Chapter 51: Keep Her Close

Rafael Vexley still sat by the fountain, his wheelchair perfectly still, the cool spray from the water brushing his face. Each drop felt like a cruel reminder of the time he nearly drowned. The choice he had to make pressed down on him like an anchor: Eliana had to leave. Not because he wanted her gone, but because keeping her close would destroy her. Mirabel’s poison had already ruined too much—turned Ian into something unrecognizable—and Rafael couldn’t allow the same shadow to touch Eliana. The memory of that betrayal still cut through him, sharper than any wound, a mark no amount of power or money could ever hide. With a sigh that escaped his lips like a defeated whisper, Rafael reached into a hidden compartment on the arm of his wheelchair, his fingers brushing against the cool metal of his phone. He pulled it out, the screen illuminating his chiseled features in the fading light. His grey eyes, narrowed as he typed a message to his mysterious friend—a shadowy ally who had been with him through the darkest plots, the one person he trusted not to betray him. Rafael: You were right about her. Eliana’s not like the others. She’s... different. He hit send, leaning back as the fountain’s gentle gurgle filled the silence. Moments later, the phone vibrated in his hand, the response coming swift and laced with amusement. Friend: Haha! I can’t believe it. The almighty Rafael Vexley, caught in the web so fast? I figured you’d resist for months, build those walls higher than your skyscrapers. What did she do to make you wave the white flag already? Rafael’s lips twitched into a reluctant smile, his thumb hovering over the keys. He could almost hear his friend’s laughter echoing through the digital void—a rare sound in his isolated world. But the warmth faded quickly, replaced by the familiar ache of confusion. Eliana hadn’t schemed or seduced; she had simply... been. Rafael: Nothing, really. She’s been stubborn as hell, talks back like no one’s ever dared. Not the meek little thing you described. The reply pinged almost instantly, the words dripping with mirth. Friend: Lol, that’s a surprise! The reports painted her as quiet, resilient but not fiery. Guess she’s got more spark than we thought. So, what? She didn’t do anything, and now you’re obsessed? Spill it, man. How’d she crack the ice king without even trying? Rafael stared at the screen, his heart twisting. Obsessed. The word hit too close, stirring emotions he had long buried under layers of sarcasm and suspicion. His fingers flew across the keys, honesty slipping out unbidden. Rafael: I don’t get it myself. She hasn’t flattered me, hasn’t pried for secrets. She’s just... there. Kind without agenda, loyal without strings. It’s like she’s pulling me in without lifting a finger. And yeah, it’s driving me insane. Laughter emojis flooded the screen first, followed by text that teased without mercy. Friend: ???????????? Oh, this is gold. The great puppet master, puppeted by a girl who does "nothing." So, are you texting to gloat? "Hey, look at me, obsessed with the caregiver"? Rafael chuckled softly, the sound bitter-sweet in the empty garden. His smile lingered for a heartbeat, but then reality crashed back. He typed slowly, each word carving deeper into his resolve. Rafael: Wish I could gloat. But no. I have to send her away. Far away from me. The response was immediate, the tone shifting from playful to probing. Friend: Why? What happened? Rafael’s jaw clenched as he recounted the incident, his mind replaying the chaos in vivid, painful detail—the sharp crack of Mirabel’s slap against Eliana’s cheek, the venom in hers and Celina’s voice as they hurled insults like daggers. He typed it all out, the words pouring forth like a confession. Rafael: She went head-to-head with Celina. Didn’t back down for a second. Then Mirabel stepped in, and that’s what has me on edge. Mirabel’s already circling Eliana like a predator. She’ll sink her claws in, twist her, tear her apart—the same way she did with Ian. I can’t stand by and watch that happen. The pause felt eternal, those three little dots pulsing on the screen like they were mocking him. When the reply finally came, it hit sharp and certain—firm, almost like a reprimand—slicing straight through Rafael’s anxious thoughts Friend: You’re acting like that weak, scared kid again, Raf. Not the formidable man you’ve become. Eliana won’t be safer anywhere else but with you. Mirabel’s petty, you know that! She’ll target her anyway just for crossing Celina. Keep her close, man. Very close. And don’t worry, Eliana won’t betray you. Ever. Rafael’s breath caught, his fingers trembling slightly as he absorbed the words. Keep her close. Eliana won’t betray you. The idea ignited a spark of hope amid the dread, but doubt lingered like smoke. How could he be so sure? Ian was just like Eliana yet he betrayed him. Rafael: You sure? How can you know she won’t turn? Friend: Trust me on this. I’ve got eyes everywhere. And speaking of protection—I’ll handle her father’s security from now on. Frank Bennett’s getting moved to a new hospital tonight. Safer, off the grid. No more vulnerabilities. Relief washed over Rafael, mingled with a surge of gratitude for this enigmatic ally who always seemed one step ahead. But the weight of his decision pressed on. Rafael: Is this the right call? Keeping her in the crossfire? Friend: Yes. Focus on our plans—the net’s closing on Mirabel. Don’t overthink. We’ve got this. The conversation ended with a simple thumbs-up emoji, leaving Rafael staring at the screen, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. The sun had fully set now, the garden shrouded in twilight, the roses mere silhouettes against the darkening sky. He pocketed the phone, his hands steadying on the wheelchair’s controls. With a deep breath, he wheeled himself back toward the hospital wing where Eliana’s room was, the path illuminated by soft ground lights that formed eerie glows on the stone walkway. The wheels hummed softly against the polished floors as he approached Eliana’s room, the door slightly ajar. Voices drifted out—James was chatting amiably with Eliana. Rafael paused just outside, listening. James’s tone was warm, concerned, like a big brother checking in. "So, Miss Bennett, you’re all packed? Need anything else? Water, snacks for the road? Mr. Vexley’s got a whole kitchen staff on standby." Eliana’s laugh was light but tinged with exhaustion, her voice carrying that resilient lilt that always tugged at Rafael’s heart. "I’m fine, James, really. You’ve been so kind. Just... ready to get out of here and check on my dad." Rafael eased the door open, his wheelchair rolling in without a sound. Eliana was by the bed, dressed simply in faded jeans and a soft, worn sweater that contrasted beautifully against her warm brown skin. Her long curls spilled over her shoulders, framing her face and those honey eyes that immediately found him. James stood a little taller at the sight of Rafael, offering a quiet, respectful nod. "Mr. Vexley," James said, his voice professional yet warm. "I was just making sure Miss Bennett’s all set." Eliana’s gaze softened as she saw Rafael, but there was a determination in her posture that made his stomach twist. "Rafael," she said, her full lips curving into a tentative smile. "Can we talk? Privately?" James glanced between them, sensing the tension. "Of course. I’ll be right outside if you need me." He excused himself with a polite nod, closing the door behind him with a soft click. The room fell into a charged silence, broken only by the distant hum of medical equipment. Rafael wheeled closer, positioning himself near the bed, his piercing eyes—still feigning that clouded haze—meeting hers. Up close, he could see the faint bruise from Mirabel’s slap blooming on her cheek, a purple shadow that ignited a protective fury in him. But he masked it with his usual sarcasm, though his voice came out softer than intended. "What’s on your mind, Eliana? Planning to lecture me again on my charming personality?" She didn’t smile. Instead, she took a deep breath, her hands clasping together as if to steady herself. Her eyes, those brown pools of emotion, shimmered with unshed tears—resilient, yet vulnerable. "Rafael... I appreciate everything you’ve done. The job, the care for my dad. But I can’t do this anymore." His heart stuttered, but he kept his expression neutral, leaning forward slightly. "Can’t do what? Put up with my endless wit? I thought you were tougher than that." Eliana shook her head, her curls swaying gently. "It’s not that. Today... with Celina and Mirabel... it opened my eyes. This world of yours—it’s full of poison, Rafael. Lies, manipulations. I can’t let myself be dragged into it. My dad’s sick, I need stability, not chaos." He felt a pang, sharp and deep, like a crack in his carefully constructed armor. "Eliana, wait. You think running away fixes anything? Mirabel’s not the type to forget a slight. Stay, and I can protect you." Her voice rose, laced with emotion, her hands gesturing emphatically. "Protect me? By keeping me here as your caregiver? Rafael, I’m not blind to what’s happening. You push people away, but then you pull them back when it suits you. My heart can’t take the Rollercoaster of living in your world." Rafael’s hands clenched around the arms of his wheelchair, his friend’s warning looping in his head—keep her close. But Eliana’s words cut deep, hitting the very insecurities he fought to bury. His voice broke as he pushed past his pride. "You think I don’t already know what my life is? Those walls—I built them because I had to. Just... don’t judge me for it, Eliana. I’ll admit it—you’re different. So stay. Please. I’ll protect you, I promise." She stepped closer, her scent—a mix of vanilla and hope—enveloping him. Tears glistened now, one slipping down her cheek. Different? How, Rafael? Because I’m easier to handle than the others, easier to toy with?" Her voice shook, anger and hurt tangled together. "That’s not enough for me. I can’t do this anymore. I want to resign—today." The words shocking Rafael to his core. His breath caught, the room spinning slightly as the implications sank in. Eliana, the one light in his shadowed world, was slipping away. And in that moment, as the silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken longing and fear, Rafael realized the chains binding him weren’t just his secrets—they were the invisible threads drawing him inexorably to her.