Chapter 114: Introduction
"Nervous?" he asked softly, his voice breaking the silence like a gentle chord. His tone carried warmth, but there was an undertone of something 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 same."
"You’ll be great," he reassured, reaching over to give her hand a quick, supportive squeeze. "And remember, I’m here if you need me."
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 me when you’re ready to go home?"
Eliana grabbed his arm gently, her expressive eyes pleading. "Wait, Henry. Please, come inside? Just for a few minutes. Papa would love to see you—meet 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 game, 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. "Come 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 remembered—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 times. 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 me 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 meals a day, right? And that Rafael Vexley—he treating you right? Not overworking you or anything?"
At the mention of Rafael’s name, 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 time. "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 become a watchdog, wary of anyone who got too close to his sweet, gullible daughter. "A friend, huh? Well, come on over, son. Don’t lurk in the shadows."
Henry stepped forward politely, extending a hand with a warm smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bennett. I’m Henry Jackson."
Frank shook it firmly, his eyes narrowing. "Jackson... that name 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 me. We parted on good terms, I promise."
Frank leaned back against his pillows, worry etching deeper lines on his face. "Good terms? Something happened, didn’t it? You’re not telling me 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 moment, her voice gaining strength. "Papa, there’s more. Henry helped me secure a spot in a school in the UK—the same one he’s transferring to for his medical program. And... he asked if we’d come with him. You and me, to start fresh there."
Frank stared at her, then at Henry, stunned into silence for a long moment. "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 me a moment 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 me anytime you need me, 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 astonishment, his mouth agape as if piecing together a puzzle he hadn’t expected.