Chapter 192
Meanwhile, in her smaller, cozy home on the city’s quieter edge, Eliana Bennett huddled on the edge of her bed, her slender frame trembling beneath a worn blanket. Her warm brown skin glistened with the remnants of tears, and her long hair falling messily over her shoulders. The phone call to Rafael had been a desperate lifeline, but now the silence amplified her fears. Mirabel’s cackle still rang in her ears, a chilling promise of destruction. How could her own mother who abandoned years ago for wealth suddenly return just to become so monstrous? Eliana’s hand instinctively cradled her belly, where their unborn child stirred faintly, a reminder of the love and betrayal tangled in her life.
Her phone buzzed suddenly, jolting her from the spiral. It was James. “Miss Eliana,” his voice came through, calm and reassuring, “it’s James. I’m outside your door with the team Mr. Vexley sent. Can you come down and let us in? We need to secure the perimeter p>
Eliana wiped her eyes, her heart pounding but grateful for the prompt action. She descended the steady stairs, her simple dress swishing softly, and peered through the peephole before unlocking the door. There stood James, flanked by the six men, their dark attire blending into the night like guardians from a shadow realm.
“James,” she breathed, her voice shaky but warm with relief. “Thank you for coming so quickly p>
He nodded, stepping inside just enough to gesture to the group. “These are the men Mr. Vexley trusts with his life—and now yours. You might recognize them from earlier today, when they pulled you out of that kidnapping mess Mirabel orchestrated p>
Eliana’s honey eyes widened as she scanned their faces. Oliver’s sharp gaze met hers briefly, a nod of acknowledgment. Will cracked a small, reassuring smile, his bulky form less intimidating up close. Liam tilted his head, reading her fear and offering a gentle, “We’ve got your back, ma’am.” Kai remained silent, his presence a quiet promise of swift action. Viktor gave a polite tip of his invisible hat, while Jax stepped forward, his voice smooth. “We’re here to make sure no one gets close without permission p>
“Yes,” Eliana murmured, a flicker of recognition easing her tension. “You all saved me from those thugs earlier today. I… I don’t know how to thank you p>
James placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, brief and paternal. “No need for thanks, Miss. These guys will keep watch over the house—inside the perimeter if needed, but mostly from the van outside. Eyes on every angle. You won’t have to worry about a thing tonight. Sleep knowing you’re safe p>
Just then, her phone rang again, the familiar tone cutting through the moment. It was Rafael. Eliana answered quickly, her voice softening. “Rafael p>
“Eliana,” his deep voice responded, laced with urgent concern. “Has James arrived? Are you okay p>
“Yes, he’s here with the men,” she replied, glancing at James with a thankful nod. “They just got here. I feel… safer already p>
There was a pause, and when Rafael spoke, his tone carried a rare vulnerability. “I’m sorry I can’t be there with you right now, Eliana. If I could, I’d be holding you, making sure nothing touches you or our baby p>
Her heart twisted, a mix of lingering hurt and fresh longing. “I understand, Rafael. You’re sick, in the hospital. You need to rest, focus on recovering. Your eyes… the doctors said it would take time. Don’t worry so much—it might set you back p>
Rafael hesitated, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue. But he seized the opportunity to inch toward truth. “Actually, the doctor just told me today—I can go home tomorrow. Continue resting and treatment there. No more hospital walls p>
Eliana’s face lit up, her lips curving into a hopeful smile despite the tears drying on her cheeks. “Really? That’s wonderful, Rafael! Your health is improving. I’m so happy for you p>
His voice warmed, though guilt gnawed at him. “Eliana, about earlier… I’m sorry for offending you with that contract marriage proposal. It was cold, calculated—like everything in my world. But without giving you a proper status, a place in my life that’s untouchable, Mirabel will keep coming. She sees you as a threat, and I can’t let her hurt you anymore p>
The words hung heavy, stirring a whirlwind in her chest. But then, like a dam breaking, Henry flashed in her mind—the kind, reserved aspiring doctor who had been her quiet pillar. His unanswered calls, Mirabel’s threats… Panic surged anew. “Rafael,” she cried, her voice cracking as fresh tears welled. “Henry! Oh God, Henry might be in danger. Mirabel said she’d kill him for helping me. He’s not answering his phone—I called and called. If anything happens to him because of me, because he stood by me when no one else did… I could never forgive myself. Please, Rafael, help me find him p>
“Eliana, breathe,” Rafael urged, his own heart clenching at her sobs. He despised Henry—the man who had loved her silently, cared for her in his absence—but jealousy paled against Eliana’s pain. And damn it, Henry had protected her these past months, filling the void Rafael’s detachment had created. “Calm down, for the baby’s sake. Our little one needs you strong right now p>
But her cries only intensified, raw and heartbreaking. “I can’t! What if she’s already gotten to him? Rafael, please p>
“Give the phone to James,” he said firmly, his calculating mind shifting to action.
Eliana handed it over, her hands trembling. “It’s Rafael p>
James took it, stepping aside slightly. “Sir p>
“James,” Rafael said, his voice low and commanding, though edged with reluctant respect. “I don’t like Henry one bit—he’s too close to what’s mine. But for Eliana… and because he’s taken care of her when I couldn’t… send more men. The ones on standby. Find him, make sure he’s safe. Track his phone, check his usual spots—whatever it takes p>
“Got it, sir,” James replied without hesitation. “I’ll handle it p>
He handed the phone back to Eliana, who clutched it like a lifeline. “Miss, I’ll leave these six here to watch over you and the house. They’ll camp in the van outside—discreet but unbreakable. Meanwhile, I’m rounding up more guys to track down Henry. We’ll find him p>
Eliana’s eyes shimmered with gratitude, her soft heart-shaped face softening further. “Thank you, James. So much. I don’t know what I’d do without all of you p>
James gave a small, reassuring smile—rare for him—before tipping his head and stepping out, the door clicking shut behind him.
Back on the line, Eliana’s voice trembled with emotion. “Rafael, thank you. Again and again. For everything p>
“Don’t thank me, Eliana,” he murmured, his sarcasm giving way to genuine tenderness. “Just… don’t worry anymore tonight. Go to bed. Rest. I’ll stay on the phone—won’t hang up, even if you fall asleep. My voice will be here, watching over you p>
A wave of relaxation washed over her, the first true calm since Mirabel’s call. “Okay,” she whispered, climbing the stairs back to her room, the phone pressed to her ear. Outside, the black van idled quietly, the men inside settling into vigilant watch—Oliver scanning shadows, Will tinkering with surveillance gear, Liam analyzing potential threats, Kai poised for action, Viktor at the wheel, and Jax coordinating it all. The night deepened, but in that fragile bubble, Eliana felt a spark of hope.
As she slipped under the covers, her breaths evening out, Rafael listened from afar, his heart thawing inch by inch. “Sleep well, my love,” he whispered into the silence, vowing to end this nightmare—for her, for them.