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Chapter 56
Rachel’s POV
I sat on the edge of the bed, watching Nathan review military documents at the desk across the room.
The afternoon had stretched into an uncomfortable silence between us. Every now and then, he’d glance up, his eyes meeting mine before quickly returning to his papers.
“How are you feeling?” he asked without looking up.
“Good,” I lied.
Nathan nodded, seemingly satisfied with my answer. “You should rest. It’s good for the baby.”
Not our child. Just the heir he needed.
As evening approached, Nathan gathered his documents. “I have a meeting with Raymond and the King. I’ll be gone for dinner.”
“That’s fine,” I said softly, hair falling forward to hide my expression. I’ve canceled dinner with Victoria and Gina anyway. I’m not feeling up to it.”
He paused at the door, almost as if he wanted to say something more, but then simply nodded and left.
The moment Nathan’s scent faded from the corridor, I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.
I slipped into the bathroom and ran a hot bath, desperate to wash away his scent that clung to my skin like a cruel reminder of
what would never be mine.
As I soaked in the fragrant water, I pressed my palms against my still–flat stomach.
“My life will never be normal,” I whispered to myself. “The sooner I accept my fate, the better. No matter how Nathan acts around me–no matter how I pretend to be happy–I have to accept that I’m only useful as a breeder.”
I stepped out of the bath and wrapped myself in a plush robe, my thoughts continuing their dark spiral. “Once I give birth to his heir, my life ends too.”
Settling onto the sofa in the living area, I fought against the burning sensation behind my eyes. “Don’t cry, Rachel. Tears are the most useless thing in the world!”
A knock at the door startled me from my thoughts. Hastily wiping away any trace of moisture from my cheeks, I composed myself.
It must be Zoe with my dinner.
“Come in,” I called.
The door opened, and my heart skipped a beat when Madison stepped inside instead of the maid. Her perfectly styled hair and designer dress made me acutely aware of my damp copper strands and simple robe.
“Hey, Rachel,” she said,
I stood to face her, no longer afraid. What could she possibly do to me that was worse than what awaited me after childbirth?
“What can I help you with?” I asked coolly, tucking a strand of copper hair behind my ear.
1/2
Chapter 56
Madison closed the door behind her. ‘Look, I know we’ve never seen eye to eye, partly because of me-”
“Partly?” I raised an eyebrow sarcastically.
“Yes.” Her brown–green eyes flashed. “You and I both want Nathan. Don’t kid yourself.”
My wolf stirred within me, defensive yet resigned. “What’s your point Madison? You wouldn’t want Nathan to find you here alone with me.”
“Listen, I came to say I’m sorry,” she said bluntly.
“What?” I couldn’t hide my shock.
“You heard me. I’m apologizing,” Madison said, looking uncomfortable with the words. “I shouldn’t have attacked you. I know you’re pregnant now, which makes what I did…”
I struggled to process this unexpected development. “The past is the past. I’m not one to hold grudges, Madison. I appreciate the gesture. You shouldn’t stay too long though, Nathan wouldn’t like it
Madison didn’t move toward the door as I’d hoped. Instead, she fixed me with an intense stare and said words that froze my blood. “I know Nathan plans to ‘release‘ you after you give birth.”
My face paled instantly. “What?” I said, instinctively placing a protective hand over my stomach.
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” I lied, though my racing heart betrayed me.
Madison shook her head. “You don’t need to pretend with me. How I know doesn’t matter. It’s true, and you don’t need to deny it.”
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