs figure disappear into the night.
The air was cold, and his jacket still hung on her shoulders.
Though she was more than six months pregnant, she still appeared slender from behind.
Her gait retained the grace of a woman from a distinguished family, yet she had assured him she was willing to face hardships alongside him.
After a long moment, Raphael headed to the kitchen.
He prepared two bowls of noodle soup with eggs and baked two sugar-free cupcakes.
As he placed them on the table, he said softly, âIt seems I havenât cooked for you since we got married.
â
He cut a small piece of the cupcake for her.
âI hope itâs a boy,â he continued.
âIâd like to name him Jarvis.
If itâs a girl, Iâd feel sorry for her having to endure hardship with me.
â
Elissa ate gracefully.
After a while, she said gently, âIâll take good care of our child.
Iâll take them to amusement parks and buy them toys and treats.
But Raphael, you need to work hard so we can live well.
Iâll be fine not living in a fancy villa like this, but I donât want to share a place with others.
I want at least a studio apartment.
â
Raphaelâs eyes softened.
After a moment, he replied quietly, âGot it.
â
Late at night, two bowls of noodle soup brought an unusual warmth to the otherwise quiet night.
With no servants at home, Elissa moved to do the dishes, but Raphael stopped her.
âIâll take care of it.
You rest,â he said.
Elissa blinked.
After a moment, she replied, âIâm not that fragile.
I can handle housework too.
â
But Raphael didnât let her.
In a low voice, he said, âElissa, I donât want you to suffer with me.
At least you donât need to do housework when Iâm home.
â
Elissa said nothing more.
Raphael put the dishes in the sink and rolled up his sleeves.
In fact, he hadnât done housework for many years.
Since his career took off, he hadnât needed to do any of such things.
But now, he felt very calm.
This seemingly miserable night reminded him of the hardships he and his mother had endured.
After his mother died, he felt like he had nowhere to belong.
But now, Elissa made him feel comforted and safe.
He had never experienced such peaceful nights before.