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.

Upon hearing footsteps, Raphael turned to face Elissa.

He returned the cigarette to the pack and said in a low voice, "I helped Brantley with his homework just now. Perhaps he was still distracted, as he couldn't concentrate and made a lot of mistakes."

He assumed Elissa wouldn't mind.

Much to his surprise, she approached, encircling him with her arms and resting her head on his shoulder. "I'll take care of his homework from now on," she whispered. "You've had a long day. Don't worry about these things."

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, “Are you thinking about Leyla? If you miss her, you should go visit her."

Raphael looked at her, surprised and grateful.

In response, Elissa embraced him tightly, speaking softly. "I understand you miss her. She's your daughter after all. Brantley's presence only amplifies that feeling, doesn't it? You used to visit her regularly before we got together. Why not continue? Raphael, it's not that I'm indifferent, but Leyla is a part of your life too.”

Raphael remained silent, neither accepting nor rejecting the suggestion. Instead, he tenderly stroked Elissa's hair.

“Let's get some rest," he said softly.

Yet, sleep eluded him as he lay in bed, tossing and turning, his mind consumed by thoughts of Leyla.

In the darkness, Elissa reached out and gently touched his face.

Softly, she urged, "If you miss Leyla that much, just go see her. I won't be angry, I promise."

Raphael turned to look at her, fixing his gaze upon her.

As a result, Elissa blushed and said, embarrassed, “Why are you staring at me like that?"

Raphael replied solemnly, “Because, to me, you are the most beautiful person in the world."

His expression was so serious as he spoke, which touched Elissa.

The Evans Group project didn't turn out to be in Duefron. Raphael already knew that when bidding for it, and he didn't think he could really get it back then with so many competition. Now, he found himself having to commute between Czanch and Duefron for the project.

Elissa noticed Raphael's hesitance about continuing.

She didn't want Raphael to let go of such an opportunity, even if the project was connected to the Evans Group. So, she did her utmost to uplift Raphael's spirits, saying, "I believe you shouldn't abandon the project. If you manage to pull it off, it will showcase your capabilities to others. Don't concern yourself with me. Brantley is here for me! Moreover, I can hire a maid. I've saved up some money, so we could afford a larger apartment. It's not a significant issue, is it?"