So he said, "Maybe next time! I'll put the dishes in the fridge before I leave when I can't eat with you. You can heat them up when you're hungry.”

Pausing for a moment, he added, “Elissa, I've promised I'll do whatever it takes to look after you."

Because Raphael had vowed to be a good father and husband.

Although he was currently broke, he would strive to make Elissa the happiest person in the world because she was a wonderful woman who deserved nothing less...

Elissa's eyes filled with tears as soon as she heard Raphael's words.

She went to the bedroom and made the bed.

She placed a delicate vase on the bedside table. Though it was empty now, she filled it with water, remembering that Raphael had said he would pick roses for her when he had time.

The bedroom was small but cozy...

Then she heard noises from the kitchen and even smelled the food.

Not wanting to disturb her rest, Raphael carefully closed the bedroom door.

But Elissa didn't fall asleep right away.

Lying on the bed, she listened to the sounds from the kitchen. In fact, she didn't mind the noise at all... On the contrary, she found it quite comforting. Raphael had given her more than just a place to live; he had given her a sense of belonging.

Instead of fretting about the future, she chose to focus on the present. She vowed to do her utmost to protect their family, no matter what lay ahead.

With that thought, she drifted off to sleep...

An hour later, Raphael came in after preparing everything for lunch.

He saw Elissa sleeping soundly on the bed...

The sheet had slipped to her waist, revealing her swollen abdomen.

In fact, the bedroom wasn't hot. Perhaps it was because of her pregnancy, but Elissa unconsciously kicked off the covers.

She didn't wake up when Raphael entered the room.

Raphael figured she hadn't been resting well lately, and now she was finally relaxed.

He walked over quietly and didn't wake Elissa. Instead, he gently touched her belly.

Elissa's belly showed no signs of stretch marks.

It felt somewhat cool when he placed his hand there.

At that moment, Elissa woke up, probably from Raphael's touch... She opened her eyes, still in a daze. After a moment, she recognized her surroundings and asked softly, "Is Lunch ready?"