Chapter 170
The sharp scent of antiseptic clung to the air inside Green Hearts Hospital, mingling with the faint sweetness of the flowers Eliana cradled in her arms. London had been quiet that morning—cold sunlight spilling over the misty streets—as she stood outside those glass doors, summoning the courage to step through. She’d promised herself last night that this visit wasn’t about him. It was for the child—the small, fragile heartbeat inside her that deserved at least one parent willing to bridge the chasm between them.
The doors hissed open with a soft whoosh, ushering her into the hum of hospital life. Nurses swept past in crisp white uniforms, their rubber soles whispering against the polished floor. The sound of distant monitors and murmured conversations echoed faintly down the corridor, grounding her in the sterile rhythm of the place.
“I’m here to see Rafael Vexley,” she said to the receptionist, her voice steady despite the pulse of nerves beneath it.
The woman—kind eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses—typed briskly, the clack of keys oddly comforting. “Of course, Miss Bennett. Room 512. He’s been expecting you p>
Expecting her. The words struck deeper than she wanted to admit.
Eliana’s boots clicked down the long hallway, every step stirring memories she had tried to bury—the nights Rafael’s silence had felt colder than any winter, the words that had cut deeper than his apologies ever healed. Still, the invisible thread of duty had its own gravity, pulling her forward.
When she reached the door, she paused—one breath to steady herself—then pushed it open.
Sunlight streamed through the half-drawn blinds, slicing the room into strips of gold and shadow. Rafael sat propped against the pillows, his once-imposing frame softened by illness. His dark hair was disheveled, his steel-grey eyes—clouded now—lifting toward her as if trying to find the shape of her presence.
“Eliana?” His voice was a low rumble, laced with genuine surprise and a hint of vulnerability that caught her off guard. “You came back. I… I prayed you would p>
Something in the way he said it made her chest tighten. She placed the flowers gently on the bedside table, their bright colors almost defiant against the sterile white walls.
“I thought about what you said yesterday,” she murmured, fingers curling protectively around the curve of her belly. “About the baby. He—or she—deserves a father. Even if things between us Her voice faltered. “Even if they’re beyond fixing p>
Rafael’s lips curved in a small, wistful smile. “You don’t know how much that means to me,” he said softly. “The days without you have been… hollow p>
He lifted his hand, hesitating midair—an unspoken question hanging between them. After a long moment, she reached out, letting her fingers rest in his. His palm was warm, steady, achingly familiar. And despite everything she’d told herself, something unbidden sparked to life in that touch—something she wasn’t ready to name.
James, loyal as ever, stood in the corner of the room, his usually stoic face breaking into a rare, broad smile. He adjusted his glasses, watching the exchange with barely contained joy. “Miss Eliana, it’s wonderful to see you here. Mr. Vexley has been… well, let’s just say your presence is already making a difference p>
Eliana offered James a polite nod, her curls falling over her shoulders as she sat in the chair beside the bed. “I’m only here for short visits, James. But if it helps p>
Rafael’s fingers tightened around hers—just enough for her to feel the tremor he tried to hide.
“It does,” he murmured, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “More than you could ever know p>
There was a softness in him she hadn’t heard in months—an intimacy that disarmed her before she could pull away. “Tell me about the baby,” he said quietly. “Have you felt any kicks today? Does it… move when you talk to it p>
Eliana hesitated, the question striking something tender within her. Her thumb brushed the edge of his hand unconsciously. “Yes,” she admitted, a small smile forming. “It kicked so hard this morning, but mostly it feels like tiny flutters—like a butterfly trapped under my ribs. The doctor says everything’s going well p>
Rafael’s lips curved, the shadow of his old charm flickering through. “A butterfly,” he echoed. “Delicate… but strong enough to make its presence known p>
For a while, the sterile room softened around them. The beeping machines, the faint hum of the air vents—all faded into the background as they talked. Rafael, once known for his sharp wit and ironclad detachment, seemed almost human again. He asked about her days in London, her walks through Hampstead Heath, her quiet mornings by the window with tea in hand. He even managed a teasing grin.
“So tell me,” he said, mock seriousness creeping into his tone, “what do you think of naming the baby Vexley 2.0? A bold statement—cutting-edge innovation wrapped in diapers p>
Eliana rolled her eyes, though a reluctant laugh escaped her. “You haven’t changed at all,” she said, shaking her head. “Still branding everything you touch p>
“Guilty,” he said, the corners of his mouth lifting. “But you laughed. That’s progress p>
James stepped forward, his excitement bubbling over. “If I may, sir,” he interjected, “you’ve been… livelier since she arrived. Even the doctors mentioned it p>
Rafael turned his head slightly, the shift in his demeanor almost imperceptible—almost. “Is that so?” he said lightly, though a flicker of calculation sparked behind his cloudy eyes.
Eliana didn’t notice. She was adjusting the flowers, murmuring a soft goodbye, promising she’d return the next day. When the door finally closed behind her, the warmth that had filled the room seemed to evaporate.
Rafael’s smile faded, replaced by the cool precision that had built his empire. “James,” he said quietly, his voice all business now, “I need you to speak with Dr. Hargrove. Tell him to start reporting improvements in my condition—subtle ones. Tie it to Eliana’s visits. Make it sound as though her presence is… healing me p>
James raised an eyebrow, his loyalty unwavering but his curiosity piqued. “Sir, are you sure? Faking progress so soon p>
“It’s not entirely fake,” Rafael admitted, his voice softening. “She does make me feel… alive again. But I need her to stay. For the baby, for us p>
James nodded, a knowing smile crossing his face. “Understood. I’ll handle it. And honestly, sir? I’m thrilled. You’ve been a shadow of yourself. Seeing you light up like this—it’s good for the soul p>
Back in their cozy three-story home in Hampstead, Eliana recounted the visit to Henry over a simple dinner of pasta and salad. The warm kitchen light illuminated his concerned face, his aspiring doctor’s hands pausing mid-fork. “You’re going back every day? Eliana, are you sure that’s wise? After everything he’s put you through p>
She met his gaze, her expressive eyes firm yet tired. “Henry, please don’t start. I have to. For the baby. It’s not about forgiving him—it’s about giving our child a chance at a family p>
Henry’s jaw tightened, but he forced a supportive smile, not wanting to ignite an argument that could push her away. “I understand. I just worry about you. You’re carrying so much already.” Inside, unease churned like a storm. That night, after she retired to bed, he made a discreet call from the study. “Yes, I need a private investigator. Look into Rafael Vexley—his hospital condition, why he’s really in London. Everything. Discreetly p>
The investigator’s voice crackled over the line. “Understood, Mr. Jackson. We’ll dig deep. Any specifics p>
“Just confirm if his illness is real,” Henry replied, his tone clipped. “And report back soon p>
For the next two weeks, Eliana’s visits became a ritual. Each morning, she’d arrive with small tokens—a book to read aloud, fresh fruit, or updates on her university classes. Rafael greeted her with increasing warmth, his feigned blindness easing into subtle recovery the doctors attributed to her “miraculous influence p>
One afternoon, as she sat reading a poem from a worn anthology, Rafael interrupted gently. “Eliana, come closer.” She obliged, perching on the bed’s edge. He placed a hand on her belly, his touch reverent. “I can feel it… our little one. Strong, like you p>
Her heart raced, memories of his past tenderness flooding back, but so did the shadows of betrayal—the way he’d treated her, the cold dismissals. “Rafael, this is sweet, but… remember why I’m here. For the baby p>
He nodded, his steel-grey eyes—still pretending cloudiness—filled with feigned remorse. “I know. And I’m grateful. Every day with you is a gift p>
James often joined, beaming like a proud uncle. “The doctor’s thrilled, Miss Eliana. Blood pressure’s down, reflexes improving. It’s you—you’re the medicine he needs p>
Eliana smiled faintly, but inwardly, she steeled herself. ’This is for the baby,’ she repeated like a mantra whenever his charms threatened to melt her resolve. ’Not for the man who broke me p>
Henry, meanwhile, received the investigator’s reports in secret. “Mr. Vexley’s records show inconsistencies,” the PI said over the phone. “Surgeries in the past, but current status… it’s murky. I’ll keep digging p>
Henry sighed, glancing at Eliana’s closed door. “Do that. I won’t let her get hurt again p>
As the days blurred, Rafael’s sweetness deepened—whispers of future dreams, gentle caresses that made her pulse quicken. Yet, each time she felt herself slipping, the pain resurfaced: the isolation in his mansion, the revelations of his deceptions. “I won’t lose myself,” she murmured to her reflection one evening, hand on her belly. The baby kicked in response, as if agreeing.