MY HUSBAND IS A GANGSTER

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Lies and Deception

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Four months had passed since our last encounter with Lance Donovan, the sick, sadistic ass who had been a persistent disturbance in our lives. But in those four months, something beautiful had blossomed between Neil and me.

What started as a forced arrangement had transformed into a real marriage filled with laughter, love, and a surprising amount of joy.

Neil and I had settled into a routine that felt almost normal. We cooked together, laughed at silly jokes, and even started a little vegetable garden in the backyard. Neil was attentive, loving, and everything I never expected from a man with his background.

But there was one problem. Despite our best efforts-and there were many-nothing seemed to work. I couldn't get pregnant.

Mrs. Carters, ever the iron-fisted matriarch, had given me many harsh talks, each one more discouraging than the last. "You need to try harder, Rachel," she would say, her eyes cold and calculating. "The future of this family depends on it."

As if I wasn't already trying.

One particularly harsh morning after another month of no success, I decided to go to the hospital. Neil was busy with business matters, and I didn't want to worry him further. So I made the appointment under the disguise of running errands and headed to the hospital alone.

The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, making me feel even more nervous as I sat in the waiting room. Finally, the doctor called me in.

"Mrs. Carters, please have a seat," he said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.

I took a deep breath and sat down, my heart pounding in my chest.

The doctor looked at me with a somber expression. "I'm afraid I have some difficult news. Based on your tests, it appears that you are unable to conceive."

I felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me. I nodded numbly, the weight of his words sinking in. "Is there anything we can do?"

The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, but the chances are extremely slim. There are options like adoption or surrogacy, but natural conception is unlikely."

I thanked the doctor and left the office, feeling a mix of relief and dread. What does this mean for me? For us? Mrs. Carters is going to flip.

I could already hear her voice in my head. "How could you fail at the one thing you were supposed to do?" She would say it with that icy glare, making me feel even smaller.

Back home, I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wall. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. Mrs. Carters was not going to take this news well. Would she try to get rid of me? Would she have me killed? Throw my body into a river making my death look like an accident?

Neil walked in and sat next to me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "How was your day?" he asked, his eyes filled with concern.

I forced a smile. "It was fine. Just don't ran some errands."

He seemed to sense that something was off but didn't press further. "Okay. Always here when you're ready."

I nodded, grateful for his understanding but still worried about what was to come.

The next morning, I was called to Mrs. Carters' study. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked down the long hallway, my footsteps echoing off the walls. I knocked on the door, and her voice called me in.

"Sit down, Rachel," she said without looking up from her papers.

I did as she asked, my hands clasped tightly in my lap.

"I understand you went to the hospital yesterday," she said, finally looking up at me with those piercing eyes.

I nodded, feeling my throat tighten. "Yes, ma'am."

"And what did the doctor say?"

My mind raced, trying to come up with something. If I told her the truth, she'd kill me for sure. "He said... he said that everything looks fine. We just need to keep trying," I lied, hoping she wouldn't see through me.

Her eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought she might lash out. But instead, she leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers. "This is disappointing news, Rachel. Very disappointing."

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"Sorry won't give this family an heir," she snapped. "You were supposed to ensure our legacy."

I felt a pang of guilt and frustration. "I didn't choose this. It's not my fault."

Her expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained cold. "I know. Listen, I know this situation isn't ideal for you, because just remember. We will always hold her uncle accountable if you don't do what your asked."

My face fell and my heart sank at her words.

She considered this for a moment.
Back in the safety of our room, I let out a sigh. Neil wrapped his arms around me from behind, kissing my neck. "How did it go?"

"Not so good," I admitted. "I think we're gonna have a big problem on our hands."

{TOO BE CONTINUED...}