"Nervous?" he asked softly, his voice breaking the silence like a gentle chord. His tone carried warmth, but there was an undertone of sothing deeper—protectiveness, and affection.
Eliana turned to him, caught in the kindness of his gaze. For a heartbeat, she forgot how to breathe.
"A little," she admitted, twisting her hands in her lap, her worn jeans and simple blouse a stark contrast to the car’s luxury interior. "It’s been over a month since I’ve seen him in person. Phone calls aren’t the sa."
"You’ll be great," he reassured, reaching over to give her hand a quick, supportive squeeze. "And rember, I’m here if you need ."
At the hospital, a gleaming modern facility owned by his family, Henry parked and walked her to the door of her father’s room on the third floor. The sterile hallways echoed with beeps and muffled voices, the scent of antiseptic heavy in the air. As they reached the door, Henry turned to leave. "I’ll head to school now. Call when you’re ready to go ho?"
Eliana grabbed his arm gently, her expressive eyes pleading. "Wait, Henry. Please, co inside? Just for a few minutes. Papa would love to see you—et the guy who’s been my lifesaver."
Henry hesitated, a flicker of honor crossing his face, then smiled. "Okay, if you’re sure. I’d be honored."
They stepped into the bright room, where Frank Bennett sat propped up in bed, his once-frail form now robust and animated. The TV blared a football ga, players dashing across the screen in vibrant colors. Frank with salt-and-pepper hair and kind eyes that mirrored Eliana’s, was yelling at the screen, his voice booming with energy. "Co on, you idiots! Pass the ball—don’t just stand there like statues! That’s a penalty if I’ve ever seen one!"
Eliana’s heart swelled with joy at the sight—her father, no longer tethered to the maze of machines that had once sustained him, looking strong and alive, his cheeks flushed with passion rather than illness. "Papa!" she called out, her voice cracking with tears as she rushed to his bedside, her curls bouncing with each step.
Frank’s head whipped around, his eyes widening in shock and delight. "Eliana? My girl!" He hadn’t seen her in over a month, and the sight of her—slender, beautiful, but a touch paler than he rembered—hit him like a wave. He opened his arms, and she fell into them, the hug fierce and heartfelt. "Where have you been? I’ve been praying every day, asking God to keep you safe and okay."
As they embraced, Frank playfully swatted her arm, a teasing glint in his eye despite the tears streaming down his weathered face. "You little rascal, not coming to see your old man sooner? I’ve been going stir-crazy in here without my favorite visitor!"
Eliana laughed through her sobs, pulling back slightly. "I’m sorry, Papa. It’s been... complicated. But look at you! You’re yelling at the TV like old tis. No more tubes, no more beeps—you’re really alive now. I’m so happy!"
Frank chuckled, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, then cupped her face, inspecting her with a father’s keen gaze. "Let look at you properly. You okay, sweetheart? You look a bit pale—like you haven’t been in the sun. Have you been eating well? Three als a day, right? And that Rafael Vexley—he treating you right? Not overworking you or anything?"
At the ntion of Rafael’s na, Eliana’s face faltered, a shadow of pain crossing her features. Henry, standing awkwardly by the door, cleared his throat loudly, drawing Frank’s attention to prevent her from crumbling. "Ahem... sorry to interrupt, sir."
Frank’s brow furrowed as he noticed the tall young man for the first ti. "And who’s this? Eliana, you bringing strangers into my room now?"
Eliana smiled weakly, gesturing toward Henry. "Papa, this is Henry Jackson. He’s my friend from college—a very trusted friend. The best kind."
Frank’s expression turned suspicious, his protective instincts flaring. Ever since Eliana had tearfully confided in him about Jason and Sarai’s betrayal, he’d beco a watchdog, wary of anyone who got too close to his sweet, gullible daughter. "A friend, huh? Well, co on over, son. Don’t lurk in the shadows."
Henry stepped forward politely, extending a hand with a warm smile. "Pleasure to et you, Mr. Bennett. I’m Henry Jackson."
Frank shook it firmly, his eyes narrowing. "Jackson... that na rings a bell. Eliana, what’s going on here? What happened to that Vexley fellow?"
Eliana took a deep breath, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Papa, Henry’s the one who helped transfer you to this hospital. He’s been amazing."
Frank’s eyes widened in shock and confusion. "What? Transferred? But I thought Rafael—"
"I stopped working for Rafael," Eliana interjected quickly, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "It wasn’t the right fit for . We parted on good terms, I promise."
Frank leaned back against his pillows, worry etching deeper lines on his face. "Good terms? Sothing happened, didn’t it? You’re not telling everything, Eli. I can see it in your eyes."
"No, Papa, really," she insisted, her tone convincing as she placed a hand on his. "It was mutual. Right now, I just want to focus on you, on myself, and on finishing my studies. Henry’s been a huge help since I stopped getting paid by Rafael. His family owns this hospital—they’ve been covering your bills."
Frank’s jaw dropped, his confusion deepening into gratitude mixed with suspicion. "His family owns this place? Why on earth would you do that for us, son? We’re strangers to you."
Henry shrugged modestly, his reserved ambition shining through. "It’s the least I could do, sir. Eliana’s a dear friend, and I believe in helping where I can."
Frank’s eyes misted over, and he bowed his head slightly. "Well, bless you, Henry. May God shower you with blessings for your kindness. You’ve got a good heart—I can tell."
Eliana seized the mont, her voice gaining strength. "Papa, there’s more. Henry helped secure a spot in a school in the UK—the sa one he’s transferring to for his dical program. And... he asked if we’d co with him. You and , to start fresh there."
Frank stared at her, then at Henry, stunned into silence for a long mont. "The UK? Is this true, son?"
Henry nodded, smiling earnestly. "Yes, sir. I’d cover everything—flights, housing, your care. It’s a chance for a new beginning."
Frank’s face lit up with awe, then softened with thanks. "You’re too kind, Henry. Generous beyond words. But... could you give a mont alone with my daughter? We need to talk this through."
"Of course," Henry agreed gracefully. He turned to Eliana, his voice gentle. "I’m heading to school now. Call anyti you need , okay?" Leaning in, he pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, a gesture of affection that lingered just a second too long.
As Henry left the room, the door clicking shut behind him, Frank stared at Eliana, his expression one of utter astonishnt, his mouth agape as if piecing together a puzzle he hadn’t expected.
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