Chapter 45: A Growing Bond

Rachel felt a chill run down her spine as the man's soothing voice echoed in her ears. She tried to collect her thoughts by blinking.

"Who are you?" Alexander stepped in front of Rachel in a protective manner as he asked.

His taut body language suggested that he was prepared to pounce on him if he made a mistake.

The man smiled slightly, without humor. "Just a message to deliver. "There's no need to be hostile, Mr. Sterling.

Alexander's protective instincts only grew stronger when he narrowed his eyes. "What's the message?" Ignoring Alexander's scowl, the man held out the envelope to Rachel.

"This is for you."

Rachel paused, her hand lingering in the air. She could feel Alexander's weight on her. Alexander whispered, "You don't have to take it, Rachel."

But she was drawn to an implied urgency in the man's voice.

She opened the envelope with shaking fingers, against her better judgment.

Inside was a single piece of paper with a typed message: "Not everyone who claims they care is actually on your side. Watch your back.

Her heart fell. Although there wasn't much, the message was strongly implied. The man had already turned and vanished into the darkness as if he had never been there when she looked up.

"What's in it?" There was worry in Alexander's voice.

Too shaken to talk, Rachel gave him the note. As he read it, his jaw tensed. "This might pose a risk," he stated. "Or a sound warning."

With a long deep breath, Rachel combed through her hair. "I'm not sure who I can trust anymore."

Alexander touched her shoulder in a comforting manner. Rachel, you can trust me. Together, we'll figure this out.

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The next morning was very calm. As she sipped her coffee on the couch, Rachel's gaze kept wandering to the backyard, where Odegaard and Alexander were playing soccer.

When Odegaard scored a spectacular goal, Alexander clapped, and she couldn't help but smile.

"Daddy!" Odegaard's face lit up with delight as he shouted.

Rachel's heart became constricted. Hearing him used to calling Alexander daddy was still surreal. However, she had to admit that there was no denying the bond they were developing.

As they both laughed, Alexander spun Odegaard around and carried him onto his shoulders.

The dark atmosphere that spread through the house for days was lifted by the sound that filled the air.

When Martha, Rachel's mother, came into the living room, she saw the scene through the window.

"They are good together, aren't they?"

Rachel's was quiet as she nodded. "Better than I thought."

Martha sat down next to her daughter. "What's stopping you, then?"

Rachel gave a dirty look. "Mom."

"I mean it," Martha insisted. "You've been through so much lately, but I can see how you look at him. Most important, I can see how he looks at you.

With her hands trembling, Rachel put down her mug. "It's not that easy. So much suffering—so much scars from the past.

Martha reached over and squeezed Rachel’s hand. “ My child, you underestimate your strength. And love… love can heal even the deepest scars.”

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Alexander insisted that they go to the park with Odegaard later that day. Rachel was hesitant at first, but she later agreed since she thought it may be a good diversion from recent tensions.

Families were all over the park, but Alexander and Odegaard were running around the grassy fields, lost in their own world.

Rachel followed, observing them with a mixture of fear and admiration.

"Mom, hurry up!" Odegaard waved her over and shouted out.

With a little giggle, Rachel rushed over to join them. Odegaard leaned on Alexander as they sat together under a tree, his little hand gripping his father's.

"Daddy," he said abruptly and with a frown, "will you always stay with us?"

Alexander was struck by the question like a ton of bricks. He looked at Rachel, whose face reflected a mixture of emotion and confusion.

Alexander responded firmly, "I'll always be here for you, buddy." "No matter what."

Odegaard grinned, as if pleased with the response, but Rachel was still troubled by the situation.

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Rachel found herself reflecting back on the day's event when she put Odegaard to bed that night.

Alexander had shown them....her and her son the love and attention they needed.

Rachel stayed in the doorway and watched Odegaard as he fell asleep.

She didn’t hear Alexander approach until he spoke softly.

With satisfaction in his voice, Alexander said, "He's an amazing kid."

Rachel turned to face him, feeling as like she would lose control of her feelings. "He is. And he loves you".

Alexander paused, then stepped forward. "I meant what I said earlier, Rachel. I'm here for you both".

His bluntness made her heart hurt, but she was still held back by fear. "Alexander, not now. So much is on the line".

"I understand," he said in a soft yet forceful tone. "I'm not giving up on us, either."

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Rachel received a package from a courier the following morning.

Alexander insisted on opening it by himself because he was suspicious of what had happened recently.

A folder with legal paperwork and the following note was found inside: "Rachel, this is for you to decide. Don’t let anyone take away what’s yours."

The folder's contents chilled Rachel to the bone, even though the sender was unknown.

It was a contract—one that offered her full control of her company, but only if she parted ways with Alexander.

"What the hell is this?" Alexander scanned the papers and vibrated.

With her head spinning, Rachel shook her head. "I'm not sure. However, whoever provided this wants to control me.

Alexander's face grew serious. "Victoria is written all over this."

\---

Rachel could sense the tension between them as they sat in the living room later that night.

Alexander had been pacing around, clearly annoyed.

She said, "Alexander," grabbing his attention. "We'll work it out. Together.

His eyes softened as he stopped pacing and turned to face her. "You mean that?"

Rachel gave a nod. "Yes, I do." The walls between them appeared to collapse for a second.

Alexander took her hand in his and sat next to her. "Rachel, I promise to keep you and Odegaard safe no matter what. You have my word.

His words caused her heart to swell, and she had a glimpse of hope for the first time in a long time.

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As they sat there in silence, Odegaard's laughter echoed all-over his room. Rachel smiled, but the doorbell rang before she could say anything.

Alexander stood up, his face wary. "I'll get it."

Rachel trailed along, intrigued. They saw a familiar face as soon as they opened the door.

It was Detective Harris, holding a file.

“We need to talk,” he said, his tone urgent. “There’s something you both need to see.”