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

Chapter 15

Before I could answer Susan's irritating question, Xavier suddenly wheeled his chair forward, giggling like a child.

"Ahhh!" he babbled, flailing his arms as he collided straight into Susan.

Susan let out a loud yelp as she stumbled backward, crashing to the floor with a thud.

"You little-" she shrieked.

Xavier clapped his hands together, laughing like he'd just won a game. "Fun! Fun!"

I bit my lip, doing my best not to smile.

Michael's eyes went wide. "Susan!" He rushed to help her up.

Susan grabbed his arm dramatically, her face contorted with rage. "He's useless! He almost killed me!"

Xavier just giggled, his innocent expression unchanging.

Susan turned to me, pointing a shaky finger. "Rachel, how could you marry someone like him?"

Michael clenched his jaw, his eyes burning with frustration. Before I could react, he stepped toward Xavier, his hand raised.

I stepped in front of Xavier immediately. "Don't you dare." My voice was sharp, laced with warning.

Michael froze. "Rachel, move."

I didn't budge. "Why? Because he bumped into your precious Susan? Funny, you didn't hit Ivan when he shot me with his arrow."

Michael's face darkened, but he lowered his hand.

"Take him away," he snapped at the butler.

The butler gave me a hesitant glance before wheeling Xavier toward his room.

Michael exhaled sharply and turned to me. "I need to talk to you. Alone."

I crossed my arms. "I have nothing to say to you."

He ignored me and walked outside, expecting me to follow.

I sighed. I wasn't in the mood for his games, but I needed to get this over with.

I stepped outside, still with my arms crossed. "Talk."

Michael took a deep breath, studying me. "Why, Rachel? Why him?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Why do you care?"

Michael clenched his jaw. "Xavier can't give you what you want."

I scoffed. "And what exactly do I want?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I know you. You crave love, passion, stability. Do you think Xavier even understands what that is?"

I rolled my eyes. "That's none of your business, Michael."

He smirked. "I'm sure he can't even satisfy you in bed."

I stiffened.

Michael chuckled darkly. "Oh? Did I strike a nerve?"

I turned to walk away, disgusted. "We're done here."

But before I could take another step, he grabbed my wrist and spun me around, pinning me against the cold brick wall.

"Michael!" I gasped.

His eyes flickered over my neck.

His expression twisted into something darker.

"Rachel," he murmured, his fingers trailing over my skin. "A hickey?"

I swallowed hard.

Michael's face hardened, his grip tightening. "You married Xavier, but you're sleeping around like a whore?"

I jerked against his hold. "Let me go."

He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. "If you want to be a whore, why don't you be mine?"

My stomach turned.

He smirked. "I'll take care of you. No one will bully you. You'll spread your legs only for me."

My hand flew across his face.

Slap!

His head snapped to the side, and for a moment, he didn't move.

Then he turned back to me, his jaw tight.

"You dare hit me?" he seethed.

I glared at him. "Don't ever speak to me like that again."

Michael's eyes darkened. "You really have no self-worth, do you? Married, yet sleeping with someone else. Is that how low you've sunk?"

I struggled, but he was stronger. His hand moved to my waist, pressing me harder against the wall.

"Michael, stop!" I pushed against his chest.

He didn't listen. His face inched closer.

Panic surged through me. "Michael, stop!"

Suddenly, a hand yanked him away.

"Enough."

Michael stumbled back, breathing hard.

I looked up and saw the butler standing between us, his expression dark with fury.

"You've overstayed your welcome," the butler said firmly.

Michael wiped his mouth, his eyes flicking back to me.

"Rachel-"

Slap!

I hit him again.

Then again.

Then once more, harder.

Michael's cheek was red, his expression a mix of shock and rage.

I spat at his feet. "I'd rather die than be your mistress."

His fists clenched.

"You will regret this," he hissed.

I stepped closer, my voice cold. "No, you will."

Michael's eyes burned into mine, but I didn't waver.

He didn't move at first. But then, with one last look at me, he turned and stormed off.

I didn't move until I heard their car drive away.

Then, my knees buckled.

I wrapped my arms around myself, my body trembling.

The butler placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright, Madam?"

I nodded stiffly. "I'm fine."

I turned and walked straight to my bedroom.

The moment I shut the door, I let out a shaky breath.

I wrapped my arms around myself again, trying to shake off the disgust lingering on my skin.

Then, warmth surrounded me.

Strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

I didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

Xavier.

His familiar scent surrounded me, comforting and steady.

"I'm sorry," he whispered against my shoulder. "I should have been there."

I swallowed hard.

His arms tightened around me. "I promise you, Michael will regret today."

I didn't respond.

He turned me gently, his hands cupping my face. "Come," he murmured. "Let me take care of you."

I let him guide me into the bathroom.

He turned on the warm water, then helped me step in.

His fingers brushed my hair back as he kissed my temple.

His lips trailed lower, brushing over my neck.

I shivered when he kissed the mark Michael had seen.

His mouth lingered there, his breath warm against my skin.

My fingers gripped his shirt.

"Xavier…"

He pulled back slightly, his eyes dark.

Then, he leaned in and kissed me.

I melted into him, my hands moving to his shoulders.

Then...