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

Chapter 8

The morning of my wedding was eerily quiet.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, the maids finishing the last touches on my simple white dress. It wasn't anything extravagant—just a plain but elegant gown, perfect for a court wedding.

My makeup was subtle, my hair pinned neatly back.

"Are you ready, dear?" Grandmother's voice came from the doorway.

I took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes."

Grandfather stepped forward, locking eyes with me. "After today, you'll be Rachel Blake Crawford. No turning back."

I swallowed hard. "I know."

With that, we headed to Xavier's house, where everything was already set up.

A judge was waiting in the living room when we arrived. The butler stood in the corner, stiff and silent, while Xavier's nanny adjusted his posture in his wheelchair.

Xavier sat motionless, eyes unfocused, occasionally making soft, childlike humming noises. It was as though he was completely unaware of what was happening.

I sighed inwardly, taking my place beside him.

The ceremony was brief—almost emotionless.

"Do you, Rachel Blake, take Xavier Crawford as your husband?" the judge asked.

"I do," I replied firmly.

"And do you, Xavier Crawford, take Rachel Blake as your wife?"

Xavier blinked, then giggled softly and clapped his hands together.

Silence.

My face flushed in embarrassment.

"He does," the nanny quickly interjected.

The judge glanced at Xavier, uncomfortable, but continued.

When it came time to sign the marriage certificate, Xavier stared blankly at the paper. The butler sighed and stepped forward, signing on his behalf.

I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling under the surface.

This was humiliating.

Finally, the judge handed me the marriage certificate. "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford."

It was official.

I was married… to an invalid.

After the judge left, my grandparents turned to me.

"Starting tomorrow, you'll be introduced to the company," Grandfather said. "You'll live here with Xavier from now on."

Grandmother smiled reassuringly. "You'll do great, dear. Just be patient."

And then, just like that, they left.

I was alone with Xavier.

I sat across from him, arms folded. "Well, husband," I muttered. "Guess we're stuck with each other now."

Xavier blinked, then reached out and poked my arm.

I sighed. "You don't even know what's happening, do you?"

No response.

I shook my head and stood up. "Fine. If I'm going to live here, I might as well do something useful."

I turned to the nanny. "You can go for today. I'll take care of him."

Her eyes widened. "Madam, are you sure? He can be… difficult."

"I've got it," I replied firmly.

She hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. If you need anything, call me."

Once she left, I knelt beside Xavier. "Let's start simple. Can you say my name? Ra–chel."

He stared at me, tilting his head.

I sighed. "Rachel. Say it. Rachel."

Nothing.

I grabbed a book from the table and opened it. "Maybe pictures will help?"

Xavier reached forward and knocked the ink bottle off the table. Ink splattered all over my dress.

I gasped. "Xavier!"

He giggled.

"Oh, you think this is funny?" I crossed my arms. "Fine. You want to play? Let's play."

I grabbed his face and smeared some ink on his cheek.

He blinked. Then, to my surprise, he laughed.

A real laugh.

I paused. It was the first time I'd seen him react in any real way.

Encouraged, I grabbed a piece of paper and handed him a pen. "Here. Draw something."

Xavier stared at the pen in his hand, then slowly moved it across the paper.

I leaned in, curious.

It was messy, just scribbles.

"You're a mess," I muttered, standing up. "Come on. Let's get you cleaned up."

I wheeled him to the bathroom and filled the tub with warm water.

The butler entered just as I rolled up my sleeves. "Madam, I can assist-"

"I've got it," I cut him off. "It's just a bath."

The butler looked uneasy. "But-"

"Look," I sighed. "He has the brain of a child, right? It's not like he understands anything."

The butler hesitated, then nodded and left.

I turned back to Xavier. "Alright, let's get you in."

I gently undressed him and lifted him into the tub. He made small, happy noises as the warm water touched his skin.

I laughed. "See? Not so bad, right?"

He splashed the water, giggling.

I shook my head. "As much as you act like a child, you're not so bad to be around."

Better than that ungrateful Ivan, at least.

I sighed, rolling my shoulders. The ink stains were still on my skin. "Guess I need a bath too."

I reached for my dress, pulling it over my head.

Just as I did, Xavier's hand suddenly reached out.

His fingers brushed over the faint scar on my shoulder—the one from the arrow wound.

I stiffened.

And then, to my shock, a husky voice, rough and demanding, spoke.

"What?"

I froze.

Had he just… spoken?