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

Chapter 6

Rachel's POV

The moment I stepped into the Blake mansion, the scent of fresh roses and polished wood instantly enveloped me. It was the kind of luxury I had never experienced before, but for some reason, I couldn't quite shake the feeling of unease.

My grandparents, John and Linda Blake, led me into the grand living room, their expressions warm but tinged with something like hesitation.

"Rachel, my dear, are you sure about this?" My grandmother's voice was soft but steady.

"I've made up my mind," I replied, without any trace of doubt. "I want what's mine, and if marrying this man is the price I have to pay, then so be it."

Grandfather let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his temples. "We just want you to be prepared. Xavier… he wasn't always like this."

I frowned. "Like what?"

"He was once a powerful man," Grandfather continued, his voice laced with a tinge of sorrow. "He had everything—money, influence, the respect of the entire business world. But three years ago, his mother was killed in an accident, and... well, he..." He trailed off, as though unsure how to explain the rest.

Grandmother picked up where he left off. "He lost the ability to walk, and his mind was never the same. He acts like a child now, Rachel. He hardly speaks and barely interacts. Some people say he's completely broken."

I sat back, absorbing their words. A crippled man. An invalid. A once-powerful mogul reduced to nothing.

"Are you saying he's mentally unstable?" I asked carefully.

"He hasn't spoken in years. He shrieks and babbles like a child," Grandmother admitted, exchanging a glance with Grandfather. "We know this isn't what you expected."

A heavy silence hung between us. I could feel the weight of their concern, but I wasn't one to back down so easily.

"I don't care," I said firmly. "If marrying him means I take over the company, then I'll do it."

Relief flickered across their faces, though the worry still lingered in their eyes.

"You'll become the official owner of Blake Enterprises once you're married," Grandfather confirmed. "But we won't rush you. You'll meet him tomorrow."

I nodded. "That's fine."

That night, I dined like royalty. The maids served me dishes with names I could barely pronounce, and the wine was smoother than anything I'd ever tasted.

After a long soak in the jacuzzi, I slipped into a silk nightdress and climbed into bed, feeling the weight of the life I was about to take on. For the first time in years, I felt free. Powerful. Untouchable.

With a smirk, I grabbed my phone and snapped a picture of my wine glass against the city skyline. He broke me first, now I'm the queen of his ruins—I posted it with the caption: "Living my best life."

Not even five minutes later, I got a notification.

Michael: Where are you?

My smirk instantly faded.

Pathetic. The same man who had thrown me away like garbage now wanted to know where I was?

I deleted his comment and restricted his profile, then a call notification popped up—Michael, calling me through Facebook.

I blocked him.

Then, for the first time in a long time, I slept like a queen.

The next morning, a soft knock on the door woke me.

"Good morning, Miss Blake," the maid said with a bow. "We've prepared your breakfast."

I stretched lazily, feeling the silk sheets beneath me. Life had certainly changed overnight.

"Bring it in," I ordered.

The tray that was brought to me was filled with fresh fruit, pancakes, and imported tea. Every bite tasted like wealth.

After breakfast, I bathed with oils that left my skin feeling softer than ever. I dressed in a white silk blouse and high-waisted trousers, keeping things simple yet elegant.

When I finally made my way downstairs, my grandparents were already waiting.

"Morning, dear," Grandmother greeted.

"Morning," I replied.

Grandfather gestured toward the driver. "Shall we?"

The drive was smooth, but a gnawing sensation settled in my stomach.

"Who exactly is Xavier Crawford?" I asked, curiosity taking over.

My grandparents exchanged a look before Grandfather spoke.

"He's Michael's half-brother," he admitted.

My breath caught. "Michael's what?"

"His mother was the mistress of Michael's father," Grandmother explained. "Xavier was never truly accepted by the Crawfords, but he was their most brilliant son… until the accident."

I clenched my jaw. How ironic. The man I was about to marry was connected to Michael in ways I hadn't expected.

The car finally pulled up to a large estate, just as grand as the Blake mansion. A butler greeted us at the entrance and led us inside to an elegant sitting room.

"We're here to see Xavier," Grandfather said.

A moment later, the sound of wheels rolling across the marble floor filled the room.

I turned to see a man being wheeled in by a caretaker.

Xavier Crawford.

His black hair was slightly overgrown, his sharp jawline shadowed with stubble. He was handsome—undeniably so—but his eyes… his eyes were empty, staring at nothing in particular.

Then, suddenly, he let out a high-pitched shriek.

I stiffened.

He curled his fingers like a child, rocking slightly in his wheelchair.

This… was the man I was supposed to marry?

I swallowed hard, feeling the uncertainty creep in. Maybe I had been too confident. Maybe I had just made the biggest mistake of my life.