But if he went to an orphanage, who knew what would happen to him?
Elissa crouched down.
She still cared about his background and didnât want to get too attached.
She just felt sorry for him and thought she should be kinder.
Brantley sensed the shift in her mood.
He remained silent, quietly helping Elissa wipe her tears.
Outside the door, Raphael observed them quietly.
He realized that if Brantley hadnât come with them, he would forever be a painful reminder for Elissa.
She would always resent her father for having a son with another woman.
But with Brantley staying, he became her little brother.
Raphael had been through too much when he was young, and he knew all too well the pain hating someone brought.
He didnât want Elissa to experience the same bitterness he had endured.
The night was already deep.
Elissa returned to the bedroom, fresh from a shower.
In the meantime, Raphael stood by the window.
He appeared lost in thought with an unlit cigarette held between his fingers.
Aware that Elissa was pregnant, he refrained from smoking in the bedroom.
A N G E L A âs L I B R A R Y
Upon hearing footsteps, Raphael turned to face Elissa.
He returned the cigarette to the pack and said in a low voice, âI helped Brantley with his homework just now.
Perhaps he was still distracted, as he couldnât concentrate and made a lot of mistakes.â
He assumed Elissa wouldnât mind.
Much to his surprise, she approached, encircling him with her arms and resting her head on his shoulder.
âIâll take care of his homework from now on,â she whispered.
âYouâve had a long day.
Donât worry about these things.â
Raphael remained silent but felt conflicted.
After a pause, he leaned in to kiss Elissa gently on the cheek.
She could tell he was a bit absent-minded.
After hesitating for a moment, Elissa asked, âAre you thinking about Leyla? If you miss her, you should go visit her.â
Raphael looked at her, surprised and grateful.
In response, Elissa embraced him tightly, speaking softly.
âI understand you miss her.
Sheâs your daughter after all.
Brantleyâs presence only amplifies that feeling, doesnât it? You used to visit her regularly before we got together.
Why not continue? Raphael, itâs not that Iâm indifferent, but Leyla is a part of your life too.â
Raphael remained silent, neither accepting nor rejecting the suggestion.
Instead, he tenderly stroked Elissaâs hair.
âLetâs get some rest,â he said softly.
Yet, sleep eluded him as he lay in bed, tossing and turning, his mind consumed by thoughts of Leyla.