Elissa wanted to say something but eventually decided against itâ¦
There were too many things between them.
It was difficult for her to say something affectionate, so she simply asked Raphael to continue cooking.
Raphael nodded and didnât say anything else.
Meanwhile, Brantley planned to give Raphael a big hug after washing his hands.
However, as soon as he saw Elissa and Raphael hugging like that, the little boy blushed and ran away.
..
Library
During the meal at the table, Brantley still felt a bit awkward and stayed quiet.
Raphael picked up a piece of braised pork and placed it on his plate, and then remarked gently, âWhen youâre in love, youâll realize itâs quite normal between a couple.â
âOkay,â replied Brantley softly.
Then, he lowered his head to eat quietly.
After dinner, as the little guy was getting ready to take the trash out, Raphael stopped him and said, âYou just had a fever the other day.
Let me handle this.
If I make you help with chores and you accidentally fall ill again, Elissa will blame me.â
Upon hearing this, Brantley grinned and glanced at Elissa.
His nose was sweaty.
Elissa sat knitting a sweater and, upon hearing Raphael, she smiled and told Brantley to ignore him.
Raphael grinned too.
On the way to dump the trash, he lit a cigarette.
Dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants, he looked very much like a successful businessman.
After taking out the trash, he smoked a bit before heading back.
That was when he spotted a bunch of middle-aged women in the distance.
Judging by their appearance, he figured they were all likely live-in maids.
And among them, he noticed one particularly active person.
âLook! See that guy? He used to be my employer.
Heâs a handsome man but I heard heâs a kept man.
He leans on his wife and even cleaned out her savings.
How she puts up with him, Iâll never know.â
Raphael was shocked to hear this.
What on earth was that woman saying?!
Then the maid dropped a bombshell.
âGuess what? He brought back his love child too! And he wants his wife to raise the kid.
She claims itâs her brother to save face, but I smell a lie.
Like father, like son.
That boyâs going to be just as reckless!â
Raphael, lighting a cigarette, headed toward the group of women.
The other women scattered when they saw him but the gossiping maid stood there, embarrassed.
He quipped, âWhatâs up? Am I interrupting something? You were quite the talker just now.
Youâd kill it in a debate.
But let me clear things up.
I might not be the best husband, but my wife was right to dismiss you.
You work for someone else in this building, right? Imagine if they found out you were spreading rumors about your previous employer.â
The maid was shocked by his words.
After a moment, she mumbled, âSorry, Mr.
Jones.
It was all just my suspicions.â
âReally? Do you always throw around your suspicions like that? Elissa has never said a bad word about you when she called me.
It seems you donât appreciate her kindness at all,â Raphael said sternly, before turning around and leaving.
Back at home, Elissa sat on the sofa, still absorbed in her knitting, with Brantley sat beside her, his nose in a book.
Everything seemed normal.
But from the maidâs tone, Raphael sensed Elissa had been troubled lately, and that Brantley had stepped up to help around the house.
Standing in the doorway, Raphael declared, âPack your bags! Weâre going to Czanch.
Brantley, Iâll find you a new school.
Elissa, weâre sticking together until the babyâs born.â
Elissa was stunned by his sudden announcement.
But she wasnât naive and she caught on quickly.
Setting aside the yarn, she asked gently, âYou saw her and heard the gossip, didnât you?â
Raphael nodded, concerned.
âWhy didnât you tell me?â
With a slight smile, Elissa explained, âI thought I could handle it myself.
I also didnât want to burden you with such nonsense.
Youâve got a new business to focus on after all, and itâs crucial.
Managing both family and business is tough.
Are you sure you want to do this, Raphael?â
Raphaelâs eyes welled up at Elissaâs words.
He embraced her tightly.
Trembling, he said, âElissa, wherever I go, you and our kid go with me! Iâll take care of Brantley too.
With me around, no one can mess with you!â
Elissa wanted to assert her strength but, seeing Raphaelâs tears, she softened.
Resting her head against his chest, she whispered, âOkay! From now on, we stick together! Wherever you go, Iâll be right there with you, Raphael!â