Raphael's eyes softened.

After a moment, he replied quietly, “Got it."

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. “I'll take care of it. You rest," he said.

Elissa blinked.

After a moment, she replied, "I'm not that fragile. I can handle housework too."

But Raphael didn't let her.

In a low voice, he said, "Elissa, I don't want you to suffer with me. At least you don't need to do housework when I'm home."

Elissa said nothing more.

Raphael put the dishes in the sink and rolled up his sleeves. In fact, he hadn't done housework for many years. Since his career took off, he hadn't 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.

Outside, the rain continued to fall, casting a shimmering veil of raindrops over the flowers and trees in the yard.

Raphael was embraced from behind.

Elissa wrapped her arms around Raphael and whispered, “Raphael, even if you went bankrupt, I kind of think this life would still be good."

Warmth flooded Raphael's heart, but after a moment's thought, he cautioned her, "You might feel that way now, but when challenges arise, your perspective might change."

Elissa hugged him tighter and told him she had some savings.

She knew Raphael was proud and wouldn't accept financial help from her or her family. He would work hard to support her and their child.

So, there they were: one washing dishes, the other talking softly from behind.

Raphael spent thirty minutes washing a handful of dishes.

That night, they slept very well, undisturbed...