Chapter 253
Rafael Vexley paused, hovering over her, his grey eyes sparkling with triumph and something deeper—adoration. “Does that mean p>
She caught her breath, her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding not just from the laughter but from the way he looked at her, like she was the center of his universe. “Yes. I’ll go. But only because you’re a bully p>
Rafael’s face broke into a genuine smile, one that crinkled the corners of his eyes and softened his commanding presence. “You’re amazing. Thank you.” He leaned down, capturing her cheeks—although, he wished it was her lips—in a tender kiss that lingered just a bit, full of promise and unspoken emotions.
They settled back into the bed, his arm wrapping around her waist, pulling her close. Her head rested on his chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulling her. The room grew quiet, save for their synchronized breathing, as sleep claimed them in each other’s arms—a tangle of limbs and warmth, a sanctuary amid the world’s chaos.
In the dead of night, the room shrouded in darkness broken only by the faint moonlight filtering through the curtains, Eliana stirred. Her bladder protested insistently, a side effect of the pregnancy that she was growing accustomed to. She slipped carefully from Rafael’s embrace, not wanting to wake him, and padded softly to the nightstand to grab her phone out of habit.
The screen lit up as she touched it, revealing a new message from an anonymous number—just like the one from earlier that day. Her thumb hovered, then swiped to open it.
Rafael isn’t a good man. He’s involved in dirty deeds. He’s a murderer. If you’re not careful, he’ll kill you too.
Eliana’s heart sank like a stone in her chest, a cold wave of dread washing over her. She turned slowly, her eyes falling on Rafael’s sleeping form. He lay there peacefully, his dark lashes fanned against his cheeks, his broad chest rising and falling in even breaths. The man who had just begged her with such vulnerability, who held her like she was precious.
But instead of fear or doubt creeping in completely—like that fleeting moment at school when the first text had arrived—anger ignited in her veins. Hot, protective fury. Who was this coward, hiding behind a screen, slandering her husband? Spreading lies about the man who had shown her so much kindness?
She decided right then not to give it another thought. It was poison, and she wouldn’t let it taint them. With a resolute exhale, she dropped the phone back on the nightstand with a soft clink and headed to the bathroom, her steps firm despite the unease lingering in her gut.
The next morning dawned bright, sunlight streaming through the windows like golden ribbons. Rafael woke early, as he had for the past two weeks—a new habit born of his desire to spoil her. He slipped out of bed quietly, his bare feet padding across the cool hardwood floor. In the kitchen, he moved efficiently, whipping up a breakfast tray: fluffy scrambled eggs, fresh fruit sliced into neat pieces, toast with her favorite jam, and a steaming cup of herbal tea—caffeine-free, of course, for the baby.
He carried it back to the bedroom, balancing it carefully as he nudged the door open with his elbow. Eliana was still nestled under the covers, her curly hair splayed across the pillow, her face serene in sleep. He set the tray down and perched on the edge of the bed, gently brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said softly, his voice warm like the sun.
She stirred, blinking up at him with those expressive honey eyes. “Mmm… what time is it p>
“Early enough for breakfast in bed,” he replied, grinning as he helped her sit up against the pillows. “Eat up. I slaved over this—again p>
Eliana chuckled, taking a bite of the eggs. “These are perfect. Thank you. You’re getting good at this domestic thing p>
He watched her eat with a satisfied smile, his hand resting on her knee. “Do you have classes today p>
She shook her head, swallowing a sip of tea. “No, I don’t. Today’s Friday, and my classes always end on Thursdays. It’s my free day p>
Rafael’s eyes lit up, his athletic build shifting as he leaned in closer. “Perfect. Because the conference starts next week Thursday and runs through Sunday. It’s a mix—tech talks, networking, even some camping elements for ’team building.’ Hikes, bonfires, that sort of thing p>
She raised an eyebrow, mid-bite. “Camping? With billionaires p>
He laughed. “Exactly. Glamping, more like. Luxury tents, catered meals. But still, you’ll need the right gear. Dresses for the evenings, comfortable outfits for the days. I want to take you shopping today—get the best of everything p>
Eliana groaned dramatically, flopping back against the pillows with a theatrical sigh. “Shopping? Now? I’m tired, Rafael. I just want to sleep a bit more and then go visit Papa at the hospital. Can’t we do this another day p>
He threw his head back and laughed, a rich, infectious sound that filled the room. “Oh, come on. I’ll make sure it’s soft and not tiring. Private fittings, no crowds. We’ll have everything brought to us. You won’t even have to lift a finger—except to point at what you like p>
She peeked at him from under her lashes, her full pink lips curving into a pout. “You’re relentless p>
“And you’re adorable when you’re being childish,” he teased, pulling her into a hug. His arms enveloped her, strong and secure, his chin resting on top of her head. She melted into him despite her protests, her hands clutching his shirt.
But as Rafael held her, something shifted inside him. His heart fluttered wildly, like a caged bird finally tasting freedom. He couldn’t believe it—Eliana was his wife now. Truly his. And she carried their child, a life they had created together amid all the storms. The thought overwhelmed him, a tidal wave of emotion crashing over his carefully built walls.
He hugged her tighter, burying his face in her hair. And to his own shock, tears pricked at his eyes, spilling over before he could stop them. Hot, silent tracks down his cheeks.
Eliana froze, pulling back slightly to look up at him. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her hand reaching up to wipe away a tear. “Rafael… are you crying p>
He blinked, stunned himself, a choked laugh escaping him. “I… yeah. I guess I am.” His voice cracked, raw with vulnerability. “I just… I can’t believe you’re mine. All of this—us, the baby. It’s more than I ever thought I’d have p>
She cupped his face, her thumbs brushing his jawline, her own eyes misting over. “Oh, Rafael p>