94

CHAPTER 94
Rebecca’s eyes filled with tears. “Leo, I forgave him,” she said. “Why can’t you?”
Leo’s face softened for a moment, but then he shook his head. “I can’t forgive him, Mom. I just can’t.”
Rachel could see the pain and conflict in both of their eyes, and she knew that there was nothing she could say to make it better. She decided to change the subject.
“Leo, we made some progress on the investigation today,” she said, hoping to distract him. “We got an anonymous tip that eliminated a few suspects.”
Leo turned to her, his expression softening. “That’s great, Rachel,” he said, placing a hand on her cheek. “Thank you for working so hard on this.”
Rachel smiled and leaned into his touch. “Of course,” she said. “We’re in this together.”
Leo shut her up by kissing her deeply, the anger of the earlier conversation dissipating as they lost themselves in each other.
Rachel woke up early, eager to begin her day. She got dressed in a navy blue pantsuit, paired with a white shirt and black stiletto heels. She walked to her office, where her model friend and her sponsor company agent were already waiting for her.
“Good morning, ladies,” Rachel said as she walked in, a smile on her face. “Are we ready to find the perfect place for my brand house?”
Her model friend, Sarah, beamed at her. “Yes, we are! I can’t wait to see what you’ve picked out for us.”
The agent, Caroline, pulled out her tablet and began showing Rachel the different properties they had narrowed down for her. Rachel’s eyes lit up when she saw a beautiful, spacious building in the heart of the city. It had large windows, exposed brick walls, and an open floor plan that would be perfect for her fashion house.
“I love it!” Rachel exclaimed, turning to Sarah. “What do you think?”
Sarah’s eyes widened as she took in the stunning building. “Rachel, it’s perfect. I can already imagine our models walking down the runway here.”
Rachel grinned. “That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear.”
After finalizing the details with the agent, Rachel surprised Sarah by offering her a deal to manage their models. Sarah was overjoyed and hugged Rachel tightly.
“I can’t believe it, Rachel. Thank you so much!”
Rachel smiled at her friend. “You deserve it, Sarah. You’re going to be great at this.”
As they walked out of the building, Rachel’s phone rang. It was Will, her trusted photographer.
“Hey, Will,” Rachel said, answering the call. “Just calling to remind you to cover my fashion show debut. It’s going to be amazing, I promise.”
Will chuckled on the other end. “Of course, Rachel. You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Rachel grinned. “Great. I’ll see you there.”
As Rachel made her way home, she felt a wave of happiness wash over her. She realized that for the first time, she had formed a bond with the life growing inside of her. She gently touched her stomach, feeling the small bump that was beginning to form.
As she walked through the door of her home, she thought about telling Leo the good news. But she hesitated, unsure of the right time. She knew that they were still dealing with the aftermath of Leo’s father’s arrest, and she didn’t want to add any more stress to their lives.
For now, she decided to keep the news to herself and focus on her work. She had a fashion show to plan and a brand house to open, and nothing was going to stop her from achieving her dreams.
****
Rachel’s phone rang and she saw her mother’s name on the caller ID. She answered with a smile, happy to hear her mother’s voice.
“Hey Mom, what’s up?” Rachel asked.
“I miss you, sweetheart,” Madeline replied. “We should have a slumber party like we used to when you were younger.”
Rachel felt a pang of nostalgia at the thought. She and her best friend Celine used to have sleepovers at their house all the time, with pizza, movies, and lots of giggling.
“That sounds like fun, Mom,” Rachel said. “When were you thinking?”
“How about this weekend?” Madeline suggested. “I’ll invite Celine too.”
Rachel agreed and they made plans for the weekend. As she hung up the phone, Rachel felt a sudden wave of nausea. She put her hand on her stomach and took a deep breath. Maybe it was just something she ate.
On the day of the slumber party, Rachel arrived at her mother’s house with a bag full of her favorite pajamas and snacks. Celine was already there, and they hugged and squealed like they were teenagers again.
Her mother had prepared a delicious dinner and they all sat around the table chatting and catching up on each other’s lives. As her mother brought out her favorite dish, Rachel’s stomach churned and she felt the urge to throw up.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Rachel said, pushing the plate away. “I think I ate too much earlier. I’m still full.”
Madeline looked at her with concern. “Are you feeling okay, honey? You look a little pale.”
“I’m fine, Mom,” Rachel said, forcing a smile. “Just tired, I guess.”
Celine excused herself to go take a shower and Madeline took the opportunity to ask her daughter some personal questions.
“How’s Leo doing?” Madeline asked. “Are you two happy?”
Rachel sighed, knowing where this was going. “We’re good, Mom. Just busy with work and stuff.”
Madeline leaned in closer. “Rachel, is there something you’re not telling me? Your behavior has been strange ever since you arrived.”
Rachel hesitated, unsure of how to answer. She looked down at her lap, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.
“I don’t understand, mum?”
Of course you understand.” She said, bending towards her to whisper. “I think you’re pregnant.”
Rachel feels her stomach drop at her mother’s revelation. She had been planning on telling Leo about the pregnancy, but the thought of actually saying it out loud to him had been daunting.
“Mom, how did you know?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Madeline chuckles, “Oh, come on, Rachel. I’m your mother. I know you better than anyone.”
Rachel smiled feebly at her mother’s response, but the nerves were still there. “I just don’t know how to tell Leo,” she admits.
Madeline took her daughter’s hand, “Just be honest with him, Rachel. He loves you, and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled about the news.”
Celine emerged from the shower, and they all sat down to breakfast. Rachel’s mother was beaming with excitement, and Rachel felt a sense of relief that someone knew about her pregnancy. As they ate, Rachel’s mind wandered to the moment she’ll tell Leo. She hoped that he’d be as excited as her mother.