Chapter 46 He Wants to Cut Ties with Nancy?
His eyes sparkled like sudden starlight, reflecting an uncontainable joy.
Rachel could see it; he was genuinely happy, thrilled about her pregnancy, excited to become a father.
But deep inside, sadness and sorrow kept surging.
A fine, dense layer of pain enveloped her.
Steven, who professed his undying love for her and eagerly awaited their child's birth, had already been intimately involved with another woman.
She still couldn't understand how they had reached a point of mutual deceit.
Suppressing the bitterness rising in her throat, she let out a small hum, "What else? Do you think I would lie to you?"
Steven asked softly, "Did you go today? What did the doctor say?"
"The doctor said I'm newly pregnant, so I need to pay extra attention to my diet, stay warm, keep a positive mood, and avoid catching a cold. The baby is healthy."
"That's good." Steven raised his hand to touch her belly.
But Rachel slapped it away coldly, her face stern, "Do I look like I'm in a good mood? The way you look at me, it's like I'm some unforgivable criminal."
Steven quickly grabbed her hand, admitting his fault while trying to soothe her, "It's my fault, all my fault. I'm sorry, honey."
"I didn't mean anything by it. I guess I'm just a little possessive because I love you. Seeing you with another guy made me act silly. Please don't be mad."
Rachel remained expressionless, silent.
Steven felt uneasy, and he said softly, "Honey, I was wrong."
Rachel shook off his hand, "This afternoon, someone took a picture of Benjamin and me and spread rumors in the group. It was annoying."
"A picture of you and Benjamin? Rumors?" Steven's eyes widened in shock, "What's going on?"
Rachel looked at his face and briefly explained what happened in the afternoon, "Sarah was hired by me. I know her well; she wouldn't do something like this. Someone must have used her phone to send it out."
Steven listened, and a suspicion grew in his mind, his gaze darkening, "Did you find out who took the photo?"
"No, Sarah is careless and trusts everyone. But I think," Rachel pursed her lips, hesitating.
"Do you suspect Nancy?" Steven frowned slightly, "Do you have any evidence?"
"No."
Steven squeezed her hand, "You've known Nancy for years; you should know her character. She's always been good to you. Why would she do something like this to frame you?"
"Did something happen between you and her recently? Why have you two become so distant?"
Rachel glared at him and said bluntly, "I just don't like her. A woman's intuition tells me she likes you."
Steven was stunned, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, his heartbeat quickening. He instinctively raised his voice to deny it, "Impossible!"
Rachel squinted, "Why are you so agitated? Could it be...?"
"No, there's nothing!"
Steven realized he had overreacted, sighed in feigned helplessness, and affectionately pinched her nose, "When did you become so suspicious? How could she like me? Doesn't she already have a boyfriend?"
Rachel slapped his hand away again, snorting, "Who knows if she really does? I've never seen him."
"There's no reason to lie about something like that."
"Who knows?" she said, drawing out her words. "People are unpredictable; you just never know where their loyalties lie."
Steven felt something slipping away from his heart.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't grasp it.
"It's said that pregnant women tend to get sentimental. It seems true." He smiled, pinching her nose again, "Alright, stop thinking about it. Just remember, my love for you will never change."
Rachel couldn't help but picture him and Nancy locked in a passionate kiss.
Even now, she couldn't forgive Steven's betrayal.
She slowly curved her lips into a smile and asked softly, "Really, it won't change?"
"Of course!" he replied with certainty.
"Good."
Rachel responded, "Remember what you said. I'm going to take a shower."
Watching her walk into the bathroom, Steven covered his chest, which was pounding with anxiety. A pang of guilt seeped in, spreading quickly. His eyes darkened, and he felt a strong urge to cut ties with Nancy.