"I know." Raphael nodded. "You were having the baby, so I had to ask him for help. When the time comes, we'll repay him for his assistance."

After he said this, he stared into her eyes and she stared back at him.

But after a while, he suddenly leaned over and gave her a kiss without saying anything.

Elissa knew how he was feeling. When she was bleeding profusely in the labor room, he was very scared that something serious might happen to her.

Resting her head on his arm, she said softly to reassure him, “I'm fine now, really. Everything would be okay."

Raphael didn't say anything.

He knew fully well that if not for Mark, she could have died. At that time, no one knew if she would be able to pull through or not.

It was practically 50/5.

When the baby had had his fill, Elissa felt quite tired and decided that she wanted to sleep.

But after Raphael helped her put their son aside, he said in a low voice, "Wait a minute! I know you're tired but I told the maid to make you some nourishing soup. You need to drink it before going to bed. It will be great for your health."

"Okay." Elissa nodded. Then there was silence in the room for a while.

Both Raphael and Elissa were now orphans, so they had to stand on their own feet. Hence, they were very grateful for Mark's help. At the same time, Raphael knew in his heart that he had to make a comeback at all costs because he was not alone anymore. He now had a wife and their child to look after.

Just then, Brantley suddenly came in to announce in a low voice, "He has pooed."

Truly, there was an indescribable smell in the place.

“Just lay down and rest. I'll change his diapers," Raphael said to Elissa.

He had learned how to take care of infants and was very efficient in changing diapers.

Elissa looked at him with a gentle smile on her face as he went to fix the mess. Meanwhile, Brantley had run over to pour her some warm water which he fed to her carefully.

He couldn't take his eyes off her, probably because she had just given birth to a baby and he thought it was a very amazing thing for one to do.

Together, all four of them were quiet, each happy in their own way.

Their definitions of happiness were simple to some — a decent job, a place to live, and good health for their family.

A few days later, Raphael bumped into Olivia at the hospital.

She had come to visit that distant family relative who also just gave birth. But she did not come alone. She came with Leyla. The little girl was wearing a red overcoat and leather boots, and her hair was curled. Her skin was so soft and smooth, making her look like a pretty doll in Raphael's eyes.

When she caught sight of him, she called him Daddy.

Raphael was stunned. He quickly squatted down to her level and she pounced on him, showering his face with kisses.