Chapter 50: A Mother's Instincts
Rachel's pulse pounded violently in her ears as she gazed at the news headline on her laptop. The weight of the headline crushed her chest, and every word seemed like a blade.
"The Truth About Odegaard's Paternity: The Sterling Family Scandal."
Her worst nightmare came to life in black and white: it was out.
"Rachel?" Alexander's voice came from the doorway.
His brows narrowed as he entered the room, taking in her pale face and shaking hands. "What's the matter?"
Rachel's throat constricted as she paused. Unable to look him in the eye, she pushed the laptop away.
"It's out," she said in a whisper. The rumor about Odegaard's paternity. It is widely reported in the media.
Grabbing the laptop and carefully scanning the headline, Alexander's jaw tensed. With each word, his face grew more serious.
He slammed the laptop shut and growled, "This is a smear campaign." "Someone wants to tear us apart."
Tears filled Rachel's eyes, and her chest tightened. "Alexander, what if they succeeds? What if this ruins our son's life? He is just a kid".
Alexander knelt down in front of her and walked to her side. She was forced to look into his resolute eyes as his hands held her face. "It won't ruin him. We will not allow it. Rachel, Odegaard is my son. That can not be changed by gossip or headlines".
The weight of the situation made her feel empty, even though she wanted to believe him. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper as she confessed, "I'm scared."
Together, we'll do this together," Alexander stated resolutely. “But first, you need to take care of yourself. You look pale, Rachel. Are you okay?”
Rachel paused, feeling sick to her stomach. She has been experiencing persistent fatigue, mood swings, and now this persistent nausea for days. Could it be stress, or was it something more?
She lied and stood up suddenly, saying, "I'm fine." She wavered on her feet, feeling lightheaded from the sudden motion.
Alexander's brows furrowed in curiosity as he instantly caught her. With a gentle yet firm tone, he stated, "You're not fine." "Have you visited a doctor?"
She dismissed the issue with a shake of her head. "It's nothing. All I need is some air".
But, Rachel was unable to dismiss the persistent thought that was forming in the back of her mind as the dizziness continued throughout the evening. She was unsure, and the thought frightened her.
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Rachel made the decision to go see her mother the following morning.
She needed her calming presence and advice. Rachel's mind was a raging storm as she drove to Martha Green's small house.
It was all too much—the press controversy, Alexander's steadfast support, and her baffling illnesses.
Her mother gave her a warm greeting and embraced her. However, Martha's smile vanished the moment she took a step back. "You don't seem well, my daughter. What is happening"?
With a groan, Rachel collapsed on the sofa. "Everything, Mom. Odegaard's name is being tarnished by the media, and I think…” She hesitated, her voice breaking. “I think I might be pregnant.” maybe."
With startled eyes, Martha took her daughter's hands and sat down next to her.
"Have you had a test?"
"No," Rachel said. "I'm afraid. What if it comes out positive? As it stands, I could barely hold myself.
Martha gave Rachel a comforting squeeze as her eyes softened. "Hear me out, Rachel. You're one of the strongest women I've ever met" "Like you always do, you will face the situation head-on, no matter what happens. But you have to be sure, take the test. It will only become worse if you guess".
With a hint of solace in her mother's words, Rachel nodded. "I'll do it," she muttered. But not now. There is a lot going on at the moment, I don't want him to feel disappointed..... Alexander.
Her words drifted off as a flood of memories came flooding back—the way Alexander had held her after their emotional conversation, the undeniable intimacy that had blossomed between them in spite of their chaotic lives.
Could it be that something happened in the middle of all the chaos?
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Alexander was pacing the living room when Rachel got home later that night. When she came in, he looked up, his face a mixture of relief and worry.
With a sharper-than-intended tone, he inquired, "Where have you been?"
Rachel said, "With my mom," dropping her bag on the floor. "I needed some clarification."
Alexander's shoulders loosened a bit, but his gaze never left her. "Then did you get it?"
Rachel paused, subconsciously reaching for her tummy. "Not really. But I’m working on it.”
The tension was broken before Alexander could push any farther when the doorbell rang. His body tensed like he was expecting another unwanted guest, he moved to respond.
He opened the door to see a courier carrying a heavy envelope on the porch.
The man said, "Delivery for Rachel Green." Rachel moved closer, her hands shaking as she took the packet. Her heart fell when she opened it.
One sheet of paper with bold, typed lettering was inside: " You can't hide the truth forever. The world needs to know.
Alexander grabbed her before she would collapse when her knees gave out.
"Rachel," he murmured in a quiet, guarded tone. "We'll overcome this."
Rachel’s fingers tightened on the note as anger bubbled beneath her fear. Who was doing this? Who wanted to torment her family and unearth secrets that didn’t belong to the public?Her thoughts shifted back to Victoria.
She had to be the one. But what if she wasn't acting alone this time? Since Caleb Monroe's mysterious warning, there had been a lot of talk about a new player joining the game.
She trembled when she said, "Alexander." "What if I'm not the only one involved? What if we're all in their sights?
Alexander's face grew serious. "We'll be prepared for them then."
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That night, as Rachel lay awake, her hand resting on her stomach, a single thought consumed her mind: What if the truth they’re after isn’t about Odegaard? What if it’s about… this?