Chapter 116
Rachel’s POV
Solcha and I wandered among vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted baby items.
Despite the pleasant weather and cheerful atmosphere, I couldn’t shake a strange sensation crawling up my spine–a feeling of being watched.
“What’s wrong?” Selena asked, noticing my unease as I glanced over hy shoulder for the third time. “You look tense.”
I forced a smile, trying to appear casual. “Nothing. Probably just pregnancy hormones acting up again.”
But my hand instinctively moved to my growing belly, as if to shield my baby from invisible eyes.
We continued through the market, picking up ingredients for the dinner I planned to prepare for Carter’s return from his business trip.
I’d be looking forward to cooking something special–a small gesture of appreciation for all he’d done for us.
“Did you find everything you need?” Selena asked, adjusting the weight of the shopping basket on her arm.
I frowned, examining my list. “We’re missing a few spices for the sauce.”
“We could try that little shop around the corner,” Selena suggested.
I nodded in agreement, but as we turned to leave, that same unsettling feeling intensified.
My eyes darted around, searching for the source. All I could see were the two warriors Carter had assigned to accompany us, keeping their distance but vigilantly watching.
Unlike Nathan’s guards, who would have been breathing down my neck, Carter’s men respected my privacy while ensuring my safety.
The crowded street bustled with shoppers as we made our way toward the spice shop.
Children laughed, vendors called out their wares, and people haggled over prices–ordinary island life carried on all around us.
Then I heard it.
“Rachel!”
My heart stopped. That voice–deep, commanding, unmistakable.
Nathan’s voice!!!
Before I could turn toward the sound, one of the warriors suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me aside.
“Watch out!” he shouted as several children on bicycles zoomed past narrowly missing where I’d been standing.
The second warrior immediately moved to confront the children. “No bikes in the market area!” he called after them sternly.
“Are you alright?” the first guard asked, releasing my arm once the danger had passed.
“I’m okay,” I assured him, trying to appear calm while my heart raced “Thank you.”
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Chapter 116
selena rushed to my side, eyes wide with concern. “Let me see. Her hands hovered over my belly. “Is the baby okay?–
I nodded, still distracted. “We’re both fine.
Good Selena sighed with relief. “Let’s go get those spices.”
I suddenly felt exhausted, the weight of my emotions heavier than my pregnancy. “Actually, could you help me get them quickly? I’m feeling a bit tired.”
“Of course,” Selena agreed, her brow furrowed with concern. “You wait here with the guards.”
As Selena disappeared into the shop, I battled with myself internally, Part of me wants to find Nathan, to confirm he’s really here. But another part is relieved I didn’t.
If he truly is on this island, what would that mean? Am I ready to face him?
Selena came back shortly after, and we wasted no time getting home. I was anxious about sticking around too long–afraid I might run into someone I really didn’t want to see.
When we got home, I quickly sat down on the couch. Selena poured me a glass of water and said, “Have some water. You don’t look so good.” I said thanks, and despite my slightly shaky hands, I managed to contain the turmoil inside. I can’t care too much about him. I need to move forward.
As soon as we got home, I collapsed onto the couch. Selena brought me a glass of water, saying, “Here, drink this–you look pretty shaken up.”
I thanked her, and even though my hands were trembling a bit, I somehow kept my inner chaos in check.
Seeing that my mood had improved, Selena said, “Then I’ll go now. Get some good rest.”
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