Chapter 157

Chapter 157
"Are you sure you'll be fine by yourself?" Rafael asked as his hand rested on Bernice's waist, standing by the car outside the hospital. His touch was warm, familiar, and far too comforting for Bernice's liking.

"I'm fine, Rafael," Bernice said finally, though conviction eluded her tone. She stepped back, releasing his hold.

Rafael laughed low, a knowing kind of sound. "You did that very same thing last night, remember? Right before you-"

"Stop." Bernice's eyes went wide as she scanned the car park, her cheeks ablaze with color. She did not need to be reminded how she let her guard down.

His teasing grin deepened. "What, before you told me you loved me?"

"I didn't mean it," she muttered without looking his way.

“Are you sure about that?" Rafael leaned in, his lips brushing her ear. "Because it sounded pretty real when you said it in my arms."

Her breath hitched, and she shoved him lightly. "Go to work, Rafael."

He laughed, stepping back but not before giving her one last, long look. "We'll talk later, Bernice. Don't think you can avoid this forever.”

She watched him get into his car and drive away, leaving her standing there with her heart racing. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself as she started walking towards the hospital. She had to keep her priorities right: first Mia and then Luca. No space for distractions-not even Rafael.

She walked down the corridors of the hospital; the smell of disinfectant was soothing to her nerves as she tried to banish last night from her mind. Quite contrary to when she entered Mia's room-the sight of Alexander sat by the bed of Mia, and quite surprisingly so.

"Alexander?" she whispered, lost amidst more curiosity than puzzlement.

He rose and, as he looked at her, his face softened. "Bernice. I had to see you."

Her heart clenched. "What are you doing here?" The tone was low, almost conspiratorial. "I am here for you. For the children," he said with firm sincerity. "I just can't stay in Florence knowing that all this is weighing your head down."

"I'm not alone," she returned. “Rafael is helping me." Alexander's jaw stiffened. "Rafael is the reason you are inside this mess. You think that he is helping? He's manipulating you, Bernice, controlling you.”

Bernice crossed her arms over her chest. "That is not true. Rafael wants to find Luca just as much as I do. He does care about Mia."

"And what about you?" Alexander pressed, another step closer. "Does he care for you, or is he using the children only to keep you close to him?”

One thing was well defined-her heart pounding in her chest, while Rafael had been so much kinder, caring; or was he manipulating- or what?

"I am all right, Alexander; I can handle it," she returned rather unconvincingly.

"I don't believe it," Alexander returned with an accusing gaze narrowing. "You are far too strong for him to be doing this, Bernice. Yet you are in a vulnerable spot at this time, and he's taking advantage of you."

Bernice shook her head. "You don't know him like I do."

"I know enough," he said, the bitter taste hanging from his words. "And I know Liam and Detective Marcus are already working on finding Luca. We'll bring him home, and once Mia recuperates, you and the kids will return to Florence with me."

Her belly twisted. "Alexander…

"Think about lily.," he replied softly. "She misses you. She dreams of finally staying together with mommy as a family, and finally, aren't you supposed to want that?

Bernice swallowed as visions of Lily's smiling face and warm hugs occupied her mind. She did miss Lily, too, but now things were different.

"I want my children safe," she said finally. "That is what I care about now."

"And Rafael?" Alexander asked, his voice whip-sharp. "Where does he fit into that?"

She said nothing.  Alexander's eyes shadowed. "He still has a hold on you, doesn't he?"
 Bernice exhaled a slow breath. "It's complicated.”

"It doesn't have to be." He took her hand, his touch gentle, insistent. "You and I-we can start over. But first, you need to cut ties with Rafael. Divorce him.”

She felt her pulse racing, and took her hand from his. "It is not that simple."

"It is. Unless…. "He searched her face. "Unless you still have feelings for him.”

Bernice's throat choked up. How to explain this tangle of feelings that wrapped her up? The last weeks had blued every line she thought sharp and black.

"I'm doing this for the children," she said, her voice cracking. "That's all."

Alexander didn't budge an inch. "You're lying to yourself."

"I'm not-"

He cut her off, his voice low even, and firm. "You told me you and Rafael are divorced. You said it was over.

She faltered. "We signed the papers…"

"But?" His eyes bored into hers.

She swallowed hard. "He never filed them."

Alexander's breath caught. "Did you confirm that?”

She nodded, her head bowed, unable to look at him.

He stepped back, running a hand through his hair. "That cunning bastard. He told me, but hearing it from you…” His voice trailed off.

"It doesn't change anything," Bernice said quickly. "We're not together like that."

"Then file the papers," Alexander challenged. "End it once and for all."

Her heart was racing. "I can't—"

"Why not?" His frustration reached an emotional pitch. "What's holding you back?"

"Mia. Luca. Nothing is certain anymore," she choked out. "I need some stability for them. For me."

"And Rafael is the stability?" He mocked. "He's chaos, Bernice. You know that."

Tears smarted in her eyes. "I don't know what I know anymore."

Alexander's face gentled. He reached out to her, framing her face. "You know who you are. You know who loves you. Don't let him cloud that."

She shut her eyes, and the weight of his words came crashing down upon her. "I need time."

"Time is running out," he whispered. "Make the right choice."

There was a knock at the door. Bernice retreated, composed herself quickly.

A nurse looked in. "Mrs. Fernandez, Mia's doctor would like to speak with you."

"I'll be right there," Bernice said, voice steady.

The nurse was gone, and Bernice turned back to Alexander. "I have to go."

He nodded but didn't get up. "I'll be here. I'm not leaving Rome until you and the children are safe."

Her heart twisted. She wanted to believe him, to trust in his promises. But everything felt so tangled.

She reached the door, and the softness of Alexander's voice arrested her.

"Bernice," he said.

She turned, her eyes meeting him.

"Be honest with yourself. Before it's too late."

She didn't say a word, only nodded and left the room.

But the thing was, she wasn't that sure she could.