The Billionaire's Rental Wife Is A Hot Shot
Chapter 173: A Safe Haven

Chapter 173: A Safe Haven

The next day, Gracia was prepared to be discharged from the hospital. Evelyn had debated whether it was better to return to Vespera. She needed to focus on her work—Avery had been managing the company alone, but Evelyn couldn’t ignore the signs of her friend’s health slowly deteriorating. Though Avery brushed it off with her usual resilience, Evelyn knew her limits.

Still, Damien suggested they stay for a few more days. He needed time to wrap things up—finishing the ongoing deal with the Lobo organization and clearing out some matters before returning to Arecamia. Troubles were brewing back there; his team was stretched thin, and Natalie seemed to be trying to break free from the shadows, a dangerous move that could jeopardize everything they’d worked for.

Yet, amidst it all, Damien prioritized Evelyn and her matters.

As they finalized the discharge papers, Damien turned to her suddenly, breaking the thoughtful silence.

"When is Elias’ birthday?" His deep voice carried a certain determination, as though the date was a deadline he couldn’t afford to miss.

Evelyn paused, a little surprised by the question. Unlocking her phone, she opened her calendar. "It’s exactly 45 days from today," she replied, her tone laced with curiosity. "Why?"

A smirk tugged at Damien’s lips, a glimmer of mischief sparking in his eyes. "I can’t miss the finale of your adventure, can I?"

Evelyn chuckled softly, shaking her head. "True, my life has been one heck of a roller coaster ride," she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of her past struggles.

But beneath the humor, a quiet hope lingered. She longed for peace, for a life without battles and vengeance. The constant fight for justice was exhausting, both mentally and emotionally. She wanted to look forward to brighter days, to moments filled with calm and joy.

With the paperwork completed, they walked back to Gracia’s ward. Wismay was already there, hovering over Gracia like a protective guardian.

"I’m serious, Ms. Gracia," Wismay nagged gently, "You mustn’t overstrain yourself. Stress is the last thing your body needs right now. It’s still fragile and recovering."

Gracia nodded, smiling warmly at the doctor’s concern. But it was Rita who answered in fluent Spanish, "Don’t worry, Doc. I’ll make sure to keep her in check."

Wismay laughed softly and replied, "I’ll count on you then."

Just then, Evelyn entered, her smile as bright as the morning sun. Her childlike excitement lit up the room, bringing a contagious warmth. Ever since Gracia woke up, Evelyn’s buried innocence had surfaced, and it was a joy to witness.

"Mom," she chirped, rushing to Gracia’s side. "We can go home now!" Her voice was soft with affection as she took Gracia’s hand in hers.

Gracia smiled back. "Though it might take a few days to return to Vespera, it’s still lovely here," she said, her tone lighthearted.

Rita chimed in with a suggestion. "We can go sightseeing if the Doc allows. It’d be good for her to get some fresh air."

"As long as it’s not strenuous," Wismay said sternly. "But only after two more days of complete rest."

Evelyn nodded eagerly, her excitement barely contained. "Thank you so much, Doctor," she said earnestly.

Wismay handed Damien a list of recommended places, and he shook hands with the doctor, appreciating his care.

Later, Gracia was discreetly moved from the hospital to Damien’s mansion. The journey was quick, with little to no interruptions, as the security measures were tight.

When they arrived, Jimmy, who had returned earlier, stepped forward. His expression was a mix of awkwardness and determination. As soon as they entered, he clapped his hands, and suddenly, pops of confetti filled the air, surprising everyone.

A small band began playing cheerful music, and Rita, with her ever-energetic presence, grinned widely as she welcomed Gracia. "Welcome back, Ma’am! We are delighted to serve you from today." She gestured for everyone to bow, and the staff followed suit with a perfect 90-degree bow.

Gracia’s eyes widened at the unexpected gesture, her heart warming at the thoughtfulness. Rita took a bouquet from the butler and handed it to her with a beaming smile. "This is all I could arrange in the short span," she said softly.

"This is more than enough," Evelyn replied, her voice filled with gratitude. She held her mother’s arm and looked at her expectantly.

Gracia smiled warmly, her heart swelling with love. "It’s the thought that matters to me. Thank you, sweetheart," she said, pulling Rita into a heartfelt hug.

Rita’s grin widened as she embraced Gracia. It was clear that the elder woman’s acceptance meant the world to her.

Damien watched the scene unfold, a small smile playing on his lips. Evelyn’s ability to form deep connections with those around her always amazed him. If she cared about someone, they became family—someone she’d protect fiercely.

"The dinner is ready, Master," the head butler announced, and Damien nodded, leading everyone to the dining room.

Later that night, Evelyn finished her conversation with Damien and made her way to her mother’s room. She found Gracia standing by the window, gazing at the starry sky.

"Mom!" Evelyn called out softly, her voice brimming with affection.

Gracia turned around, her face lighting up as Evelyn approached. She opened her arms, and Evelyn melted into the embrace like a child returning to her safe haven.

"I’m going to cook for you from tomorrow," Evelyn declared suddenly. She had noticed that Gracia barely ate during dinner and assumed it was because she didn’t enjoy the food.

Gracia chuckled, understanding her daughter’s concern. "The food was fine, sweetie," she reassured her. "I’m just not used to such lavish meals after all these years. They barely fed me bread and porridge... sometimes chicken if my body was too weak."

Evelyn’s heart clenched at the painful revelation. "Still, I’m going to cook for you every day," she insisted, her voice firm with determination. "You need to regain your strength."

Gracia smiled, her eyes soft with love. "Yes, Mom," she teased, mimicking Evelyn’s tone from when she was a child.

Evelyn laughed, the sound light and carefree. The memories of their past brought a soothing warmth to her heart. "Let’s sleep. It’s quite late," she said, helping Gracia settle into bed.

She tucked Gracia in and then lay beside her, letting herself be pulled into her mother’s embrace. It felt like home—something Evelyn hadn’t felt in years.

"So, tell me," Gracia murmured, her fingers running through Evelyn’s hair. "What have I missed in my daughter’s life?"

Evelyn pursed her lips, recalling Wismay’s strict instructions to avoid any topics that might upset Gracia. Instead, she decided to focus on the good memories.

"Well," she began, her voice soft and dreamy. "I grew up and met a handsome prince charming. We dated for a while but had to part ways due to family pressure. But fate brought us together again, and now we’re living a happy life."

Gracia laughed softly, the sound filled with warmth. "That sounds like one of those fairytales I used to tell you."

Evelyn smiled, looking up at her mother. "And now I’m the one telling fairytales to my daughter. She loves them, and it’s a struggle to find new ones every day. Thankfully, technology helps a lot."

"Seeing you talk about her so much makes me want to meet her soon," Gracia said, her voice tinged with longing.

"I miss her too," Evelyn admitted with a pout. She glanced at the time and sighed. "Let’s call her in the morning. It’ll be nighttime for her now."

Gracia nodded, pulling Evelyn closer. "Goodnight, sweetie," she murmured, pressing a kiss to Evelyn’s forehead.

"Goodnight, Mom," Evelyn whispered back, a soft smile on her lips.

That night, for the first time in decades, both mother and daughter slept peacefully, their hearts lighter than ever before. Both smiled and drifted off to sleep immediately. Evelyn for the first time in decades, felt like she was sleeping on the clouds, right in heaven. And Gracia too after so many years. she was finally sleeping without worries or scared of being murdered in sleep.

Both were in a deep slumber that they didn’t wake even when the sun rose up, the sharp rays filtering through the curtains. Gracia felt someone fidgeting beside her and opened her eyes, rubbing away the sleep. A small frown tugged at her lips when she saw a little girl trying to squeeze herself between her and Evelyn.

Kiana froze when she felt Gracia’s gaze. Looking up, her face lit up with a bright smile. "Hi, Grandma!" she chirped. "I’m Kiana Reign, your cute, sweet granddaughter!"