The Unraveled Vows Unspoken doubts!!

[But he couldn’t think about that now. All he could do was hope that by meeting her, he could keep Rachel from finding out the truth—at least until he could figure out a way to tell her himself, on his own terms.]

[But now, what's the use of being afraid or fearing losing Rachel? When the sin has already been committed, one must be prepared to face its consequences as well.]

(CONTINUE)

CHAPTER 15: RACHEL'S SILENT WORRIES

Rachel's Side

Rachel drove to Lila’s office, her mind occupied with the charity work they had planned for the day. When she arrived, Lena was already there, sorting through paperwork.

Lila Stevans

"Rachel!"

Lila exclaimed, greeting her with a warm hug.

Lila Stevans

"I’m so glad you could come. We’ve got a lot to do today."

Rachel Montgomery

"Of course, I wouldn’t miss it,"

Rachel replied with a smile.

Rachel Montgomery

"What’s on the agenda?"

Lila led Rachel to a desk filled with files and schedules.

Lila Stevans

"We’ve got a fundraiser coming up, and we’re behind on organizing. Plus, we need to finalize the budget for the new shelter we’re building. It’s going to be a busy day."

Rachel nodded, rolling up her sleeves.

Rachel Montgomery

"Let’s get to it, then."

For the next few hours, the two women worked diligently, going over details for the upcoming events, making phone calls, and coordinating with volunteers. Despite the workload, Rachel found herself enjoying the distraction. It felt good to immerse herself in something meaningful, something that made a difference.

As they took a break for lunch, Lila noticed that Rachel seemed a bit quieter than usual

Lila Stevans

"Hey,"

She said gently,

Lila Stevans

"Is everything alright? You seem a little off today."

Rachel sighed, stirring her coffee absentmindedly.

Rachel Montgomery

"It’s just… I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. Ethan and I have been through a rough patch, and even though things are better now, I can’t help but feel… uncertain."

Lila frowned, concerned etched on her face.

Lila Stevans

"Do you want to talk about it? You know I’m here for you."

Rachel hesitated, but then she nodded, needing to confide in someone.

Rachel Montgomery

"It’s just… I don’t know. For a while, it felt like Ethan was drifting away from me. We were both so busy with our own lives that we forgot to make time for each other. It got to the point where I started to wonder if he was… if there was someone else."

Rachel Montgomery

"But then, these past few days, he’s been different,"

Lila reached across the table and took Rachel’s hand in hers, offering silent support.

Rachel continued.

Rachel Montgomery

"He’s been attentive, loving, like the Ethan I married. It’s like he’s really trying, and it makes me hopeful, but also scared. What if it’s just temporary? What if we slip back into old habits?"

Lena squeezed Rachel’s hand.

Lila Stevans

"Relationships are hard, Rachel, and it’s natural to have doubts, especially after what you’ve been through. But it sounds like Ethan is making an effort. That’s a good sign. Maybe you both just need to keep working at it, and keep finding ways to reconnect."

Rachel nodded, feeling a bit better after voicing her concerns

Rachel Montgomery

"You’re right. I guess I just need to trust that we can get through this together. I love him, Lila and I want us to work."

Lila Stevans

"And you will,"

Lila assured her with a smile.

Lila Stevans

"You’re a strong woman, Rachel. Don’t forget that. And if Ethan is the man you believe him to be, he’ll fight for your marriage just as hard as you are."

Rachel smiled, grateful for Lila’s support.

Rachel Montgomery

"Thank you, Lila. I needed to hear that."

They finished their lunch and got back to work, but Rachel’s thoughts kept returning to her conversation with Lila. She knew she had to trust Ethan, to believe in the love they shared. But the nagging doubt lingered, a small voice in the back of her mind that refused to be silenced.

Little did she know, Ethan was facing his own internal battle, one that would test the strength of their marriage in ways they never could have imagined.

Meanwhile

Ethan drove to the office, his thoughts weighed down by the threat looming over him. Despite the turmoil in his mind, he knew he had to focus on the upcoming meeting with the investors.

As he entered the boardroom, he forced himself to push aside all distractions. The meeting commenced, and questions were fired at him from all sides—concerns about market volatility, expansion plans in Europe, and regulatory challenges. Ethan responded with a calm confidence that belied the storm brewing inside him.

Investor 1(Side role)

"The projections for the next quarter seem promising, but we're concerned about the market's volatility. How do you plan to mitigate the risks?"

One of the investors asked.

Ethan nodded thoughtfully, his tone measured.

Investor 2(Side role)

"We've taken measures to diversify our portfolio, focusing on more stable sectors while keeping an eye on emerging opportunities. Our research team is constantly analyzing trends to stay ahead of potential downturns."

Another investor chimed in,

Investor 1(Side role)

"And what about the expansion plans in Europe? There have been reports of potential regulatory challenges."

Ethan Montgomery

"We're aware of the challenges,"

Ethan replied,

Ethan Montgomery

"and our legal team is working closely with local partners to ensure compliance. We're also exploring alternative markets to reduce dependency on any single region."

The discussions continued, each point carefully addressed by Ethan, who managed to mask the anxiety gnawing at him. The investors seemed satisfied, and after a series of polite handshakes, they left the room. Ethan returned to his office, sinking into his chair with a sigh.

He powered up his laptop, trying to focus on the next project, but his mind kept drifting back to Maya’s message and the photograph she had sent. The thought of her possibly ruining everything he had built with Rachel was unbearable.

Just as he was about to dive into his work, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. His PA entered, her expression tense.

Lisa [PA]

"Mr. Montgomery, Maya Fernandez is here to see you,"

She said.

Ethan’s heart skipped a beat. His eyes widened in shock.

he's trying to keep his voice steady

Ethan Montgomery

"Maya? Why is she here? The project is finished... She has no reason to come to the office."

The PA hesitated before answering

Lisa [PA]

"She said it’s important, sir."

Ethan clenched his fists under the desk, anxiety threatening to overwhelm him. He knew he had no choice but to face her.

Ethan Montgomery

"Alright, let her come in."

A few moments later, the door opened, and Maya walked in, dressed to impress. She wore a sleek, form-fitting dress that accentuated her curves, her makeup flawless and her eyes gleaming with a mix of determination and something more dangerous.

She smiled as she entered, the room seeming to grow smaller with her presence.

Maya Fernandez

"Hello, Ethan,"

Maya greeted him in a soft, almost playful tone.

Maya Fernandez

"I hope I’m not interrupting anything important."

Ethan stood up, his expression hardening as he met her gaze.

Ethan Montgomery

"What are you doing here, Maya? Our business was concluded. There’s no reason for you to be in my office."

Maya’s smile widened as she slowly approached his desk, her heels clicking against the floor. She leaned against the edge of the desk, her posture casual yet suggestive.

Maya Fernandez

"Business may be concluded, but we both know there are... other matters between us that need addressing."

Ethan’s jaw tightened. He knew exactly what she was referring to, and the photograph she had sent him earlier was a clear reminder. He had hoped to avoid this confrontation, but it seemed Maya had other plans.

Ethan Montgomery

"Whatever you're planning, Maya, it ends here. I'm not going to let you ruin my life. You have no right to be here."

Maya chuckled softly, her voice dripping with mockery.

Maya Fernandez

"Oh, Ethan, don't be so dramatic. I'm not here to ruin your life. Quite the opposite, actually. I’m offering you a chance to come back to me. To us. What we had... it was special, and you know it."

Anger surged through Ethan. How could she stand here and say these things as if they had any future together? He had made mistakes, but he was determined to fix them, not fall deeper into the mess he had created.

Ethan Montgomery

"There is no 'us,' Maya. I’m married. I love my wife, and I’m going to do everything I can to protect my marriage. Whatever happened between us... it was a mistake."

Maya’s expression darkened, her smile fading as she straightened up, no longer leaning against the desk. Her eyes narrowed, and the playful tone vanished from her voice.

Maya Fernandez

"You think you can just walk away from me, Ethan? After everything? You can’t erase what happened between us. And don’t forget... I still have that photo. Do you really think Rachel would be so understanding if she saw it?"

Ethan’s heart pounded in his chest. The threat was clear, and he knew he had to tread carefully. He couldn’t afford to lose Rachel, but giving in to Maya wasn’t an option either.

To be continued

Author[Noor]

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