Chapter 237
Kai leaned back in his chair, a lazy smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Not much to tell,” he said, though the spark in his eyes suggested otherwise. “There was this guy sizing up a woman’s bag at a crosswalk a few weeks ago—right before the whole crowd flooded in p>
He lifted a shoulder in a shrug, casual, almost bored.
“I didn’t say a word. Just looked at him.” Kai tapped a finger beneath his eye, slow and deliberate, as if reenacting the moment.
“Next thing I know, he shoots off like he’d just locked eyes with a demon.” He chuckled under his breath. “Didn’t even wait for the light to change p>
The car filled with laughter, the banter flowing easily as they navigated the city. Jax shared a funny tale about a mix-up on a previous assignment, where he’d accidentally ordered vegan meals for a team of carnivores, leading to a mutiny over tofu. “Will—the big guy with the tools? He nearly wept. ’This ain’t food, Jax!’ But hey, it kept us light on our feet p>
Eliana joined in, her voice warm and engaging. “You all sound like a family. Rafael’s lucky to have you. And honestly, you’re making this ride fun—I needed that after today p>
Viktor pulled up to the hospital, his precision parking spot-on. “You’re sweet, Mrs. Vexley. Cool under pressure, too. We’ll wait right here p>
The visit lasted about an hour, a ritual that both comforted and pained Eliana. Her father lay in the coma ward, his frail form hooked to machines that beeped softly in the sterile room. She sat by his bed, holding his hand, whispering updates about her day, the baby, and Rafael. “Papa, things are complicated, but I’m okay. I miss you so much.” Tears pricked her eyes, but she wiped them away, drawing on her quiet strength. The emotional wounds from her mother’s torments and her father’s illness ran deep, but she hid them behind a hopeful smile, as always.
Back in the car, the mood lifted again as they headed to Rafael’s sprawling estate. Kai teased Viktor about his “unnervingly steady” driving, mimicking a robot at the wheel, which had Eliana giggling until her sides ached. “You guys are hilarious. Promise you’ll tell Rafael I said you’re the best p>
Jax winked. “Only if you promise not to tell him about the time Kai got lost in a mall. Shadow-man, my foot p>
The gates of the house swung open as they arrived, the grand structure looming like a fortress against the fading light. Eliana thanked them profusely, her natural elegance shining as she stepped out. “You’re all amazing. Thanks for taking good care of me p>
Inside, the house breathed luxury—high ceilings stretching like cathedral arches, marble floors gleaming under crystal lights. Yet every step Eliana took echoed with a loneliness money could never fill.
Rafael sat at the head of the long dining table, a silent storm in human form. His designer suit was flawless, as though perfection were his armor. His dark wavy hair was slightly tousled, as if he’d run his hands through it in frustration, and his piercing grey eyes flickered with a storm he tried to conceal. He’d spent the day stewing in jealousy, the thought of Henry holding Eliana, facing down the crowd, gnawing at him like acid. But he wouldn’t let it show outright. No, he’d channel it into something else.
When Eliana stepped through the doorway, Rafael rose almost instantly.
“Eliana,” he breathed, relief softening his whole expression as he crossed the room in two long strides. “Thank God. Are you alright? Did anyone touch you? You didn’t get hurt, did you p>
She shook her head, trying to keep her voice steady. “No… I’m fine. Just tired p>
Rafael’s chest rose with a long, restrained exhale. He cupped her cheek with a warm, steadying hand.
“Go upstairs,” he murmured gently. “Freshen up. Change into something comfortable. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes p>
Eliana nodded, feeling the protective weight of his gaze follow her until she disappeared up the stairs.
When Eliana returned, the dining room glowed with soft golden light. The table was set with roast chicken seasoned with herbs, steamed vegetables, warm bread—the kind of meal meant to soothe, to ground, to create an illusion of safety.
But the tension thickened the air more than the aroma of rosemary.
They began eating quietly. The clink of cutlery against porcelain sounded too loud, too sharp. Eliana kept her eyes down. Rafael kept stealing glances at her—checking for bruises, for fear, for anything he might’ve missed.
Finally, he set his fork down with a muted tap. His posture straightened—the shift from gentle to controlled almost imperceptible, but unmistakable.
“Eliana p>
Her head lifted. “Yes p>
Rafael laced his fingers together, eyes steady but shadowed.
“Ever since what happened this morning… I’ve been thinking.” He paused, choosing his words with surgical precision. “That university—it’s not safe for you anymore p>
Eliana tensed. “Rafael p>
He raised a hand, calm but firm.
“Let me finish.” His voice was still soft, but beneath it simmered a possessiveness sharpened by fear. “Those reporters, those crowds… they won’t stop. Not now. Not with everything going on p>
He leaned forward, elbows on the table, gaze piercing her with conviction.
“I want us to go back to New York p>
Her breath hitched. “New York p>
“Yes.” His tone warmed—too warm, like honey poured over something broken. “I can have you enrolled in a better university. More private. More secure. And—now that my eyesight has fully returned—there’s no reason for me to stay in London for treatments p>
Eliana froze, her fork halfway to her mouth, honey eyes widening in shock. The words hit her like a cold wave, washing away the day’s fragile peace.
Eliana clasped her hands on her lap. “Rafael, my entire program is here. My professors, my coursework p>
“I can transfer everything quickly.” His answer came too quickly, too confidently.
“Rafael, it doesn’t work like p>
“It does,” he said quietly, the smile on his lips not reaching his eyes. “When you have the right resources p>
Eliana swallowed hard, feeling the invisible walls tightening around her.
“No. Rafael. I’m not changing schools again p>
Rafael’s jaw tightened, his chiseled features hardening as suspicion flared. She was refusing because of Henry—of course. The ex who swooped in like a hero, the one still in love with her. His voice sharpened, sarcasm dripping like venom, though he masked the jealousy behind logic. “Why? Because it’s practical. Safer. You’ve got the baby to think about now. London’s become a circus, and I won’t have you exposed like that. New York has top-tier programs—I’ll pull strings if needed. We’re leaving in a week p>
Eliana set her utensils down, her slender hands trembling slightly. Emotion welled up, her voice rising with quiet strength. “Rafael, you can’t decide this for me. I love my program here—it’s where I belong. And my Papa… what if something happens while I’m gone? I won’t abandon him. This feels like you’re chaining me to your world, pulling me away from everything I know p>
He leaned forward, his steel eyes locking onto hers, the cold exterior cracking just a fraction. “Chaining you? I’m protecting you, Eliana. That’s what I’m trying to do. Or would you rather stay here, risking it all—for what? Friends? Familiarity? You know I would never leave your father behind! Tell me the real reason you’re fighting this p>
She shook her head, tears glistening but unshed, her heart pounding with a mix of fear, anger and defiance. “The real reason? Because it’s my life, Rafael. Even if we’re married, you don’t get to uproot it on a whim. If you cared, you’d understand that p>
Anger surged through him, hot and unchecked, fueled by the unspoken name hanging between them: Henry. “Fine,” he snapped, pushing back from the table. “Stay if you want. But don’t come crying when it all falls apart.” He stormed out, leaving her alone with the remnants of dinner, the air thick with unresolved tension.