CHAPTER 10: Commitments

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"You can say it's just the way you are. Make a new excuse, another stupid reason." GOODLUCK! BABE - Chappell Roan

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WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS VIOLENCE AND INAPPROPRIATE WORDS THAT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO READERS.


Rachel's POV

The envelope lay innocently on the polished mahogany desk, its contents neatly folded within. My fingers drummed a staccato rhythm against the wood as my eyes bore into the unassuming paper package. With a deliberate gesture, I slid a letter opener under the flap and sliced it open, extracting the sheets with an almost reverent care.

"Let's see what we have here," I murmured to myself, unfolding the papers with precision. The lines of text were a testament to my cunning, each word confirming the success of my manipulation. A slow, self-satisfied smile curled the edges of my lips as I read the forged DNA test results.

"Perfect," I purred, my voice laced with triumph. "You really are trapped now, Lando."

I reclined in my chair, reveling in the moment. The plan had been meticulous, every detail accounted for. The smug satisfaction that surged through me was palpable—a delicious warmth that spread from my chest to my fingertips. I basked in the confidence that my web of deceit was unbreakable.

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Lando's POV

As I left the event, I found Rachel on the balcony later that evening, her figure silhouetted against the backdrop of city lights. I saw the DNA tests that the baby Rachel was carrying was mine, and I approached her with a softness in his eyes that contrasted sharply with the hard lines of the race tracks I knew so well. I've never been this jealous of Samantha. After seeing her with Stephan, I feel anger, jealousy, and a grudge toward him. I told myself that I could not and would not move on, but seeing her with him, I think this is the right time.

"Rachel," I began, my voice carrying the weight of unspoken apologies and the depth of my affection. I took her hand gently, my thumb caressing the back of her palm. I don't know why I am doing this. 

"I know I've made mistakes, more than I can count. But with you, I want everything to be different. I want us to have a future together."

She turned to face me, masking the calculation in her gaze with a practiced vulnerability that she knew would draw me in further.

"Really, Lando?" she asked, leaning into my embrace. "Can we truly start anew?"

"Absolutely," I replied, my voice steady and sure. 

"I'm committed to this—to us. Whatever it takes, I am here." The earnestness of my words hung between us, a testament to my willingness to make amends.

"Thank you, Lando," Rachel said softly, resting her head against my chest, feeling the steady beat of my heart. A heart she was ready to manipulate for her own ends. "That means everything to me."

I hugged her closer, unaware of the possibilities I may face with everything I have done. In my mind's eye, I saw a future with promise while Rachel reveled in the success of her ploy, her heart cold to the love I offered so indecisively and freely.

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Samantha's POV

The sunlight filtered through the canvas of the picnic basket as me and Stephan laid out their spread in the heart of the city park. A light breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass and laughter from nearby children playing by the fountain. Stephan popped the cork on a bottle of sparkling cider, the sound punctuating the serene atmosphere.

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