For a moment, Elissa was lost in thought.

Her outburst was actually a desperate bid for clarity from Raphael-she wanted him to either end his association with his assistant definitively or to call off their wedding.

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Raphael broke it, his voice low. “Let's get out of here first."

He reached for Elissa's hand, but she remained motionless, her mind racing.

Raphael knew she was waiting for an answer. He met her eyes in the mirror, took a deep breath, and began removing his watch before washing his hands.

"I met Sandra before you came into my life," he started, the water running in the background. "I admit I signed an agreement with her for a specific purpose, but our relationship has never been physical. It's far simpler than you think. The trip to Japan was strictly business. When my regular assistant couldn't attend, she had to step in."

Raphael's tone softened, perhaps from a sense of guilt.

“If it bothers you, I'll transfer Sandra to an overseas branch, and I promise she won't return."

He hoped this would appease Elissa.

Elissa paused, processing his words.

To others, his proposition might seem more than fair, and she worried that pushing for more might make her seem unreasonable.

Yet, she had believed Raphael harbored genuine feelings for her.

If he truly cared, this solution felt insufficient.

But overwhelmed and suddenly exhausted by the emotional toll, Elissa found herself speechless. She couldn't shake the feeling of being insignificant, unable to even compete with Olivia's substitute, let alone make Raphael fall for her. Reality dawned harshly on her, and she felt like a mere joke in her own love story.

Regarding the wedding, Elissa had resolved not to cancel it.

Whatever!

The dreams she had cherished were now faded; she no longer harbored any expectations.

Meanwhile, Raphael had turned off the tap and put on his watch, awaiting her response.

After composing herself for a moment, Elissa finally spoke up. “You can leave by yourself. I need some more time alone. I'll call you later."

She hadn't been explicit, but Raphael had a sense of what she was thinking.

Elissa was always pragmatic.

So, she wouldn't make a rash decision over someone who shouldn't matter.

With that thought, Raphael departed.