JAKE’S POVRunning COI might have looked easy from the outside, but the truth was far from it. I was always juggling something—if it wasn’t COI, it was one of my other companies demanding my attention. And in the back of my mind, there was the Crawfords. They hadn’t made a move in a month, and I would be an idiot to think they had simply given up. They were biding their time, plotting something, and I wasn’t going to let my guard down.I’d increased security both at the office and at home. I didn’t tell Rachael about it; there was no need to make her more anxious than she already was. She had just started her own company, and I was proud of how hard she was working. I wanted to involve her in managing some of my other businesses, but the timing wasn’t right. She deserved the chance to focus on her dream without my baggage weighing her down.When she found me earlier, going through a stack of papers, they weren’t just any papers—they were COI’s financials and legal documentation. I’d b
RACHAEL’S POV“Congratulations, you’re pregnant!” the nurse announces with a bright smile, her voice almost too cheerful for the moment.My heart skips a beat, and I turn to Jake. Our eyes meet, and the tension in the room becomes almost suffocating. I can feel the weight of his stare, as if he’s trying to process the words just as I am.I clear my throat, looking up at the nurse. “You must be wrong. I can’t be pregnant,” I tell her, my voice wavering but firm.The nurse glances at her clipboard, her smile faltering slightly. “No, Rachael. You are definitely pregnant. We’ve done the tests,” she insists, her tone gentle but resolute.She’s not hearing me.“That’s impossible,” I reply, my voice cracking slightly. “a few years ago, my ex-husband’s family doctor told me I could never have a baby. Something about my uterus….”The nurse’s brow furrows, confusion flickering across her face. She glances between me and Jake, clearly unsure how to respond. “Let me get the doctor,” she finally s
CHAPTER SEVENTY~ONEI couldn’t believe the news the nurse had dropped on us—Rachael, pregnant? It didn’t make sense. She had once told me that her inability to have children was one of the reasons Jack had left her. And now, out of nowhere, she’s ….?When she asked me that question—whether I thought she knew she could get pregnant—I froze. My reaction felt justifiable. Anyone in my position would have been caught off guard, too. I wanted to stay with her while they ran the second test, but she practically chased me out of the room.I spent some time pacing in the waiting room, but the sterile smell of the hospital started getting to me. Hospitals always did, ever since my mom's ordeal. The memories of sitting helplessly beside her bed were still fresh in my mind. I needed air and space to think. Before I knew it, I was in my car, driving aimlessly through the city.If I am honest with myself, the timing couldn’t have been worse. If the results came back positive, and I was the father,
RACHAEL’S POVAs I lie there in the hospital bed, replaying my conversation with Dr. Stevens, my heart feels like it has shattered into a million pieces. Why did the Crawford's family doctor do this to me? Was he forced to do it, and was Jack in it, too? I sigh, “Those psychopaths.” I mutter under my breath.A million questions swirl in my mind, each more unsettling than the last. But I know I won’t find the answers lying here in this sterile room. I need to get out of there, but my body still feels weak, and my head spins every time I try to move.I think about calling Jake, but I quickly dismiss the idea. We’ll talk once I get home. For now, the task is to convince the doctor I am fine enough to leave.When Dr. Stevens returns to check on me, I force myself to sit up, ignoring the dizziness threatening to pull me back down.“You seem okay, Rachael,” he notes while checking my vitals. His tone is neutral, but there is something in his eyes—guilt, maybe? “I’m sorry I had to be the one
Jake's POV"That son of a bitch," I mutter under my breath, pacing the living room as if the movement will somehow give me a solution. My mind races with Jack’s demands—one hundred million dollars and the return of COI. And if I don’t deliver? He’ll kill Rachael.I can still hear the fear in her voice from that call, the helplessness that cut through me like a blade. I clench my fists and swallow down the rising guilt. If I had stayed in the hospital with her, if I hadn’t been so selfish—none of this would’ve happened. She’d been blindsided by the pregnancy just like I had, yet I left her alone to face everything.Jack can’t know about the baby. At least, I prayed he didn’t. If he finds out, she is as good as dead. That child has Crawford blood, and Jack will see it as a threat to his plans for COI. I shake my head and block out the worst-case scenario. She wouldn’t tell him. Rachael is smart.I sink onto the couch and force my mind to focus. There must be a way. Giving in to Jack’s d
RACHAEL’S POV"Good to see you again, Rachael.” Karen declares, her voice dripping with condescension.Every fiber in me wants to leap from this chair and wipe the smug look off her face, but the ropes binding my hands and feet leave me powerless. Instead, I follow Jake’s lead and act confident. I force a tight-lipped smile, locking eyes with her.Karen tilts her head, studying me like I am an insect under a magnifying glass. She turns her attention to Jake, ignoring my unspoken challenge entirely."What do you want, Karen?" I demand, cutting to the point.She doesn’t even glance in my direction. Instead, she focuses on Jake, who is staring at me, willing me to keep my composure."Jake," Karen begins, her voice smooth as silk, "Jack made his demands. But now, the stakes are higher. COI and two hundred million dollars for both your freedoms."Jack comes and stands near me like some grotesque guard dog and nods in agreement. He looms closer, his presence meant to intimidate Jake, but Ja
JAKE'S POVThe gunshot is still ringing in my ears. I quickly pick up the gun Karen has dropped, and I aim it at Micheal. My eyes dart to where Jack had been lying just seconds ago—he’s gone. The spot is empty.Damn it.I focus back on Micheal, my grip tightening on the gun. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rachael drop to her knees beside Karen. She presses her hands against Karen’s stomach, trying to slow the bleeding.This woman.She’s trying to save the same woman who was ready to pull the trigger on her.Micheal freezes, slowly lowering his gun to the ground and raising his hands in surrender. His face is pale, but his eyes meet mine without flinching."Jake, listen to me," he says, his voice calm despite the situation. "I can explain. It’s not what you think."From the distance, I hear sirens—police, maybe an ambulance. Micheal’s eyes flick toward the sound, then back to me."Jake," he says firmly, "put the gun down before they bust in here.""Not a chance," I growl, my aim st
JAKE'S POV“We should get a divorce.”Her words echo in my mind like a broken record as I drive to the hospital. Rachael had gone on and on about how our marriage had caused her more harm than good and how she needed to think about someone else now. I barely listened. I was too stunned to process what she was saying.I had come to make sure Karen couldn’t escape. The thought of her slipping away sent a chill down my spine. She’d proven herself to be more dangerous than Jack, and leaving room for her to escape wasn’t an option. Jack had managed to get away, but the police were on his trail. Eventually, they’d catch him. I had trust in that.Karen was fresh out of surgery, recovering in her ward. A uniformed officer stands guard outside her door. That eases my nerves slightly, but not enough. I approach the officer and explain how dangerous she is and what might happen if she escapes. He assures me they’ll double down on the security and ensure someone will always be on duty.Satisfied,
Two years later.RACHAEL."Ms Rachael, all the meetings have been pushed to Monday," my secretary says with a warm smile. "You can go enjoy your wedding weekend."I exhale deeply, letting out a relieved laugh. "Thank you, Claire. You'll be there, right?" I ask, squinting playfully."Of course! Wouldn’t miss it for the world, “she replies before closing the door behind her.I had reopened my marketing firm and focused on luxury brands. It had been a dream of mine ever since I worked for Mrs Raymond all those years ago. One year in and we had acquired clients all over the country. Jake had been my rock through it all.I lean back in my chair, tapping my feet excitedly on the floor. "I’m getting married," I whisper to myself, a grin spreading across my face.After organizing my desk and shutting down my laptop, I grab my bag and wave goodbye to my team."See you all on Monday!" I call out, heading toward the exit.Waiting for me outside is a familiar, handsome face I hadn’t seen in a few
JAKE’S POVThe day of our trip is finally here. I stop by Rachael’s mom’s house to pick them up. Dean is practically bouncing with excitement, unable to contain his joy about flying on a plane again.Rachael’s mom walks us out to the car, her eyes glistening with tears as she hugs Rachael and Dean tightly.“I’m going to miss you two so much,” she says, her voice trembling.“Mom, we’re not going away forever,” Rachael reassures her, squeezing her in return.Her mom crouches down to Dean’s level and wraps him in another warm hug.“Grandma’s going to miss you the most,” she whispers to him before planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.She then turns to me, her expression soft but serious, and pulls me aside. “Take care of them, will you?” she orders, hugging me.“I promise,” I reply, bending down to return the hug.She leans in closer and whispers something into my ear. Whatever she says makes Rachael look at us with suspicion from where she is standing. I just smile and ignore her cur
RACHAEL’S POV“That was a nice surprise,” Jake mutters, his voice breathless as he leans back against the couch.I chuckle, nodding. “You are welcome.”We both glance around the living room and burst into laughter. The place is an absolute mess—pillows on the floor, a lamp knocked over, and even a picture frame tilted on the wall. This isn’t me at all. Jake was bringing out a side of me I didn’t even know existed. It was wild, exciting, and so out of character, but I loved it.“There’s food in the kitchen if you’re hungry,” he says, brushing my shoulder lightly.“I’m good. I had dinner at my mom’s before I came,” I reply, tilting my head to look at him. “But I’ll take some water.”Jake stands and heads to the fridge. My eyes follow him, lingering on his waistline and the defined muscles of his back. A small smile plays on my lips as I lean back into the couch.He comes back with a glass of water and hands it to me.“Not that I’m complaining, Rachael, but how did you know where to find
JAKE’S POVI couldn’t wipe the grin off my face as I drove to the penthouse. The last 24 hours had been the best of my life. Having Rachael in my arms all night felt like a dream. Watching her sleep was a moment I would replay in my mind forever.It had cost us so much to get here, but we finally made it. I wasn’t about to waste any more time.Before I even pull into the basement, I grab my phone, call my attorney and financial manager, and instruct them to meet me at the penthouse as soon as possible. There is much to plan—starting with selling the house in Oakwood. I didn’t want to keep any ties to that place. It is a crime scene, but It is Oakwood—someone will still buy it without a second thought.Next, I need to file for the divorce and get the process moving for our clean slate. And then, the most important job is finding a home for us. Somewhere, we could truly start over in peace.But I already had a plan for that. It was going to be a surprise for her.By the time I get to the
RACHAEL’S POVFor the first time in weeks, I slept through the night without tossing and turning. Jake and I spent the entire night cuddling, and I couldn’t remember the last time I felt this... peaceful.I’d called my mom to let her know I wasn’t going, and she agreed to put Dean to bed, though I suspected she knew there was more to the story.I turn to watch Jake as he sleeps. He looks so handsome and peaceful.“Stop staring, Rachael,” he murmurs, a lazy smile spreading across his lips.I laugh softly, surprised he’s awake. “I thought you were asleep.”His eyes flutter open, locking with mine. For a moment, we just gaze at each other, no words needed. Then I sit up and reach for his shirt, slipping it on as I climb out of bed.“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice husky from sleep.I laugh, shaking my head at his question. “You’re aware we have a child, right?” I tease.Jake sits up, his messy hair only making him look more irresistible. “And?” he counters with a playful smirk.
JAKE’S POVAfter giving me the best blowjob of my life, Rachael suddenly pulls away and stands up slowly. Without hesitation, I grab her waist and lift her effortlessly. Her legs wrap around me as if they belong there. I carry her to the wall and pin her gently but firmly. My mouth crashes into hers and I kiss her with a passion I didn’t know I had in me. Her hands dig into my back, pulling me closer, and I feel her nails bite into my skin—a sweet pain that only fuels my desire.I adjust her slightly, aligning us perfectly, and in one fluid motion, I enter her. A soft groan escapes me as her warmth surrounds me. She arches her back to me, her pleasure matching mine. One of my hands supports her while the other moves to her back, keeping her steady as I begin to move my hips in slow, deliberate circles.Her head falls back, and I lean down, my lips finding her chest. My teeth graze her nipple, biting it gently just enough to draw a gasp from her. The sound of her pleasure pushes me fur
RACHAEL’S POV“I love you, Rachael,” Jake repeats it, his voice gentle and softer this time, as if to ensure the words truly reach me. My breathing slows and the words sink into me like a wave washing over the shore.I never thought I’d ever hear those words from him. Jake, who carried himself with such control and restraint. But now, those walls he had worked so hard to put up were gone, leaving only vulnerability in his eyes.“I’ve loved you since the day I met you in that club,” he whispers leaning in closer leaving no space between us. My body starts to tremble, every nerve alive with the intensity of the moment. My lips part slightly, the words forming before I can stop them.“I love you too, J—”Before I finish the sentence, his mouth finds mine, cutting off my words with a kiss that steals my breath. The kiss is filled with passion, longing, and something deeper which makes my head spin.I stretch my hands and wrap them around his neck, pulling him closer. My fingers tangle in
JAKE’S POV.Rachael rubs her eyes for what feels like the hundredth time."J..ake?" she slurs drunkenly.I start moving closer, and her legs give out again, and she collapses. I catch her before she hits the ground, and her body limps in my arms.“Rachael,” I call, though I know she can’t hear me.I carry her to the car I’d driven to the beach, her weight almost nothing in my arms. Her face is flushed and I can smell the whiskey on her breath.I drive her to the small apartment I’ve been laying low these past few days. I carry her out of the car, careful not to jostle her too much, and gently place her on the bed.I sit beside her and stare at her chest rise and fall steadily. She looks like she has been crying for days and I know I have something to do with that.Suddenly, she stirs, and her eyelids flutter open. She sits up abruptly, her eyes darting around the unfamiliar room.“Where am I?” she asks, her voice hoarse and disoriented.I reach out and gently tap her shoulder. Her wid
RACHAEL’S POVOn my way out of the hospital, I feel a light tap on my back. I turn around, and my breath catches. A face I hadn’t seen in years stares back at me.“Amy?” I call out, leaning in for a hug before she can say anything. She hugs me back, though stiffly. I feel the awkwardness and pull away. She looks at me like she’s seen a ghost.Her eyes roam from my head to my toes, and I stand there, waiting for her to say something.“What are you doing here?” she asks finally, her brows furrowed in confusion.“I... I had come to—” I falter, unable to bring myself to say the words out loud.Instead, I change the subject quickly. “You? How have you been? It’s been ages since we talked.”Her face tightens, and I can tell she doesn’t want small talk.“Rachael, you disappeared on me without a word. Let’s skip the pretense.” She replies, her tone cold and distant.Before I say anything else, I see Ethan approaching from behind her, and with him is a little girl, probably around Dean’s age.