Chapter 28

Nate's POV

Nate had felt a gnawing sense of paranoia for days now. Everywhere he went, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him, tracking his every move. His instincts told him it wasn't just his imagination. With everything that had been happening, it wasn't hard to believe that Rachel had people following him, making sure he didn't stray too far from her control.

Sitting in his car one evening, Nate decided he couldn't ignore the feeling any longer. He pulled out his phone and dialed his best friend, Kevin. He needed someone he could trust, someone outside of this twisted mess who could give him perspective.

Kevin answered on the second ring. "Hey, man, what's up?"

Nate hesitated, unsure of how much to share. "Kev, something's off. I feel like I'm being watched, but I can't prove it."

There was a pause on the other end before Kevin responded, his voice tense. "Watched? By who?"

Nate glanced around the parking lot, his eyes narrowing as he spotted a car that had been parked in the same spot for hours. "I think it's Rachel. She's been acting strange, and every time I try to find out the truth, something or someone blocks me."

Kevin's voice dropped to a low, serious tone. "Nate, listen to me—stay away from Rachel. She's dangerous, and you know it. If she's really watching you, she's got something to hide, and you don't want to be caught in the middle of it."

Nate sighed, leaning back in his seat. "I know, Kev. But I need to figure out what she's up to. I can't just walk away without knowing."

Kevin was silent for a moment before he spoke again. "Just be careful, alright? Don't do anything stupid."

Nate nodded, even though Kevin couldn't see him. "I will. Thanks, man."

After hanging up, Nate decided to confront Rachel directly. He needed answers, and he needed to know where they stood. He called her and suggested they meet at a popular restaurant—somewhere public where she wouldn't try anything drastic.

Rachel agreed without hesitation, her voice smooth and sweet, like she had nothing to hide. But Nate wasn't fooled. He knew this game all too well.

Later that evening, Nate walked into the restaurant, spotting Rachel at a corner table. She looked composed, even radiant, but there was something in her eyes that put him on edge. She greeted him with a smile, but Nate didn't bother returning it. He sat down across from her, keeping his expression neutral.

Before he could say anything, Rachel leaned in, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Nate, I'm glad you called. There's something I need to tell you."

Nate raised an eyebrow, wary. "What is it?"

Rachel reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. Nate watched, confused, as she opened it to reveal a pregnancy test. She handed it to him, her hands trembling slightly.

Nate stared at the test, his mind going blank as he registered the two red lines. "Rachel, what is this?"

She sighed dramatically, looking down as if embarrassed. "I'm pregnant, Nate. It happened that night I took you home from the hospital. You were so distraught, and we…we slept together. I didn't want to tell you like this, but I'm two weeks along."

Nate's world tilted. He tried to remember that night, but it was a haze of pain and exhaustion. Could it be true? Had he really slept with her without remembering it?

"Rachel…" Nate struggled to find the right words. "Are you sure?"

Rachel nodded, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "I wouldn't lie about something like this, Nate. I know this isn't what you expected, but we have to face this together."

Nate felt his stomach churn. Everything was spiraling out of control, and he couldn't stop it. He didn't know what to believe anymore.

When Nate told Kevin about the pregnancy later that night, Kevin's reaction was swift and harsh. "Are you serious, Nate? You just fucked up big time. You can kiss your marriage goodbye."

Nate flinched at the words, but he knew Kevin was right. He had fallen into Rachel's trap, and there was no easy way out.

"I don't know what to do, Kev," Nate admitted, his voice cracking. "I don't even remember that night."

Kevin's tone softened, but the disappointment was still there. "I'm your best friend, Nate, but I can't help you with this one. You've got to figure this out on your own."

Nate hung up the phone, feeling more alone than ever. The weight of his mistakes was crushing, and he couldn't see a way out. The web Rachel had spun around him was tightening, and he was running out of time to break free.

**To be continued…**