I Raised My Husband's Love Child...Then He Shot Me

Chapter 14

Rachel's POV

Michael's expression hardened. "Don't jump to conclusions, Rachel."

I crossed my arms. "Oh? Then what exactly should I think, Michael?"

He let out an exasperated sigh. "You left, Rachel. What was I supposed to do? Ivan likes Susan. She takes care of him. It only makes sense that I make her his mother."

I scoffed. "I don't care what you do, Michael. You don't owe me any explanations."

His phone beeped, and he glanced at the screen, frowning. "I'm late for a meeting."

Susan flashed a sweet smile. "I'll wait outside with Rachel."

Michael nodded and walked away, disappearing into the building.

The second he was gone, Susan's sugary smile disappeared, replaced by a smug smirk.

"How does it feel, Rachel?" she sneered. "Eight years, and you were still left behind."

I rolled my eyes. "Susan, I don't care."

She raised her hand, showing off a flashy diamond ring. "Michael bought me the most expensive ring. He loves me. He chose me."

I sighed. "Good for you. I've moved on."

I turned to leave, but Susan grabbed my wrist. "I'm not done with you yet."

I glared at her. "Let go."

She tightened her grip. "I'll make sure you regret ever thinking you had a chance with Michael."

My patience snapped. "Susan, don't test me."

She laughed mockingly. "What? What are you going to do?"

I leaned in close. "Say one more word, and I'll slap you."

Suddenly, Susan gasped, collapsing onto the ground.

I blinked in confusion. "What—?"

She clutched her palm, which had scraped against the rough pavement. Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Rachel," she whimpered. "It's not my fault that Michael married me and not you!"

A sharp voice interrupted the moment.

"Rachel!"

Michael stormed out of the building, his face flushed with anger. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

I frowned. "What?"

He rushed over to Susan, helping her up. "Are you seriously bullying her right now? You know she's pregnant!"

I froze.

Susan sniffled, burying her face against Michael's chest.

I exhaled sharply. "I don't have time for this." Without saying another word, I turned and walked away.

I rounded the corner, and my driver was already waiting for me.

"Take me home," I muttered.

The drive was quiet. I rested my head against the window, not feeling hurt—just tired.

When we arrived, the butler opened the door for me.

Xavier was waiting inside. His face brightened when he saw me. "You're back."

I nodded. "Yeah."

His sharp gaze scanned me. "Something happen?"

I sighed and sank into the couch. "I had a decent day. Until I ran into Michael and Susan."

Xavier scoffed. "Of course."

Before I could say anything else, my phone rang.

I checked the caller ID. My assistant.

I picked up. "What is it?"

"Mrs. Rachel, I just wanted to let you know that Michael's company wants to sign a deal with us. If approved, it could bring in millions of dollars for them."

I clenched my jaw.

A deal? With my company?

"No," I said firmly. "I don't want any dealings with Michael's company."

"Understood," the assistant replied.

I hung up.

Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Michael wants a deal with your company?"

I shrugged. "Too bad for him."

Xavier chuckled. "Bet he doesn't know who he's messing with."

I smirked. "Not yet."

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

The butler moved to open it.

Xavier quickly wheeled himself to his usual spot. In an instant, he became the helpless man the world knew—his back slightly slouched, his hands limp on the wheelchair's arms. His eyes turned distant and childlike.

A high-pitched voice cut through the air.

"I told you, Michael! She's married to him!"

It was Susan.

I sighed heavily. "Just what I needed."

The butler stepped aside, revealing Susan at the door, her face frozen in exaggerated shock.

Michael stood beside her, his expression unreadable as his gaze flickered between me and Xavier.

I folded my arms. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Susan scoffed. "So it's true. You really married him."

Michael's gaze turned steely. "Rachel, what the hell is going on?"

I raised an eyebrow. "That's my question."

Susan smirked. "Are you really telling me you're happily married to a crippled man?"

I clenched my fists. "Watch your mouth, Susan."

She laughed mockingly. "Oh, don't act like you actually love him. What, did you marry him out of pity, or for his money because you're broke?"