Chapter 48

"Hope you change your mind someday."

"What would my change of idea affect in your life, Rafaela?" he asked. "Bringing a child into this world to suffer is worse than wishing they didn’t exist."

"It depends on how you take care of them."

"Enough!" he raised his voice. "You can ask me anything, but not about this."

It was clear that Ethan didn't like to talk about this; something seemed to deeply trouble him.

"Sorry," she apologized.

"I'm the one who should apologize," he said. "I just don't like discussing it."

"I promise I’ll never bring it up again," she swallowed hard.

"Don't think I’m a bad person, Rafaela. You just need to know that I’d never be fit to be anyone's father."

That revelation gave her chills, filling her with questions. Why did Ethan think that way?

"I believe you have your reasons, and I’ll respect that," was all she could manage to say.

He looked at her and realized how awkward he had made her feel. Then he stood up and came closer to her.

"There are things that can’