Chapter 57: The Cravings. Her Realisation.

It was three in the morning when Eva suddenly opened her eyes. She woke up because she felt a strong urge to eat something. She didn’t know what exactly she wanted, but the craving was strong and it was not letting her sleep.

She stared at the ceiling, hoping the feeling would go away if she ignored it. But the more she tried to ignore it, the stronger the craving became. Her stomach felt empty and restless.

Finally, she turned her head to the right.

Rafael was sleeping beside her peacefully. The faint moonlight coming through the window fell on his face. Some strands of his hair had fallen over his eyes. One of his arms was under his head, which made his biceps look more prominent. His breathing was calm and steady, and he looked completely relaxed.

Eva hesitated.

“Trouble Rafael for your cravings,”Maria’s voice echoed in her mind.

Eva made a small face and pointed her finger toward Rafael as if blaming him for her problem. But waking him up made her nervous. He had returned home only three hours ago, and waking him up at three in the morning might make him angry.

She stayed quiet for a few more minutes, thinking about what to do.

But the craving didn’t stop.

Finally, she sighed softly and slowly moved her hand toward him. She gently poked his chest.

He didn’t react.

She poked his chest again.

“Don’t do it, Eva… if you don’t want to handle me at this time.”

Eva immediately flinched when she heard his deep, sleepy voice in the silent room. His eyes were still closed, but it was clear that he was already awake.

“Ah… actually I want to eat something, Rafael,” she said softly.

Rafael slowly opened his eyes and looked at her.

“You want to eat? At this time?” he asked in a tired voice.

“Yes,” she answered quietly.

“You didn’t eat last night?” he asked.

“I did eat,” she replied. “But right now I’m craving something.”

Rafael looked at her for a moment and understood.

Midnight craving.

He rubbed his forehead and then looked back at her.

“What do you want to eat?” he asked.

Eva shook her head.

“I don’t know.”

Rafael frowned.

“What? You don’t know what you want to eat?” he asked again.

Eva looked into his eyes helplessly.

“I can’t explain it properly,” she said. “But I can give you some hints.”

Rafael raised his eyebrow slightly.

“I want something sour,” she said, thinking carefully. “Something spicy… but also a little sweet.”

While explaining, she made different faces as she tried to describe her strange craving.

Rafael watched her quietly in the dim light. Her expressions looked both serious and cute at the same time.

He sighed slowly.

“Three in the morning…” he muttered.

“ “Sorry… I couldn’t suppress my cravings,” Eva murmured softly.

Rafael pushed himself up on the bed. As he moved, the blanket slid down, revealing his broad, muscular chest dusted with dark hair. His expression was calm but slightly puzzled as he looked at her.

“Will the maids be awake at this hour?” he asked.

Eva hesitated for a moment, biting her lower lip. “Umm… can we go out?” she asked cautiously, her voice almost timid.

Rafael turned his head and looked straight at her.

“You want to go out?” he asked again, as if confirming that he had heard her correctly.

“Only… if you take me,” she replied quietly.

For a few seconds, Rafael remained silent, thinking. Then he reached for his phone on the bedside table and dialed a number.

“Keep the car ready,” he said firmly once the call connected. “We are going out to the nearest market. For protection, I want only three cars.”

Eva slowly sat up on the bed, staring at him in disbelief.

He was actually agreeing.

Rafael ended the call and placed the phone back on the table.

“Get ready,” he ordered simply.

Eva blinked. “We are really going out?” she asked, unable to hide the surprise in her voice.

“Yes. You don’t want to?” he replied. Her face instantly brightened with a smile.

“No, I want to,” she said quickly.

“Then go. Get ready,” Rafael said, nodding toward the closet area.

Eva immediately climbed off the bed and hurried toward the wardrobe. Rafael watched her movements, noticing how quickly she was rushing.

“Slowly,” he commented.

“Oops,” Eva muttered, instantly slowing her steps. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Hmm,” Rafael responded. Then he glanced at his phone, checking the weather outside. “Wear warm clothes. It’s a little cold.”

Eva paused and turned back toward him.

“Okay. Thank you,” she said before disappearing into the closet.

—

Inside the closet area, Eva quickly changed into warm clothes. When she finished, she stood in front of the mirror and examined herself carefully.

Her abdomen was still completely flat. A small smile appeared on her lips as she gently placed her hand over it.

Over the past months, she had seen Rafael’s harsh side more times than she could count. His cold voice, his strict rules, and the way he always controlled everything around her had made her feel trapped.

But now… things were different.

Ever since he had learned about the pregnancy, his behavior had started changing.

Many times before, she had begged Rafael to allow her to talk to her family. Every single time, he had refused without hesitation.

Yet today, when she asked once, he had allowed it.

And now he was taking her out in the middle of the night… just because she said she was craving food.

Eva stared at her reflection, her thoughts slowly turning darker.

“You could be my greatest weapon, my child,” she murmured quietly while looking at her abdomen in the mirror. Her fingers gently caressed the flat surface.

“And I will make sure to use you for my benefit.” Her eyes hardened slightly as she continued speaking in a low voice.

“I once thought about getting rid of you,” she whispered.

“But now… seeing how Rafael bends so easily when it comes to you…” A slow, calculating smile appeared on her lips.

“I have decided to keep you, my child.”

“ Ready?” She heard the voice of Rafael from outside.

“ Yeah. Coming,” She replied and walked out of the closet room.

“ Let's go,” She said.