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

Chapter 27

Rachel's POV

I woke to the smell of fresh coffee and buttery pastries.

My eyes fluttered open—and my heart melted.

Xavier stood at the edge of the bed, holding a tray, his dark eyes warm with affection.

"Morning, sweetheart," he said, setting the tray down gently.

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. "What's all this?"

"Breakfast in bed." He flashed that smug little grin. "You had a rough night after that call. Figured you could use some spoiling."

The memory of that threatening voice from the phone call sent a chill through me, but it vanished the moment Xavier leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"Eat first," he murmured. "Then I've got something else planned."

I raised a brow. "Something else?"

He just smiled and said nothing.

After devouring the croissants and sipping on the rich coffee, I leaned back, basking in the warm sunlight pouring through the curtains.

Xavier came around behind me and started massaging my shoulders, his fingers expertly kneading away the tension.

I let out a soft moan. "A massage too? Are you trying to make me fall even harder for you?"

His lips brushed my ear. "You already love me."

His hands moved lower—and just like that, the massage turned into something far more intimate.

By the time we were tangled in each other's arms, breathless and glowing, the sun had climbed high into the sky.

Xavier reached over to the nightstand and pulled out a small velvet box.

I blinked. "What's that?"

He propped himself up on one elbow, his face suddenly serious but still full of that familiar warmth.

"Rachel, our first wedding wasn't what you deserved. No vows. No celebration. Just some rushed paperwork. I want to fix that. I want the world to know you're mine. I want us to have the wedding you deserve."

My throat tightened. "Wait… are you—are you proposing?"

He laughed softly. "Only if you say yes."

I bit my lip, heart pounding. "Of course it's a yes, Xavier. I mean, I'm already married to you."

He slid the ring onto my finger—a stunning, oversized diamond that sparkled like it had its own spotlight.

Xavier kissed my hand. "Then it's settled. We're going to throw the most extravagant wedding this city's ever seen."

I sighed contentedly, resting my head on his chest. The TV hummed quietly in the background, and just as I was about to drift off again, a breaking news alert caught my attention.

BREAKING NEWS: RUSSO CORPORATION IN FREEFALL AS INVESTORS PULL OUT

The reporter's voice outlined how shareholders were cutting ties, scandal by scandal.

Michael's family empire was collapsing faster than I imagined.

Xavier poured two glasses of wine, handing one to me. We clinked them together.

"To the fall of the Russos," he said with a smirk.

I raised my glass. "And to our future."

After a sip, I turned to him. "So... when are we dropping the bomb about Susan?"

Xavier's eyes gleamed. "Later today. Right after we deliver the wedding invitation."

I laughed. "That visit is going to be delicious."

Later that morning, Xavier and I headed to my office together.

I was feeling lighter than I had in days—until I stepped inside.

Michael was there.

His face was tight with fury, his polished confidence replaced by something darker—desperation.

Before I could react, he grabbed my arm roughly.

"Michael, what the hell?" I snapped, yanking away from him.

His eyes blazed. "Why are you doing this, Rachel? Why are you trying to destroy my family?"

I glared at him. "Your family did that all by themselves. I'm just making sure the truth gets out."

He clenched his jaw. "You think you can ruin me? Is this about revenge? Are you using Xavier to make me jealous?"

I froze, stunned by his nerve. "Jealous?" I laughed coldly. "You betrayed me. You humiliated me. I don't need anyone to make you jealous, Michael."

His grip tightened. "Then why? Why are you dragging this out? You've made your point. Just stop."

I pushed him off me. "You're pathetic. You want me to lie to save your reputation? Sorry. Not happening. By the time I'm done, there won't be anything left of the Russo legacy."

Michael's face twisted. "You're making a huge mistake."

I narrowed my eyes. "No. You were the mistake."

I turned to the security guards by the door. "Get him out of my building."

They didn't hesitate. Two guards grabbed him, and though he struggled, they had no trouble dragging him away.

"You'll regret this, Rachel!" he shouted over his shoulder.

I watched him go with a steady breath.

Good riddance.

Later that evening, Xavier pulled up outside my office to pick me up.

As I slid into the passenger seat, he handed me a gold-plated wedding invitation.

I gasped. The lettering was stunning—elegant and bold. "Xavier, this is gorgeous!"

He smirked. "Only the best for my bride."

I leaned over and kissed him. "You really know how to keep me on my toes."

As we drove, I told him about the run-in with Michael. His jaw tightened.

"He seriously said you were trying to make him jealous?" he asked, eyes on the road.

I rolled my eyes. "Like he ever deserved that kind of power over me."

Xavier chuckled. "Poor guy's losing his grip on reality."

I smiled slyly. "Oh, it's about to get worse. When we deliver this invitation... Susan's little secret is coming out."

His eyes sparkled with dark amusement. "Now that will be a fun visit."

I leaned back in my seat, grin spreading slowly across my face.

And I couldn't wait.