18- She Apologized

 "Marissa Aaron. Age twenty-two," The detective informed in a clipped tone like a robot, "Runs her catering business. Tried to get into a business school but failed the entrance exam. Has three kids. Two daughters and one son.

Alexander, Ariel, and Abigail. Had to face some complications during the birth of her babies due to which her youngest one has a weak heart. The doctors had advised her to have open heart surgery, but their medical team would decide when to do it as the baby's body was already too weak."

When the robotic man paused momentarily, Rafael took a long breath that he didn't know he was holding back in his chest.

This was not even a fraction of what Marissa could have gone through in his absence. Only if… only if he had trusted her and didn't let her go.

"Rafael," Joseph placed his hand on his friend's shoulder and gestured for the other man to halt it for a moment. 

He went quickly to fetch him some water.