Chapter 235
James gunned the engine, peeling out of the driveway with the bodyguards’ vehicle tailing close behind. The city blurred past—towering skyscrapers, bustling streets— but Rafael saw none of it. His hands shook as he dialed Eliana repeatedly, each unanswered ring twisting the knife in his gut. “Pick up, damn it,” he whispered, his sarcastic edge crumbling into raw fear. Images flashed in his mind: her warm brown skin paling with terror, her expressive honey eyes filling with tears, her pregnant belly vulnerable in the crush of bodies. He’d built walls to protect himself from betrayal, but Eliana had slipped through, making him feel—truly feel—for the first time in years. And now, he was failing her.
The SUV weaved through traffic, Viktor in the escort car clearing paths with precise maneuvers. Rafael’s phone buzzed finally, Eliana’s name lighting the screen. He answered before the first ring ended. “Eliana! Where are you? Are you safe p>
Her voice came through, steadier now but laced with exhaustion. “Rafael, I’m so sorry for not answering earlier. Things got even more chaotic after I called you. The crowd… they were still waiting for me once I got of the restroom. But I’m okay now p>
Relief washed over him like a tidal wave, but it was short-lived. “Got out? Why didn’t you stay put like I asked you to? What happened? Tell me everything p>
She hesitated, her breath hitching. “I’m fine, Rafael. Henry… he showed up. He heard the commotion and came running. He got me out of the bathroom, held me while I cried. Then he faced down the crowd, told them off. He’s walking me to class now. You don’t have to come anymore—it’s handled p>
Henry. The name hit Rafael like a slap, igniting a blaze of jealousy that scorched through his veins. Henry Jackson again? That man was whole heartily in love with Eliana—Rafael’s sources had confirmed that much. And now, he’d been there for her when Rafael hadn’t. The protector, the hero. Rafael’s fingers tightened around the phone, the plastic creaking under his grip.
“Rafael? Are you there?” Eliana’s voice softened, apologetic. “I’m really sorry for troubling you so early. I didn’t mean to worry you like this. I just… I panicked p>
He forced his voice to steady, hiding the storm beneath his cold exterior. “It’s fine, Eliana. As long as you’re safe. But next time, tell me before you leave. I can’t… I need to know you’re protected p>
“I will. Promise. Thank you for always being there—even when you’re not.” She laughed softly, a sound that usually melted his defenses, but today it only fueled the fire.
The call ended with a click, leaving Rafael staring at the screen, his handsome face contorted in anger. Not at her—never at her—but at the twist of fate that had Henry swooping in like some knight. His jealousy reared, ugly and unchecked, eroding the walls he’d built. “Turn around, James,” he snarled, his voice laced with fury. “We’re going home p>
James glanced at him in the rearview mirror, his steady gaze meeting Rafael’s turbulent one. “Rafael? We’re almost there. What if she needs you still p>
“She doesn’t,” Rafael bit out, sarcasm dripping like venom. “Henry’s got it covered, apparently. The perfect ex, saving the day. Just drive us back before I do something stupid—like expose everything p>
James sighed, signaling to Viktor in the trailing car. “As you wish. But jealousy doesn’t suit you. Eliana chose you—for reasons even you can’t deny p>
Rafael leaned back, his athletic build tense, steel-grey eyes staring out the window. “Chose me? Or was forced into this charade? She’s too good, too trusting. And I’m… this.” He gestured vaguely at himself, the recluse hiding behind lies. The ride back was silent, save for the hum of the engine, but inside Rafael, a war raged—between his calculating heart and the budding trust Eliana inspired.
As the house gates loomed, Rafael’s phone buzzed again—a text from one of his men: “Crowd dispersed. Eliana safe with Jackson. Monitoring.” He deleted it, his mind already plotting. Henry might have won this round, but Rafael Vexley played the long game. For Eliana, he’d unravel his secrets—if it meant keeping her by his side.
Back in his room, Rafael collapsed onto the bed, the same spot where the day had begun in ignorance. But now, ignited by fear and jealousy, his growth stirred—a bitter puppet master inching toward a man who might just fight for love.
Meanwhile, at the university, Eliana walked arm-in-arm with Henry, her slender frame leaning on his tall, supportive one. The campus paths wound through blooming gardens, the air crisp with the scent of fresh-cut grass. Her long curly black hair bounced with each step, her full pink lips curving into a tentative smile despite the red rims around her honey-brown eyes.
“Henry, I don’t know what I’d have done without you,” she said softly, her voice still trembling from the ordeal. “That crowd… they were like vultures. Asking about the baby, about Rafael. Even about us p>
Henry squeezed her hand gently, his warm eyes meeting hers with that familiar kindness. “You don’t have to thank me, Eliana. We’ve been through worse together, remember? Like that time when we first arrived in London, when those bullies cornered you after you after classes thinking you were alone. I was there then, and I’ll be here now. No matter what p>
She nodded, her heart-shaped face flushing with emotion. “I remember. You punched that guy right in the nose. Got him suspended for a week.” A small laugh escaped her, lightening the air.
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, well, my parents weren’t thrilled. But it was worth it. Seeing you smile again.” His expression turned serious as they approached the nursing building. “But seriously, Eliana—marrying Rafael so suddenly? I worry about you. The tabloids paint him as this cold, ruthless guy. Is he… treating you right p>
Eliana’s steps faltered, her hand instinctively cradling her pregnant belly. “Rafael’s not what people think, Henry. He’s complicated, yes—sarcastic, guarded. But there’s kindness under it all. He only has a lot of trust issues because of all he has been through. And with me… he’s starting to open up p>
Henry’s jaw tightened, his ambitious drive clashing with his lingering love. “You deserve someone who doesn’t play games Eliana. Someone like—” He stopped himself, shaking his head. “Never mind. Just promise me you’ll call if you need anything. I’m always here p>
She hugged him briefly, her natural elegance shining through her vulnerability. “I promise. You’re the best friend anyone could ask for.” Those words “best friend,” hurt Henry very much but he hid the pain away.
As Henry watched her enter the building, his heart ached—a mix of protectiveness and unspoken longing. Little did he know, miles away, Rafael seethed, his jealousy forging a path toward revelation.
The day wore on, but the chains of secrets tightened, binding them all in a web of romance, drama, and impending betrayal.