CHAPTER 4

Two months have passed since that night, and I’ve been completely absorbed in growing my company with Donna by my side. She’s been a lifesaver, expertly managing my chaotic schedule and ensuring everything stays on track. .

But as we were pouring over the latest project details, trying to partner with Jocelynn & Harvey’s a reputable brand, a sudden wave of weakness washed over me. 

“Rachel, are you okay?” Donna asked, her voice laced with concern as she leaned closer, searching my eyes for answers.

I shook my head, feeling disoriented. “I don’t know. I just feel… weak.”

“Weak how? Like you’re coming down with something?” she pressed, her brow furrowed.

“Yeah, maybe. I’ve been so stressed lately. I thought it was just fatigue,” I admitted, 

“You need to take a break. We can pause this for today,” she said, her tone firm yet caring.

“No, I can’t. We have deadlines, and I don’t want to fall behind,” I replied, forcing a smile 

“Your health comes first, Rachel. Let’s reschedule and focus on you for a bit,” she insisted, her gaze unyielding.

I sighed, the weight of her words settling in. “You’re right. Maybe I should listen to you.”

“Good. Let’s get you home and rest. I’ll handle things here,” Donna said, 

“Thanks, Donna. I really appreciate it,” I said, feeling a flicker of relief as I gathered my things.

When I got home, I collapsed onto the couch, trying to shut out my racing thoughts.

I grabbed my phone and scrolled through messages, hoping to distract myself. That’s when I saw a text from Mia.

‘Hey girl, how are you? We need to catch up!’

I texted back, ‘Not great. Feeling a bit under the weather. Let’s plan for next week?’

A few minutes later, my phone rang. It was Mia.

‘Rachel! You sound off. What’s going on?’

As I was on the phone with Mia, I felt really nauseous and I rushed to the bathroom to puke out my guts, and I could hear Mia trying to find out if I’m ok from the background to get my attention, and when I picked the phone up, Mia asked me a question.

“When was the last time you saw your period” Mia asked me.

‘Mia, I’m not sure. Maybe two months ago?’ I admitted over the phone, my voice barely above a whisper. 

Mia’s concerned tone echoed through the line. ‘Rachel, you need to take a pregnancy test. Now.’

Panic surged through me as Mia suggested I take a pregnancy test. I tried to push the thought away, but it lingered. 

The tests confirmed my fears: two pink lines. Three tests, same result. I was pregnant.

Shock and fear washed over me. A tiny life depended on me now. 

I heard the front door open, but I couldn’t stand. My mind was elsewhere, lost in chaos. Mia’s voice called my name as she searched for me. Then, she walked into the bathroom, concern on her face.

“Hey, Rach, what’s going on?” she asked, crouching beside me.

I took a deep breath and handed her the pregnancy test. “I’m pregnant,” I said, my voice shaking.

Her eyes widened, then a huge smile spread across her face. “Oh my god, Rach! Congratulations!”

I laughed through my mix of emotions. “Thanks, Mia. I’m still processing it.”

Mia sat down beside me, putting her arm around me. “We’ll get through this.

The glamour of fashion weeks and celebrity clients felt hollow compared to the reality of impending motherhood.

I considered reaching out to the father of my unborn child. Who was he? What would his reaction be? So many questions swirled in my mind...

 I had always wanted to be a mother, but I never imagined it would happen like this.

Even after three tests, Mia insisted I go to the hospital to check on the baby. My heart raced with anticipation and fear.

The doctor was kind, and after some tests, he sat me down with a smile. “You’re almost three months pregnant... and you’re having twins.”

I felt like I’d been punched. Twins? I asked to see the ultrasound, and when I saw my babies, I broke down in tears. The doctor let me take my time.

Once I composed myself, I went home to tell Alex and Mia. Alex tried to lighten the mood, but I was still in shock.

We all cried together and brainstormed names. 

That’s when I remembered why I had called Alex—I needed his help to find out who the stranger was. After I described everything I could remember, he went back to the club to dig deeper.

Soon, he returned with the information: the stranger's name was Ethan Grey, a ruthless businessman and owner of Maverick's & Co.

The following day as I prepared to face him, I felt a mix of fear, anxiety, and determination. I was doing this for my babies. I put on a dress that made me feel strong and headed out.

At Maverick's & Co, a stern receptionist asked if I had an appointment. “No,” I admitted, my nerves kicking in. She told me Mr. Grey didn’t see anyone without one, so I asked to schedule a meeting.

After giving her my details, she smiled slightly and said, “He has an opening tomorrow at 2 PM.”

I left the office with trepidation, wondering what I was getting into. When I got home, Alex and Mia were eager for updates. “I’m seeing him tomorrow at 2 PM,” I said.

Mia’s eyes widened. “That’s so soon!”

“I need to tell him about the babies,” I replied, feeling determined.

Alex placed a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll support you every step of the way.”

The next day, I could barely sleep, so I focused on making a nutritious meal, reminding myself I was eating for two. I knew I had to prioritize my health.

In the waiting room, The receptionist informed me Ethan was still busy with a special guest. That’s when I saw her—a stunning woman in designer clothes walking out of Ethan’s office. I turned to the receptionist. “Who was that?”

“That’s Ethan’s fiancée, Sophia Greenwood” she whispered. “They’re getting married.” My heart sank.

My world began to crumble around me. Fiancée? As in, he's engaged?

The secretary kept talking, oblivious to my shock. “Yeah, I heard that her family business is thriving and as such Ethan’s company decided to partner up to boost their publicity everywhere and both Dad’s are rivals but they see eye to eye for the union of this marriage.

Leaving his office felt like closing a chapter. I decided to raise my kids myself. Sure, it was devastating that they might not grow up with a dad, but I promised to be both parents for them.

Nine months later…

Those months were a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes. My body was taken over by tiny humans, and the pregnancy hormones were a rollercoaster—one moment euphoric, the next a hot mess of tears.

Nausea and vomiting were relentless. I couldn’t keep anything down. Mia and Alex were lifesavers, bringing me crackers and ginger ale and holding my hair back during my bathroom runs.

But then there were the mood swings. One minute, I was sobbing over a commercial; the next, I was yelling at Alex for leaving the toothpaste cap off. Poor guy didn't know what hit him.

Despite the chaos, I read parenting books, attended prenatal classes, and decorated the nursery with Mia's help. We picked out adorable onesies, and I couldn’t wait to meet my tiny humans.

Then, the day arrived. My water broke, and I knew it was time. I was ready to meet my babies.

In the hospital bed, clutching my belly through contractions, I thought about how I got here—surprise pregnancy, the decision to raise them alone, the months of anticipation.

Mia and Alex were by my side, coaching me through the pain. The doctor entered, smiling. "It’s time to push."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. Two hours later, my babies were born.

"Congratulations, Rachel," the doctor said, holding up my tiny daughter. "You have a beautiful baby boy."

Tears streamed down my face as I gazed at him, overwhelmed. Moments later, my second baby boy arrived. "Welcome to the world, little ones," I whispered, heart overflowing.

But then, I noticed the doctors exchanging nervous glances. "What’s going on?" I asked, trying to sit up.

"You're having another contraction," one nurse said.

I couldn’t believe it. Another contraction? But I had just given birth!

The doctor’s expression shifted. "There’s another baby in there!"

I was in shock. How was that possible?

Then, everything started to blur. I felt dizzy as blood rushed from my body. The urgency in the room escalated.

"Stay still, Rachel," a nurse urged as I felt a sharp pain.

Machines beeped and voices shouted orders. Then, I heard the faintest cry.

"Your baby girl is here," the doctor said, holding her up for me to see.

I reached out, but my arms felt heavy. They helped me hold her, and I marveled at her tiny face.

But something felt off. She was so fragile, and the machines beeped ominously.

"What’s wrong?" I asked, trying to stay calm.

"She’s having trouble breathing. We need to get her to the NICU," the doctor replied.

I felt panic rise inside me as they rushed my baby girl away. 

Mia and Alex held my hands, trying to comfort me, but I was consumed with fear for my daughter.

I nodded, still focused on my baby. Then, the NICU doctor entered, looking somber. "We need to talk about your baby girl."

My heart dropped. "Is she okay?" I asked, voice shaking.

"She’s stable for now, but her lungs are underdeveloped," the NICU doctor explained. "We need to keep her on oxygen and run some tests."

I tried to stay strong, but inside, I was crumbling. My baby was fighting for her life, and I felt helpless.

"Rachel, we need to stabilize you before you can see her," the doctor said. I nodded, but the uncertainty was killing me.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doctor said, "You’re stable enough to see your baby now."

Tears filled my eyes as they wheeled me into the NICU. I saw my baby girl for the first time since her birth. She was so small, surrounded by machines, but still beautiful.

"Hi, baby girl," I whispered, reaching out to touch her tiny hand.

"She’s doing well, considering," the nurse said. "We’re monitoring her closely."

As I held her hand, a sense of calm washed over me. She was strong.

Mia and Alex approached, tears in their eyes. "She’s so beautiful," Mia whispered.

I nodded, beaming. "She is. She’s perfect."

The nurse asked if I wanted to hold her, and I eagerly agreed. As I cradled my baby girl, joy flooded through me.

I thought about my two boys, born just hours before, healthy and strong. "Your boys are doing great," the nurse said. "Would you like to see them?"

I nodded. I couldn’t wait to hold them again. The nurse brought them to me, and I felt like the luckiest person in the world, cradling all three of my babies.

My boys were big and strong compared to their tiny sister, but they were all perfect. As I looked at them, I felt complete, overwhelmed with love and joy.

Mia and Alex joined me, tears in their eyes. "They’re so beautiful," Mia said.

I smiled. "They are my everything." In that moment, I knew I would do anything to protect them.