Chapter 336
“James, where are we going?” Eliana asked after a few minutes, her voice edged with impatience. She leaned forward, her honey-brown eyes fixed on the back of his head through the rearview mirror. “This isn’t the way to any of his offices or safe houses. And you’re driving like we’re late for something dire p>
James gripped the steering wheel tighter, his knuckles whitening. He glanced at her in the mirror, his kind face strained. “Just… a place where Rafael is waiting. It’s not far. Try to relax, Eliana. For the baby’s sake p>
Clara reached over, patting Eliana’s hand gently, her curly brown hair brushing against Eliana’s arm in a sisterly gesture. “He’s right, dear. Deep breaths. Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together p>
But Eliana pulled her hand away slightly, her mind racing back to London—the elaborate ruse where James had met her at that hospital hallway, voice trembling, claiming Rafael was hospitalized, blind again from stress. She’d rushed to his side, heart in tatters, only to discover it was all a manipulation to keep her close. Rafael’s cold sarcasm had hidden his scars, but that lie had exposed them all. Now, doubt gnawed at her like venom. “Relax? How can I, Clara? James, you were there in London. You helped him lie to me—said he was sick, suffering because I left. I believed you both, came running back like a fool. And it was all fake. Just another chain to bind me. How do I know this isn’t the same? That you’re not manipulating me again to drop the divorce p>
James’s eyes flickered with guilt in the mirror, but he kept his voice even. “Eliana, that was different. Rafael was desperate. He loves you—more than he shows. But this… this is real. I swear on our friendship p>
Clara’s eyes widened, her maternal face paling as she turned to James. “London? What happened in London? Eliana, you never told me the full story p>
Eliana let out a bitter laugh, though it carried no humor, her emotional wounds cracking open. “Oh, it was a masterpiece of deception. Rafael faked losing his sight again—pretended the stress of me leaving broke him. James cornered me at the hospital, sounding so convincing, said he was in one of the hospital rooms, mentally unraveling. I ran to Rafael’s bedside, terrified, ready to forgive everything. Turns out, it was all a ploy. His ’blindness relapse’ was fake. Same technique he used on his family and the entire world. But using them on me? That was the last straw. I can’t tell what’s real anymore. And now this mysterious trip? It feels too familiar p>
The car wound through traffic, the hum of the engine underscoring the tension like a dramatic score. Clara squeezed Eliana’s knee, her voice soft but probing. “James, is that true? Did you really help him lie like that p>
James nodded grimly, his dark hair catching the light as he changed lanes. “I did. And I regret how it hurt her. But Rafael’s changed, Clara. Eliana changed him. He’s not the puppet master anymore—he’s fighting for real love now p>
Eliana shook her head, tears pricking her eyes, her quiet strength faltering under the weight of betrayal and fear. “Changed? Words are easy, James. Actions? That’s what I’m waiting for p>
As the hospital gates loomed ahead—tall iron wrought with the emblem of Vexley Memorial, the family’s own facility—Eliana’s heart skipped a beat, thudding erratically in her chest like a trapped bird. The building rose imposingly, its modern facade of glass and steel reflecting the sun in blinding shards, surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns and ambulances parked in orderly rows. She pressed a hand to her belly, whispering to herself, “Nothing’s wrong. It’s just another prank. Like before. Rafael’s fine—he has to be.” But the denial rang hollow, her naivety clashing with the deep sense of justice that demanded truth.
Clara, however, went into full panic mode, her beautiful face draining of color as she gripped the seat. “The hospital? James, why are we at the hospital? What’s happening? Is Rafael—oh God, tell me he’s not p>
James pulled into a parking spot near the emergency entrance, the tires squealing softly as he braked. He turned off the engine, turning to face them, his wire-rim glasses fogging slightly from the stress. “Ladies, please—calm down. Both of you. Let me explain. Slowly p>
Eliana’s breath came in short bursts, her honey-brown eyes wide with a mix of dread and defiance. “Explain? Now you want to explain? After dragging us here p>
Clara’s voice rose, her curly hair trembling as she shook her head. “James, out with it! Why the hospital? Is he hurt? Sick? Talk p>
James took a deep breath, his kind eyes meeting theirs with raw honesty. “This morning… Rafael was out on the cliffs. Alone, after your fight last night, Eliana. He got bitten by a venomous snake—a rattler. A good Samaritan found him, applied first aid, and rushed him here in his own Ferrari. They operated—removed the venom, stabilized him. It was successful, but… he’s not out of danger yet. The alcohol from last night made it worse. He’s in recovery now, but we have to be careful p>
Clara gasped in horror, her hand flying to her mouth, her maternal eyes filling with tears. “A snakebite? Oh, no—Rafael! How could this happen? Is he awake? Can we see him p>
But Eliana… burst out laughing. A sharp, incredulous sound that echoed in the confined space of the car, laced with hysteria and disbelief. It started as a chuckle, then swelled into full, disbelieving peals, her slender shoulders shaking as tears streamed down her warm brown skin.
James and Clara stared at her, shocked into silence. James’s mouth opened and closed, his glasses slipping again. “Eliana? What… why are you laughing? This isn’t funny p>
Clara reached out, bewildered, her voice trembling. “Dear, are you okay? This is serious p>
Eliana wiped her eyes, her laughter tapering into ragged breaths, her lips curving in a bitter smile. “Serious? Oh, James, you’re good. Really good. A snakebite? On a cliff? After our fight? Come on. You’re lying again. Just like in London. You and Rafael—teaming up to manipulate me again. Make me think he’s dying so I’ll rush to his side, forgive the lies, drop the divorce. It’s genius, actually. The good Samaritan? Probably one of his men in disguise. Alcohol complication? Perfect touch. But I’m not falling for it this time p>
James’s face crumpled with genuine hurt, his kind voice pleading. “Eliana, no—listen to me. This is real. I swear. Harlan—the man who saved him—he’s just an old hiker. No connection to us. Rafael passed out from the venom. I saw the footage, talked to the doctors. It’s not a trick p>
Clara, torn between them, looked at Eliana with wide eyes. “Eliana, maybe he’s telling the truth. Why would he bring us here if it was fake p>
Eliana’s laughter faded completely, replaced by a desperate edge, her voice cracking as vulnerability seeped through. “Because that’s what they do, Clara. Lie. Manipulate. Chain me with guilt. I hope—God, I hope with all my heart—that it’s true. That this is another elaborate scheme. Because if it’s not… if Rafael’s really in there, hurt, in danger She trailed off, her hand trembling on her belly, tears flowing freely now. “I don’t know how I’d cope. After pushing him away last night, telling him I’d rather divorce than live in lies… if he’s suffering because of me p>
The car fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy, the hospital’s shadow looming outside like an unspoken verdict. James reached back, his hand hovering uncertainly. “Eliana… come inside. See for yourself. Please p>
But Eliana sat there, caught between hope and horror, her growth toward self-awareness clashing with the love she couldn’t fully escape—the chains of her bride’s heart tightening once more.