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

Chapter 18

I stared at Xavier, my heart racing. Did he really just say that?

Ever since he left, I couldn't stop thinking about our kiss—the way his lips felt on mine, the heat of his hands against my skin. And now, hearing him confess that he felt the same way... it was overwhelming.

"Rachel," Xavier said softly, breaking the silence. "I know we have a mission, but I can't stop feeling this way about you."

I swallowed hard.

"I don't want this to be just about the situation," he continued. "I want to be with you, genuinely. But I won't pressure you. I'll do whatever you want."

My lips parted, but before I could say anything, something inside me snapped.

I grabbed his face and kissed him.

Xavier stiffened for a moment, then responded, pulling me closer.

His lips moved against mine with a hunger that made my entire body tremble.

When I finally pulled away, my face was burning.

"I feel the same way," I whispered.

Xavier's eyes darkened, a slow, pleased smile creeping onto his lips before he kissed me again, deeper this time.

One thing led to another, and soon, we were lost in each other, wrapped up in a night of passion.

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as I stirred, feeling an unfamiliar warmth beside me.

I opened my eyes to find Xavier sitting beside me, holding a tray of food.

"Good morning, Mrs. Xavier," he said with a teasing smirk.

I blinked, surprised. "You made breakfast?"

"Of course." He placed the tray on my lap. "You'll need the energy."

I blushed, my mind replaying last night.

I picked up a piece of toast, taking a bite, trying to ignore the way Xavier was watching me.

But the moment I swallowed, he leaned in and kissed me softly on the lips.

"You're distracting me," I muttered.

"That's the plan," he murmured against my skin.

Before I knew it, he was lifting me up and carrying me toward the bathroom.

The warm water cascaded over us as he helped me shower—though we both knew it was just an excuse to touch each other again.

His lips trailed down my neck, leaving hickeys, and before long, we ended up making love again, our bodies entwined under the hot stream.

By the time we stepped out, dressed and refreshed, I felt like I was floating. I couldn't stop blushing.

Xavier smirked at me. "You're glowing."

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up."

We made our way downstairs, where the butler approached us, holding an envelope.

"A message for you, sir," he said, handing it to Xavier.

Xavier opened it, scanning the contents before letting out a low chuckle.

"What is it?" I asked.

"We've been invited to Gerald and Maria's annual ball."

I frowned immediately. "I don't want to go."

Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

"You know why," I muttered. "They'll use it as an opportunity to humiliate us."

Xavier took a step closer, tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to look at him. "No one will humiliate you, Rachel. Not while I'm by your side."

I hesitated.

"Trust me," he said.

"Fine," I sighed. "But I'll need a dress."

Xavier smirked. "Go shopping. Buy whatever you want."

A few hours later, I was at one of the city's most luxurious shopping centers, picking out the perfect gown for the ball.

I was admiring a deep red dress when I heard a familiar, mocking voice.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is."

I turned around to see Maria and Susan standing a few feet away, arms crossed over their chests.

Maria smirked. "Shopping for the party?"

I didn't respond.

She glanced at the dresses I was holding. "Do you need help paying for them? I'd be happy to assist."

Susan laughed. "You should just pick something cheap, Rachel. We wouldn't want you to struggle."

I forced a smile. "I'm fine, thanks."

Maria wasn't satisfied. She stepped closer, her eyes glinting with malice. "You know, I'm really looking forward to the ball this year. It'll be a great chance to celebrate with my future daughter-in-law."

She turned to Susan and patted her arm fondly. "Isn't that right, dear?"

Susan beamed. "Of course, Mother."

They were trying to make me jealous.

I almost laughed.

"You two really love playing pretend," I said, shaking my head.

Maria's smile faltered. "Excuse me?"

"Calling her your daughter-in-law when the wedding hasn't even happened yet." I gave Susan a pointed look.

Maria scoffed. "It's only a matter of time."

"Good luck with that," I said, turning to walk away.

But Maria wasn't done. Her voice turned sharp. "You think you're so high and mighty just because you're married to Xavier."

Maria smirked. "He's nothing but a disgrace. A bastard who will never be good enough—"

"Enough," I warned.

But she didn't stop. "Everyone knows he's worthless, Rachel."

My hands clenched into fists.

"You should leave him while you can," she continued.

That was it.

Without thinking, I slapped her across the face.

The sound echoed through the store.

Maria gasped, holding her cheek. "You—"

Susan grabbed my arm. "How dare you—"

I yanked my arm free. "I warned her."

Maria's eyes darkened with fury. "You'll regret this."

And just like that, she lunged at me.

Susan followed, grabbing my hair while Maria clawed at my arms.

I fought back, shoving Maria away and elbowing Susan in the ribs. Clothes flew off the racks as the three of us stumbled through the store, drawing the attention of other shoppers.

"Stop this right now!" a deep voice suddenly boomed.

Michael.

He grabbed Maria and Susan, pulling them away from me. "What the hell is going on?"

Before anyone could answer, a man in the store casually remarked, "Why is Mrs. Rachel, the heiress of the Blake Empire, fighting in a shopping mall?"

Silence fell over the store as all eyes turned to me.