Chapter 255
The drive to the upscale mall passed in a haze of easy banter, the kind that made time stretch and shrink all at once.
“So, sir,” James said from the front seat, catching Rafael’s reflection in the rearview mirror, “any particular stores in mind? Or are we bravely attempting to conquer the entire mall p>
Rafael smirked, his hand settling on Eliana’s knee with quiet possession, his thumb brushing small, absent circles as if he needed the contact to stay grounded. “First of all—drop the sir, James p>
James inclined his head with a barely-there smirk. “Duly noted p>
“And second,” Rafael continued, “we start with the luxury boutiques. Evening dresses, comfortable daytime outfits His mouth twitched. “And whatever equipment is required for that so-called glamping situation at the conference p>
Eliana scoffed, leaning back against the seat. “Glamping with billionaires,” she said dryly. “That sounds like an oxymoron. Either you’re camping or you’re lying to yourself p>
Rafael chuckled, squeezing her knee in silent agreement.
When they arrived, the transition was seamless. The men moved without a word, fanning out into a discreet but unmistakable protective perimeter around the couple. To an outsider, it might’ve looked intimidating. To Eliana, it felt familiar—comforting. They weren’t just bodyguards hovering too close for comfort; they were like overgrown, overqualified big brothers. Always present. Always alert. Always making sure nothing—and no one—came too close without permission.
The first stop was a high-end designer boutique drenched in quiet luxury. Crystal chandeliers glimmered overhead, velvet chairs invited you to sit longer than necessary, and the air smelled faintly of expensive perfume and confidence. The staff, clearly well-briefed, had cleared the space entirely for a private fitting. Racks of dresses and casual wear were wheeled in—every piece thoughtfully tailored for pregnancy without sacrificing elegance.
And that’s when the fun truly began.
“Try this one,” Oliver said, lifting a flowing gold gown from the rack. The fabric caught the light like molten sunlight. His sharp, hawk-like eyes softened as he held it out to her. “It’ll match your eyes perfectly p>
Eliana laughed as she took it from him. “Oliver,” she teased, “since when are you a fashion expert? I thought your main skill was vanishing into dark alleys p>
He grinned, all easy charm, folding his lean frame into a nearby chair like smoke settling into a corner. “What? A guy can’t have hobbies?” His gaze flicked to her belly, then back to her face, respectful and warm. “Besides, you deserve to look stunning p>
Will, the muscle-bound tinker, chimed in as he examined a pair of comfortable hiking boots from another rack. “These for the conference hikes? Sturdy soles, good support. Won’t tire out those feet of yours p>
Liam, reading the room with his keen gaze, nodded approvingly. “Yeah, and they match your style—practical but pretty. Just like you p>
Kai, ever the shadow, hovered silently but offered a rare smile when Eliana emerged in the gown. “Looks dangerous,” he said quietly, meaning it as a compliment. “In a good way p>
Viktor, steady as always, adjusted a mirror for her. “Perfect angle. See? You’re glowing p>
And Jax, coordinating from the sidelines, clapped his hands. “Team’s got good taste. What do you think, boss p>
Rafael, seated in his wheelchair with his shades on, feigned a blind nod of approval, but Eliana caught the subtle tension in his jaw. “It’s fine,” he said curtly. “But maybe less input from the peanut gallery p>
Eliana burst into laughter, twirling in the dress. “Oh, come on, Rafael. They’re just being helpful. Jealous much p>
The men exchanged glances and chuckled. “Busted, boss,” Will teased, flexing his arms playfully.
Rafael huffed, crossing his arms over his crisp suit. “Jealous? Of you lot fawning over my wife? Please. I’m just… ensuring quality control p>
James, standing by with a tablet, adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses and smirked. “Sure, that’s it. Not at all territorial p>
The group burst into easy, good-natured laughter, the sound bouncing off crystal and velvet until the elegant boutique felt warmer—less like a showroom and more like a shared secret. Eliana felt a rush of happiness swell in her chest. This— this
They drifted from store to store in a blur of indulgence and commentary, arms slowly filling with glossy bags. Dresses that flowed and clung in all the right ways. Cozy sweaters soft enough to live in. Maternity jeans that promised comfort without surrender. And then—somehow—luxury camping gear made its way into the pile: silk-lined sleeping bags, designer backpacks, and equipment so expensive it looked offended by the word camping.
By midday, Eliana’s energy finally waved a small white flag.
They stopped at an ice cream parlor tucked into the mall’s upscale food court—a charming little place with artisanal flavors listed in elegant script and outdoor seating bathed in soft sunlight. Rafael guided his electric wheelchair to a table with practiced ease, and Eliana, too tired to argue or stand on ceremony, simply turned and perched herself on his lap.
Her pregnant belly pressed warmly against him, familiar and grounding. Rafael didn’t miss a beat. One arm slipped around her waist, strong and secure, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles over her stomach like it belonged there—because it did. With his other hand, he calmly enjoyed a cone of dark chocolate gelato, utterly unbothered by the fact that he now had a very pregnant woman sitting in his lap in public. Eliana rested against him, her exhaustion melting under his touch.
“Mmm, this hits the spot,” Eliana sighed, licking her strawberry sorbet. “Baby’s kicking up a storm—must like the cold p>
Rafael smiled beneath his shades, his voice low and affectionate. “Good. Means our little one’s got taste already p>
Around them, James and the men indulged too: James with a vanilla swirl, Oliver vanishing a mint chip like smoke, Will devouring rocky road, Liam analyzing a pistachio with thoughtful bites, Kai quietly savoring espresso, Viktor steadily enjoying caramel, and Jax enjoying bites of tiramisu.
That’s when the onlookers appeared—a group of shoppers, phones out, snapping pictures discreetly at first, then more boldly. Whispers rippled: “Is that Rafael Vexley? The blind billionaire? And his pregnant wife—look how cute p>
Eliana tensed slightly, but Rafael’s hand on her belly steadied her. “Ignore them,” he murmured. “You’re safe p>
James noticed and cleared his throat. “Should we continue shopping? There’s that last boutique for evening wear p>
Eliana whined dramatically, leaning back against Rafael. “Nooo, James! I’m done. My feet are killing me, and baby wants a nap. Take me home, please p>
The men all laughed, a chorus of deep, amused chuckles echoing around the table. “She’s got you wrapped, boss,” Jax teased.
Rafael grinned, finishing his cone. “Fine, princess. Home it is.” Still with Eliana on his lap, he powered up the electric wheelchair, navigating through the mall with ease. James and the men flanked them, a protective shield against the curious stares and gossips. “Did you see that?” one shopper whispered. “She’s riding on his wheelchair—adorable, but bold p>
This time, Eliana didn’t feel scared. Wrapped in Rafael’s arms, surrounded by her “big brothers,” she felt utterly protected, a queen in her own right.
As they exited into the sunlight, the Chapter of their day closed on a note of sweet contentment, the bonds between them stronger than ever.