Chapter 225
The engine of Isabella’s sleek black sedan hummed softly as she navigated the bustling downtown streets, the city lights blurring into streaks of gold and red against the evening sky. Henry sat in the passenger seat, his tall frame slumped against the leather upholstery, his sharp features etched with a mix of anxiety and desperation. His warm eyes, usually so steady and ambitious, darted restlessly to the passing buildings, his hands clenched into fists on his lap. The air inside the car was thick with unspoken tension, broken only by the occasional honk from impatient drivers weaving through traffic.
“Isabella, I… I don’t know what to expect,” Henry finally murmured, his voice low and strained, laced with the remnants of his recent fever. He ran a hand through his tousled hair, his handsome face pale under the glow of streetlamps. “What if she’s really gone for good? What if this marriage thing is… real p>
Isabella glanced at him sidelong, her elegant hands gripping the steering wheel with quiet determination. Her own beauty—sharp cheekbones, flowing auburn waves, and eyes that held the fire of someone who’d rebuilt herself from ashes—softened with empathy. Now, she was here for Henry, the man who’d pulled her from that abyss with his kindness.
“Henry, breathe,” she said gently, her voice a soothing melody amid the chaos outside. “You’ve loved her for years, hidden it all this time. Whatever she says, it’ll hurt, but you’re stronger than this. Remember how you helped me that night? You listened, you cared. Now let me be here for you p>
He managed a weak smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, that night… you were a mess, spilling your drink and cursing out Logan like a sailor. I thought you were going to punch the bartender when he cut you off p>
Isabella chuckled lightly, the sound a brief spark of humor in the heavy atmosphere. “Hey, I was heartbroken and tipsy. But you? You just sat there, all doctor-in-training charm, offering tissues and bad jokes. ’Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.’ God, that was awful p>
Henry’s lips twitched, a fleeting distraction from the storm brewing inside him. “It worked, didn’t it? You laughed. And look at us now—driving to confront my own ghost p>
As they pulled up to the cozy Italian restaurant, its red checkered tablecloths visible through the fogged windows, Isabella parked smoothly and turned to him. “Go in there and hear her out. I’ll be right behind you, at another table. You’ve got this p>
Henry nodded, stepping out into the cool evening air, his heart pounding like a drum.
That same evening, in the opulent expanse of Rafael Vexley’s home, Eliana Bennett paced the grand living room, her slender frame wrapped in a simple yet elegant dress that hugged her warm brown skin. Her long curly black hair fell down her back, and her expressive honey-brown eyes shimmered with a mix of relief and apprehension. The room was a testament to Rafael’s world—polished marble floors, towering bookshelves filled with leather-bound tomes, and abstract art that screamed wealth. But Eliana’s mind was elsewhere, fixed on the phone call that had shattered the fragile peace in her heart.
“Rafael,” she began, her voice soft but steady as she approached him. He sat in his wheelchair by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his tall, athletic build somehow diminished by the pretense he maintained. His chiseled jawline was set in a firm line, his piercing steel-grey eyes—secretly sharp and seeing—fixed on the city skyline. His dark wavy hair was impeccably styled, and his crisp designer suit exuded command, even in his feigned vulnerability.
He turned his head slightly, his sarcastic edge hidden behind a mask of calm. “What is it, Eliana? You look like you’ve seen a ghost—or perhaps received a call from one p>
She stopped pacing, her full pink lips curving into a tentative smile, though her heart-shaped face betrayed her emotional turmoil. “Henry finally called. He’s back, and… he wants to meet. I’m going to the restaurant downtown. The Italian place we used to love p>
Rafael’s grip tightened on the armrests, hidden from her view. Insecurities flooded him like a tidal wave—the months Eliana had lived with Henry, sharing laughs, dreams, perhaps even unspoken affections. He’d faked his blindness and paralysis to unmask the greed in his world, but now it chained him to doubts. Did she marry him only for security, for revenge against Mirabel? Had her love for him faded, replaced by something real with Henry? He wanted to stop her, to demand she stay, but he swallowed the bitterness.
Instead, he forced a smile, cold and calculating on the surface, but cracking at the edges. “Ah, the prodigal friend returns. Go, then. But be careful, Eliana. The world isn’t as kind as you think p>
Her eyes widened in surprise at his restraint. “You’re… not upset? I thought you’d p>
“Make a fuss?” he interrupted, his voice laced with sarcasm, though pain flickered in his grey eyes. “Why would I? You’re a grown woman. Just promise me you’ll take protection. At least two bodyguards. Viktor and Liam—they’ll keep you safe p>
Eliana’s expression softened, her kind-hearted nature shining through. She remembered her father’s fate all too well—the accident that had almost taken him, the shadows that still haunted her. “Okay, Rafael. I agree. Thank you… for understanding. For not fighting me on this p>
He nodded curtly, his ruthless detachment a shield. “Just come back in one piece. That’s all I ask p>
She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead, her hopeful smile breaking through her emotional wounds. “I will. I promise p>
Moments later, Eliana slipped into the back seat of the black SUV, her natural elegance undimmed by the tension. Viktor, a burly man with a no-nonsense demeanor, slid behind the wheel, while Liam, equally imposing with a scar across his cheek, took the front passenger seat. The drive was silent at first, the city lights reflecting off the tinted windows like distant stars.
“Viktor, Liam,” Eliana said softly from the back, her voice carrying that quiet strength. “Thank you for coming. I know this isn’t your usual assignment p>
Viktor glanced in the rearview mirror, his gruff voice softening. “No problem, Mrs. Vexley. Boss’s orders. We’ll stay out of sight at the restaurant—another table, eyes on you p>
Liam nodded, his tone lighter. “Yeah, and if anyone gets too close, we’ll handle it. You just focus on your meeting p>
Eliana smiled faintly, her fingers twisting in her lap. “It’s Henry. He’s… family. But yes, stay close p>
As they arrived at the restaurant, the aroma of garlic and fresh basil wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of diners. Eliana stepped out, her long curls swaying, and entered the warmly lit space. Red checkered tablecloths adorned wooden tables, candles flickering in chianti bottles, evoking memories of simpler times.
Henry was already there, seated at a corner table, his tall frame tense. Isabella had claimed a spot nearby, sipping water discreetly, while Viktor and Liam settled at a table across the room, blending in like shadows.
“Eliana,” Henry breathed as she approached, standing abruptly, his warm eyes locking onto her honey-brown ones. He pulled out her chair with habitual kindness, though his hands trembled.
“Henry,” she replied, her voice emotional, sliding into the seat. “You look… exhausted. Are you okay p>
He sat back down, leaning forward intently, his sharp features drawn. “No pleasantries, Eliana. Why did you move out? The house—it’s empty. Your room, your dad’s things, the baby’s nursery… all gone. And the news—tell me it’s not true. Tell me you didn’t marry Rafael Vexley. That the headlines are lying p>
Eliana’s eyes filled with tears, her expressive face crumbling under the weight of his pain. She reached across the table, her slender hand hovering near his. “Henry, I… I did marry him. It’s true. I couldn’t stay in your house anymore. Not after that. It wouldn’t be right—for me, for Rafael, and especially not for you. You deserve better than to have me under your roof as another man’s wife p>
Henry’s breath caught, his heart shattering audibly in the silence between them. He stared at her, speechless, his ambitious dreams of a life with her crumbling like sand. Tears pricked his eyes, but he blinked them back, his voice hoarse. “Married… to him? Eliana, how? Why p>
She wiped a tear from her cheek, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “Please, Henry, forgive me. Don’t hate me. I never wanted to hurt you. You’ve been like a brother to me, my best friend—even if that’s not what you wanted. I beg you, don’t cut me off. If you need time, if you have to leave and not speak to me for a while, I understand. But not forever. Please p>
Henry’s pain deepened, his warm eyes glistening. “A brother? Eliana, you know it’s more than that for me. I’ve loved you since college, hidden it because of Jason, but it’s always been there p>
She sobbed softly, her hopeful smile faltering. “I know. And when you can forgive me, when being in the same room doesn’t hurt anymore, I’ll be here. Always available as your friend. Thank you, Henry—for everything. The care, the love since we met. I’ll never forget it. I’m so grateful p>
He shook his head, his voice cracking with agony. “Rafael isn’t good for you, Eliana. He’s cold, ruthless. You deserve someone who sees your light, not hides in shadows p>
Eliana nodded, her quiet strength emerging. “Maybe that’s true. But if things fall apart with him, I’ll handle it. I promise to be strong—no more worrying you. Please, Henry, find a good woman. Build a beautiful family. You deserve all the happiness in the world. Don’t hang on to me anymore. I’m not worth the stress p>
“Forgive you?” he echoed, tears now streaming freely. “How can I not? But it hurts, Eliana. God, it hurts p>
She begged again, her voice a whisper. “Please forgive me. And… I’d love for you to be the baby’s godfather. When you’re ready—any time— we’ll be waiting patiently p>
With tears falling down her warm brown cheeks, Eliana rose, walking around the table. She enveloped him in a hug, her arms wrapping around his broad shoulders, her curls brushing his face. “I’ll always love you,” she murmured into his ear.
Then, wiping her tears, she turned and walked out quietly, her steps graceful yet heavy with sorrow. Viktor and Liam followed discreetly, shadows in her wake.
Henry remained seated, his body rigid, fighting back sobs that threatened to consume him. The restaurant’s murmurs faded into a distant hum, his world narrowing to the ache in his chest.
Isabella approached then, her elegant form sliding into the chair beside him. She pulled him into a tight hug, her arms strong and reassuring. “Henry, it’s okay. Let it out. Everything’s going to be alright. You’re not alone—I promise p>
He buried his face in her shoulder, the dam breaking as tears soaked her blouse. “It hurts so much, Isabella. But… thank you. For being here p>
She held him tighter, her voice a gentle anchor. “Always. We’ll get through this—together p>