Chapter 146

Chapter 146
"Rome," Rafael said as their car glided down the wide historic streets, his voice cutting through the silence that had hung between them since the plane had landed. "Still feels like home."

The view outside the window was all but forgotten as Bernice cast all her attention on the little girl leaning against her chest, fiddling with her daughter's blanket, her fingers working in shudders while she did that. "Just another city for me these days," she whispered absently.

Rafael leaned his head toward her then and took a close gaze into her face. "It wasn't always just any city. You used to love it here.”

"That was a long time ago," Bernice replied, her eyes still on Mia. "Things change."

Rafael hesitated, his gaze flicking between her and their daughter. "Some things don't."

At last Bernice glanced up and for that moment her eyes dared him; the statement has existed tangible between them-in weighty second; she shakes off and turns her attention to Mia; his gaze stubbornly rests upon her face.

They drove in silence the rest of the way until the car pulled up in front of the main entrance to the hospital. It was modern, sleek, and hovered before them glinting in the afternoon sun off its glass façade. A knot began to twist itself in Bernice's stomach. It was the best place for Mia, but that didn't make it any easier to hand her over.

The car having stopped, Rafael came around to open the door. He extended his hand inside for Bernice but took it in his as he noticed her silently reaching and lifting Mia carefully in her arms. He went the extra step behind and sideways.

"We are here, giving Mia a new lease on life," Rafael ventured, his voice rather whimpering.

Bernice adjusted Mia in her arms, her jaw tight. “I know why we’re here.”

Together, they walked into the hospital, the automatic doors sliding open to reveal a pristine lobby bustling with doctors and nurses. A team of specialists greeted them, their expressions professional yet warm.

“Mr. and Mrs. Fernandez,” the lead doctor addressed them, his Italian accent thick but clear. “We’re ready for Mia.”

The name, so carelessly used and one that Bernice no longer used on herself, stiffened her frame. Rafael, though, did nothing to rectify the doctor. Handing over Mia, too, she felt her heart catch at the sight of the little girl on the stretcher.

"We will take great care of her," he reassured Bernice after catching her reticence.

Bernice nodded; her throat felt swollen. "Thank you," she whispered.

As they wheeled Mia away, Bernice stood stock-still, her gaze not leaving her daughter's until she vanished from view around some corner. Rafael laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder; in the same instant, she shook it clear.

"She's gonna be fine," he said, though his voice did quake a little.

Bernice gave him a look so sharp, he winced. "You don't know that. Don't pretend like this is easy."

"I am not lying," Rafael said, even. "But we do need to trust the doctors."

The fists were clenched in her sides. "Trust? That is so much easier said for you. You didn't have to stay up late, hoping she was going to be alright.”

Rafael's eyes darkened. "And you think this hasn't affected me? I am her father, Bernice. Because of you, I have missed out on the first years of her life-" He checked himself, drawing breath in deeply. "Let's not talk about this now. We should focus on Mia's treatment.”

Bernice heaved her chest to hold it all in, fighting back. "Of course it's about Mia. Then stop trying to act like some united front because we aren't.”

Rafael let out a slow frustrated breath. "You're exhausted. Let's get you somewhere you can rest."

"I'm staying close to the hospital," Bernice said doggedly. "I'll find an apartment nearby."

Rafael's jaw clamped down. "There's no need for that. You'll stay with me."

Her eyes went wide in horror. "Absolutely not."

"It makes perfect sense," Rafael insisted. "My mansion is closer, safer, and Mia will need stability when she's discharged.”

"I don't need your help," she snapped. "I can look after myself and my daughter."

Rafael stepped closer, his voice low. "You're being obstinate. This isn't just about you anymore. Think about Mia. She needs both of us, whether you like it or not."

Bernice hedged. Everything swirled around her head, and while the thought sounded good in explanation, continuing further on now with exhausted thoughts on Mia weighing on her brain was hugely overwhelming.

"I can't live with you," she told him. "It is too much."

"You do not have to go through this by yourself," coaxed Rafael. "Let me help. For Mia's sake.

Bernice's breath caught at the fact that he still managed to get through, past her despising hate, at how part of her yearned, after all, to lean on him. She closed her eyes to shut out images of times past-or of just how he made her feel safe.

"Okay," she whispered, managing hardly a word.

Rafael's face gentled. "Thank you."

“But this doesn’t mean anything,” she added quickly, opening her eyes and meeting his gaze. “I’m only doing this for Mia.”

“I understand,” he said, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.

No further word was said between the two as they left the hospital. This ride to Rafael's mansion was silent and tense; Bernice stared out of the window as flooded in her mind were memories of her life here in Rome, how happy she used to be before it blew into her face.

She hesitated at the front door of the mansion they pulled up to-the grand facade looming before her, reminding her of all she had left behind. Rafael waited patiently beside her.

"You can do this," she whispered to herself, taking a deep breath.

Rafael opened the door and stepped aside, letting her in. "Welcome home," he softly said.

Bernice stepped inside, her heart pounding. The familiar scent of the house hit her immediately, triggering a rush of emotions. She swallowed hard, determined not to let it show.

“I’ll have a room prepared for you,” Rafael said. “Unless you’d prefer your old one.”

She glared at him. “Don’t push your luck.”

He raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just offering.”

She shook her head deeper into the house, each step heavier, it seemed, than the last. The memories weighed upon her from every angle until she paused at the bottom of the grand staircase, her hand resting on the banister.

"Why is everything still the same," she whispered more to herself than to Rafael.

"I didn't want to change it," he admitted, "in case you ever came back.

She turned to him, her eyes narrowing. “I’m not back. I’m just here for Mia.”

Rafael nodded, though there was a lingering sadness in his expression. “I know. But maybe it’s a start.”

Bernice clenched her jaw, refusing to be drawn in by his words. “Goodnight, Rafael.”

“Goodnight, Bernice,” he replied, his voice soft.

She trudged up the stairs to her room, her heart weighted down with so many emotions. She wanted to despise him, to push him away, but something in her remembered the man she once loved.

She stopped at the top of the stairs, turning her gaze down back where she had come. Rafael was still there, staring up at her with his expression so inscrutable. She whirled around quickly, getting her thoughts to whirl.

What was she getting herself into?