Chapter 6 : Compromise

Raphael's POV.

“Well, are you going to speak or not?” Kristine's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat as a result of the news.

“Kristine…I don't know…I understand your reason for coming back but I don't think you're welcome in my life at the moment.” The truth was bitter but I had to say it anyway.

I couldn't give her the hope that there was still a space in my life for her after abandoning me for so long. But now..she wasn't the only one. We had a child together.

Would it be fair that I let the child grow without a father?

“Really? Yes, I left you but you're seriously not going to make a compromise? Not even for your child? I'm sorry but I won't leave until you take me back!” Kristine's sharp voice made my heart tremble.

I clenched my fists but I soon released them as I stared at her, she stood rooted to the ground with firm arms that rounded her chest.

Christ. What was this? How possible was it to manage two women in my life? What sort of test was this?

On the one hand, I had Henrietta whom my bond with would earn my father's trust. And on the other hand, I've got Kristine, the woman I used to love who now had a child for me.

I couldn't leave one for the other as both were very important in my life at the moment. I drove a hand in my hair as I tried to think of what to do.

‘Everything is fine. You can fix this.’ A smile found its way to my lips as the small voice in my head encouraged but deep down, I felt like I was seriously losing it.

“What's funny? You think this situation is a joke?” Kristine scowled at me.

My brows pulled together, “Can you please stop trying to create an issue here? There's already enough tension so please.”

Kristine scoffed, “What tension? I don't understand what’s so hard about taking me back but I guess you love someone else now.” Kristine's face dropped as she finished.

I felt the crazy urge to lift her chin up, and reassure her that she was the only woman I loved but I fought back the desire to do so.

This was not the time to act all romantic. Plus, I was still mad at her for leaving.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, conveying the burden of making decisions.

“Okay, how about I get you an apartment close to the mansion? I'd pay visits from time to time and that way, our child gets fatherly love.”

Kristine's face lit up with surprise before falling back to irritation, her lips curled downwards as she threw her hands in the air.

“Are you listening to yourself right now? You want us to live like separated couples?”

“Well, aren't we separated?” I shot back.

“Yes but I'm back now, okay?!” Kristine thundered with tiny veins popping out her forehead.

Kristine stepped closer, her lips quivering like she was trying so hard to keep it all together, “And that's seriously all that should matter. I don't…I don't understand why you can't see that. I've lived every day yearning for you but all you care about is how I abandoned you! If you cared that much, why didn't you look for me?” 

I stared at her, watching how she tried to blink back the tears but they ended up falling anyway. I lifted my hand towards her face to wipe her tears but I withdrew them.

I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me right now. Whatever decision I made right now would affect my inheritance and I knew better than acting on feelings.

I averted her gaze as I stared into nothing, “Well, since you don't think getting an apartment is a good idea. What do you suggest then?” I asked, totally avoiding her question.

There was no response from Kristine.

Just silence.

Silence that enveloped a thousand unsaid words.

And just when I parted my lips to speak again, I heard her voice, “I suggest living with you. This will help our child get familiar with you and build a better environment for our child.” 

Kristine's words hit me like a stray bullet, stirring my mind off balance as I didn't expect her to say that.

“No, you can't.” I replied immediately.

Kristine gasped, “What?! But our–”

“Kristine, I said you can't live with me. At least not yet. I have someone else in my life now and I don't want to disrespect her like that.” I lied, hoping it'd be enough reason for Kristine to discard the idea.

“Okay, fine. You have someone else in your life and I get that. Get us an apartment and that'd be okay.”

Really? That was it? That was easier than I thought.

I directed my gaze back to her face as a smile spread across my lips, “Thank you for understanding, Kristine.” I rubbed her arm in appreciation.

Kristine forced a smile before brushing my hands off her body. Judging from how pale her face was and how dull her eyes became, I knew she wasn't pleased but I didn't dare try to make things better even though I wanted to.

“I need to go get prepared for tomorrow. Katie's attending school for the first time.” 

And with that, she turned to leave but I stopped her.

“Her name's Katie?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Kristine nodded in response and I felt a thrill of excitement burst in my heart. The realization that I was now a father was truly amazing.

“I'd come see her tomorrow.” I said before bidding Kristine goodbye.

As I watched her body disappear into the darkness, a series of questions sprung in my heart.

Why did it take Kristine this long to come tell me she had our child?

Was there something more to this or was I just overthinking?