Chapter 100: I’m Home
As soon as Mara stepped inside, she was met with the sight of her brothers gathered in the hall, along with the police. Relief washed over her as she rushed into their arms, embracing them tightly. The tension in their faces softened as they held her close, grateful that she was back home where she belonged.
Among them was Rafael, his face pale, his arm wrapped in a bandage from a gunshot wound. He had already told them everything. Mara’s heart clenched at the sight of him, knowing that once again, he had risked his life for her.
"How’s Vera?" she asked urgently.
Her brother Stefan hesitated before answering. "She’s fine... but when we found her, she was hysterical. She cried and told us it was a trap, that we needed to go back for you. But by the time we got there, it was too late. We found Rafael on the floor."
Mara’s stomach twisted. "And the baby?" she whispered, dreading the answer.
Stefan exhaled sharply. "The doctors say she might lose the baby. She’s still in the hospital. They’re doing everything they can."
Mara closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady herself. When she opened them, her gaze fell on Rafael. "How are you doing?" she asked softly.
He gave her a weak smile, shaking his head as if to brush off her concern. "It’s nothing. And besides, this makes twice now that I’ve saved you." His voice was light, but there was a heaviness in his eyes. "I’m just glad you’re back home."
She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Rafael. I don’t know how to—"
"Don’t." He cut her off with a small, almost sad smile. "You’re back, that’s all that matters." With that, he turned away and walked toward the door. "Since you’re safe, I’ll be leaving now."
Mara watched as he disappeared into the night, a sinking feeling settling in her chest.