Chapter 14

Rachel’s Pov

Alexander’s expression turned to stone. “Don’t make assumptions, Rachel.”

I crossed my arms tightly. “Then explain it to me, Alexander. What am I supposed to believe?”

He released an irritated breath. “You walked away, Rachel. What choice did I have? Liam adores Sophia. She treats him well. Making her his mother was the logical next step.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “I really don’t care what you do, Alexander. You don’t need to justify yourself to me.”

His phone buzzed. He glanced down and his frown deepened. “I’m late for a meeting.”

Sophia offered a sugary smile. “I’ll keep Rachel company outside.”

Alexander gave a curt nod and strode off, vanishing into the corporate building.

The second he was out of sight, Sophia’s pleasant mask shattered. A smug smirk twisted her lips.

“How does it feel, Rachel?” she taunted. “After eight whole years, he still didn’t pick you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Save it, Sophia. It means nothing to me.”

She thrust out her left hand, a massive diamond glittering under the sun. “Alexander bought me the most exclusive ring. He’s obsessed with me. He picked me.”

I shrugged. “Congratulations. I’m over it.”

I moved to leave, but her fingers closed like a vise around my wrist. “I’m not finished.”

I shot her a warning look. “Let go.”

Her grip tightened painfully. “I will make sure you regret ever thinking you were good enough for Alexander.”

My control snapped. “Don’t push me, Sophia.”

She laughed mockingly. “Or what? What could you possibly do?”

I stepped closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. “Say one more word, and I will slap that smirk off your face.”

Abruptly, Sophia gasped and crumpled to the pavement.

I stared, bewildered. “What are you—”

She cradled her hand, a fresh scrape bleeding on her palm. Fake tears brimmed in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Rachel,” she whimpered loudly. “Please don’t be mad he married me and not you!”

A furious voice sliced through the tension.

“Rachel!”

Alexander charged out of the building, his face flushed with rage. “What is wrong with you?”

I frowned. “Excuse me?”

He rushed to Sophia’s side, helping her up gently. “You’re bullying her now? You know she’s pregnant!”

I went completely still.

Sophia buried her face in his chest with a theatrical sniffle.

I released a sharp breath. “I don’t have energy for this drama.” I turned on my heel and walked away without another glance.

My driver was already waiting around the corner.

“Take me home.”

The ride was silent. I leaned my head against the cool window, exhausted more than hurt.

The butler opened the door as I arrived.

Sebastian was waiting inside. His face brightened when he saw me. “You’re home.”

I nodded. “Yeah.”

His perceptive gaze scanned me. “What happened?”

I sank onto the sofa with a sigh. “My day was fine. Then I ran into Alexander and Sophia.”

Sebastian scoffed. “Naturally.”

Before I could elaborate, my phone rang.

My assistant’s name flashed on the screen.

I answered. “Yes?”

“Mrs. Rachel, I’m calling to inform you. Alexander’s company has submitted a proposal for a major deal. Approval would generate millions in revenue for them.”

My jaw tightened.

A deal? With my company?

“Reject it.” My tone left no room for argument. “I want no business dealings with Alexander’s company whatsoever.”

“Understood.”

I ended the call.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Alexander wants a deal with Sterling Enterprises?”

I shrugged. “His loss.”

Sebastian chuckled. “He has no idea who he’s dealing with.”

I allowed a slow smirk. “Not a clue.”

The doorbell chimed abruptly.

The butler moved to answer it.

Sebastian swiftly wheeled himself into position. In an instant, he became the fragile man the public knew—shoulders slightly slumped, hands resting limply on the arms of his chair. His eyes went vacant and naive.

A shrill voice pierced the room.

“I told you, Alexander! She’s actually married to him!”

Sophia.

I sighed deeply. “Perfect timing.”

The butler stepped back, revealing Sophia standing in the doorway with overdramatic shock plastered on her face.

Alexander stood beside her, his expression unreadable. His eyes darted between me and Sebastian.

I folded my arms. “What brings you here?”

Sophia sneered. “So it’s true. You actually married this… cripple.”

Alexander’s gaze turned icy. “Rachel. Explain this.”

I lifted a brow. “I think that’s my line.”

Sophia laughed mockingly. “You expect us to believe you’re happily married to a helpless man in a wheelchair?”

My hands balled into fists. “Choose your next words very carefully, Sophia.”

She smirked. “Don’t pretend you actually love him. Did you marry him for pity? Or for his money because you’re desperate?”