Chapter 256
Morning light spilled through the tall windows of the Vexley townhouse like liquid gold, stretching lazily across the expansive living room. Eliana Bennett lay curled on the plush velvet sofa, one hand resting on the gentle curve of her six-month-pregnant belly while the other scrolled absently through her phone. Her sweater was soft, her feet pleasantly sore—the good kind of ache that came from yesterday’s indulgent shopping spree—and her lips curved into a faint smile at the memory of laughter echoing through luxury boutiques.
But beneath the warmth lingered something heavier.
Her thoughts drifted, as they always did when things grew quiet, to St. Patrick’s Hospital. To her father. Frank Bennett. Still unconscious. Still suspended in that fragile in-between space that terrified her more than bad news ever could. She needed to see him today—needed to talk to him, even if he couldn’t answer. It grounded her, reminded her of who she was before billionaires, bodyguards, and paparazzi headlines.
As if summoned by her resolve, familiar footsteps gathered near the foyer.
Oliver, Will, Liam, Kai, Viktor, and Jax stood together—Rafael’s men, though lately they felt more like hers. Casual clothes, sharp eyes, relaxed stances that never quite fooled anyone. Protectors disguised as regular people.
“Guys,” Eliana called, pushing herself upright with a soft exhale, “I want to visit my dad today. Could you all come with me p>
Oliver emerged from his preferred position near the shadows, nodding immediately. “Of course, Eliana. Hospital environments can be… unpredictable p>
Will rolled his shoulders, flexing absently. “And if anyone decides to be stupid, I’ve got tools for that.” He grinned. “Quiet tools p>
Eliana laughed. “Please don’t dismantle hospital property on my account p>
Liam studied her with a thoughtful tilt of his head. “You’re anxious,” he said gently. “But you’re not alone. We’ll manage the crowd p>
Kai appeared beside her without warning—close enough to be comforting, not overwhelming. “At arm’s reach,” he murmured, as always.
Viktor checked his keys with his usual calm precision. “Ready when you are p>
Jax clapped his hands together once, all business. “Timeline p>
“Soon,” Eliana said, smiling at them all. “I just want to grab flowers from the garden first. Thank you… honestly. You make me feel like I’ve got an army of very intimidating big brothers p>
Will smirked. “We prefer ’elite emotional support unit p>
Their laughter followed them as they dispersed.
Moments later, a familiar presence filled the room.
Rafael Vexley entered without ceremony—no wheelchair, no tinted contacts, no carefully crafted illusion. Just him. Tall, athletic, devastatingly real. His steel-grey eyes were sharp and unhidden, his dark wavy hair slightly tousled like he’d run a hand through it one too many times. The designer shirt he wore fit him unfairly well, as if it had been tailored specifically to test Eliana’s self-control.
“An army?” he drawled, crossing his arms. “For a hospital visit? Bit dramatic p>
Eliana arched a brow. “You hired them p>
“Yes,” he said smoothly, walking closer. “But I didn’t expect them to unionize p>
Then his expression softened. “You’re going to see your father p>
She nodded. “I need to p>
“Then I’m coming,” he said immediately.
Her eyes widened, genuine surprise flashing across her face. “You are? I thought you’d be drowning in meetings p>
“They’ll survive without me,” he replied, resting a hand on her shoulder, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. “You won’t. And after yesterday’s… public performance, I don’t want you out there without me p>
She tilted her head, curls spilling over one shoulder. “Performance? You mean the shopping spree p>
Rafael smirked. “I mean the ice cream incident p>
Her cheeks warmed. “I was tired! You insisted p>
James’s amused voice cut in as he entered the room. “To be fair, sir, you did look extremely pleased to have her on your lap p>
“James,” Rafael said flatly, “remember who pays you p>
James adjusted his glasses, utterly unbothered. “Fondly noted. Schedule’s cleared, by the way p>
Eliana laughed, the sound bright and real, and Rafael’s gaze lingered on her just a second too long—soft, possessive, unguarded.
An hour later, the convoy rolled out.
Rafael’s BMW led the way, James at the wheel, smooth and precise as ever. The rest followed in the black SUV. Public roles snapped back into place—wheelchair, dark shades, careful choreography. Eliana stayed close to Rafael, her hand brushing his arm like it belonged there. Like it always had.
What neither of them knew was that overnight, the internet had fallen completely in love with them.
Grainy videos. Paparazzi photos. Headlines screaming affection:
“Billionaire Rafael Vexley and Pregnant Wife Eliana: Ultimate Relationship Goals p>
Headlines praised their “adorable” ice cream moment, with Eliana perched on his lap, his arm protectively around her belly. Comments poured in: ” So in love! Who cares about his disabilities—she’s his queen!” A few negative ones sneered, “Still a gold digger,” but the positives drowned them out, hearts and fire emojis dominating.
And as the city blurred past the car windows, Rafael’s hand subtly found Eliana’s, his thumb brushing her knuckles—quiet, intimate, utterly unaware that the world was already watching them fall deeper.
As they pulled up to the hospital’s grand entrance, a hush fell over the bustling lobby the moment they stepped—or wheeled—in. Nurses paused mid-stride, patients in waiting areas whispered behind hands, and even doctors glanced over with subtle smiles. Phones were discreetly raised, capturing the entourage: Rafael in his wheelchair, Eliana walking gracefully beside him, her slender frame elegant despite the pregnancy, and the phalanx of men forming a protective circle.
Rafael, sensing the shift through his dark shades, leaned toward James. “Why the extra buzz today? People are whispering more than usual—and smiling. It’s unsettling p>
James pulled out his tablet, fingers flying across the screen. He glanced at Eliana, then back to Rafael. “Rafael, Eliana—you two are topping the gossip charts. Social media’s exploding with yesterday’s photos. The ice cream moment? They’re calling it ’relationship goals.’ People are rooting for you, saying you’re so in love. Mostly positive—overwhelmingly so p>
Rafael’s lips curved into a smug smile beneath his shades, his chiseled jaw tightening with satisfaction. “About time they saw the truth p>
Eliana stopped in her tracks, her heart-shaped face flushing with shock. Her honey eyes darted around at the staring faces. “What? Me? Us? But… not long ago, when we first married, everyone called me a gold digger. Said I was only with a ’cripple and blind man’ like you for the money. And now… this p>
James nodded kindly. “Public opinion flips fast. Those photos humanized you both. You’re the fairy tale now p>
Eliana shook her head, her curly hair swaying. “It’s crazy. I don’t care about the gossip—I just want to see my papa. Come on, let’s go p>
They made their way to the VIP wing, the men’s footsteps a rhythmic guard. At the door to Frank Bennett’s room, James and the team stationed themselves outside like silent sentinels. “We’ll be right here,” Jax assured her.
To be continued p>