Husband With Benefits-Chapter 876: You

"Why are you here? How did you even... Did he call you?" Arabelle’s voice faltered, her unease evident in the way she avoided his gaze as he stepped into the room.

Cai rolled his eyes, closing the distance between them with casual ease. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head before sinking into the chair that Rafe had vacated earlier. "You mean Rafe? No, he didn’t call me," Cai said, his tone matter-of-fact. "But don’t worry, I’ll deal with him later. Do you really think my sister could be admitted to a hospital, and I wouldn’t find out?" He gave her a pointed look, one that wordlessly called her a fool.

Arabelle sighed,and stiffened her shoulders. "I’m not really your sister, you know," she murmured, as if the words could create some distance between them.

"It makes no difference," Cai said without hesitation, his voice firm. "You’re my sister in every way that matters. And, besides, my name is listed on your emergency contacts. So even if Rafe was the one to bring you here, the hospital still had to call me first. The only reason I’m late is because I was in surgery when it happened." His sharp gaze swept across the room before returning to her. "Speaking of which, where is he?"

Arabelle hesitated, then relented. "He just went down for a few minutes. I told him he didn’t have to stay, but he seems adamant about staying the night."

Even though her words carried a hint of complaint, clearly hoping Cai would back her up, he simply nodded in approval. "Good," he said, his tone decisive.

Her head snapped up, her brows knitting in disbelief. "Good? What do you mean good?"

"Exactly what the word means, Bell. He is the father of the baby, isn’t he?" Cai said, his expression calm yet watchful.

Arabelle’s eyes widened in shock as her breath hitched. "Did the hospital tell you that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It was a guess," Cai admitted with a shrug. "But now I know for sure." He leaned back, studying her reaction carefully. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

Arabelle pressed her lips into a thin line and turned her gaze away. "I don’t know yet. I’m still... thinking." She hesitated before looking back at him, her eyes pleading. "Cai, can you please keep this to yourself? For now?"

Cai raised a brow, giving her a look of mock offense. "When have I ever betrayed your secrets, Bell?"

She exhaled in relief, but her comfort was short-lived as Cai continued, "But this time, I have a few conditions."

Her shoulders tensed again as she frowned. "Conditions? Why?"

"Multiple reasons," Cai said, his tone softening slightly. "The biggest being that the last time I kept one of your secrets, I saw how much it hurt you. And you’re still dealing with the consequences of those decisions."

Arabelle’s jaw tightened as she looked away. "That was the past," she said firmly. "There’s no need to dredge it up now."

"There is every need," Cai countered, his voice unwavering. "Because all of your choices today are still influenced by what happened back then."

She let out a frustrated sigh, her fingers curling into the blanket on her lap. "Fine. What are your conditions?" she asked, her voice clipped.

Cai didn’t hesitate. "Give Rafe a chance."

Arabelle blinked, stunned. "What?" she asked, her voice rising in disbelief. Of all the things he could have said, this was the last thing she expected. "What are you talking about?"

"Rafe is a good man," Cai said simply, as if that explained everything. "And he understands that everyone makes mistakes. He’s made plenty of his own, hasn’t he? He might understand your pain better than you think. He could even help you heal."

Cai scoffed, shaking his head. "The only plan I had was to help you with the donations, Bell. I wasn’t the one who pushed you into his bed."

Her cheeks flushed with anger, and she glared at him. "But now you want me to stay there? Is that what you’re saying?"

Cai winced at her bluntness. "There’s no need to be so... direct, okay?" he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "All I’m saying is don’t run away from this relationship like you always do. You have a habit of running, Bell, and maybe it’s time to stop. I am sure no one would have expected this outcome but sometimes we need to take fate’s signal."

Arabelle shook her head and glared at him," Cai. I think falling in love has lowered your IQ. Are you serious? Have you forgotten who Rafe is? Is he a simple man whom I can have a relationship with? He is a bloody future king. And you are aware of my background..."

"See! This is the thing! The influence of your past. What background are we talking about, Bell?" Cai burst out before taking a calming breath and finishing it off with a warnign," Uncle Gabe was going to be here tomorrow. But he has been called away due to the bomb threats at the resort in country B. He should be back in a few weeks. Bell.. this time either tell Rafe everything and come to a settlement or find a way to get rid of the shadows in your eyes and heart."

"Cai! Are you really threatening me?" Arabelle asked incredulously.

Cai sighed and stood up," You’ve forgotten the promise I made you in the past, Arabelle, when you made me keep my mouth shut then. I will fight you for your happiness as well, if need be. So, this is me fighting for you. And you know I fight dirty. So prepare yourself."

Just then, before Arabelle could say anything, a slight knock sounded in the room followed by Rafe coming in and pausing at the doorstep as he glanced at the two people in the room. "What is going on?"