Chapter 14
The next morning, Rachel’s eyes snapped open at dawn-pure muscle memory from years of prison routine.
Her body clock had been locked into military precision during those three years behind bars. She lay there for a moment, disoriented by the unfamiliar room.
It took her a few seconds to remember she wasn’t in a cell anymore.
Downstairs, Joanne and Arthur were waiting for her in the living room.
Joanne took a breath, clearly steeling herself. “Rachel, now that you’re back, we need to talk about your engagement situation.”
Rachel’s lashes fluttered, but she stayed silent.
Seeing no response, Joanne’s tone grew colder. “This whole thing with you and Jaxon-you basically forced that engagement on him. He never had feelings for you, and deep down, you know that. It’s been three years. Time to let go.”
She paused, glancing toward the kitchen with obvious affection. “Sophie is such a sweet girl, so thoughtful. She and Jaxon actually click. I’ve watched them together these past few years, and it just breaks my heart…” Her voice softened with genuine emotion. “Honestly, if she hadn’t been here to support me while you were gone, I don’t think I would’ve made it through.”
When she turned back to Rachel, every trace of warmth had vanished. “Now that you’re back, things can’t just go back to how they were. You need to step aside for Sophie. She’s got such a gentle nature-she’d never fight for what she wants. As adults, we have to look out for her. Unlike you, who’s been stubborn and difficult since day one.”
Her voice dropped to an almost whisper, somewhere between pleading and threatening. “Stop being so selfish. Don’t ruin Sophie’s chance at happiness. A man like Jaxon… someone with your attitude could never handle him anyway.”
The blatant favoritism was staggering. Rachel listened to every word, her expression completely blank. Finally, a cold smile played at her lips. “So… I should just step aside gracefully for your precious little princess?”
Her voice was soft but dripping with sarcasm. “What a wonderful mother you are. Throwing your own daughter under the bus to protect someone else’s interests.”
She glanced toward the kitchen where their beloved Sophie was probably making breakfast, her eyes ice-cold. “Relax. I wouldn’t touch Jaxon Rothschild with a ten-foot pole. Whoever wants that mess can have him.”
Rachel walked back to her room without another word. The families might want this marriage to happen, but she sure as hell wasn’t marrying Jaxon.
She thought of someone else.
After hesitating for what felt like forever, she finally dialed a number.
“You there?” Rachel asked when the call connected.
A deep voice answered, “Yeah.”
Rachel’s hand was actually trembling around the phone. “Wanna get married?”
