Chapter 15: A Decision Made
Raelynn sat on the plush couch, staring at the faint patterns in the rug beneath her feet. Her mind was racing, each thought louder and more overwhelming than the one before. What on earth had gotten into her mind when she said yes to Elion's offer?
Agreeing to live with him and eventually give up her child felt like signing away a piece of herself. It was the kind of decision that could be seen as a terrible mistake or a brilliant stroke of luck, depending on the perspective.
She took a deep breath, her fingers absently playing with the hem of her sweater. Sure, what Elion offered wasn't conventional. It seemed almost like a way to paint her as a bad mother—someone incapable of raising their own child. But at the same time, it was undeniably a golden opportunity.
Raelynn's lips twitched into a humorless smile. Most men in Elion's position would have taken the easy way out. They'd throw some money her way, push her toward a clinic, and walk out of her life without looking back. But not Elion. He didn't just take responsibility; he insisted on full control.
Her gaze flicked to the man seated across from her. His expression was as unreadable as ever, his sharp features carved in stone, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
Why does he want this baby so much? she wondered, a question that had been gnawing at her since the moment he proposed his arrangement.
Then, a thought crept into her mind—one so absurd that she almost laughed out loud.
What if… What if he can't have children?
It would explain so much—his initial disbelief when she told him she was pregnant, his persistence now. If Elion had been told he was barren, a child would be something he couldn't just let slip through his fingers.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied him, but as usual, Elion gave away nothing.
"Good," he said suddenly, his voice breaking the silence. He leaned back slightly, resting one ankle on the opposite knee, speaking in a calm but firm way. "You've made the right choice. You won't regret it."
Raelynn blinked, caught off guard by his abruptness. She straightened her posture and nodded, though her agreement was far less enthusiastic.
"Yeah, right," she muttered, her voice laced with sarcasm. She let out a small sigh before adding, "Can I… Can I at least visit the baby once in a while?"
Elion didn't respond immediately, and the pause stretched between them like a taut string. Raelynn's chest tightened as she waited, her hands clasping nervously in her lap.
"I mean, I know I won't be there all the time," she continued quickly, filling the silence. "But I'd still like to see them, you know? I might not have planned for this, but I'm still the mother. I want to be a part of their life, even if it's only in small ways."
Elion's eyes flicked to her, but instead of answering, he stood. His tall frame hovered over her, moving with clear intent.
"You'll live here from today," he said instead, his voice cold and detached. "If you have any questions, ask Kade."
Raelynn's jaw dropped slightly at his dismissal. Before she could protest, he turned and began walking toward the door, his steps confident and slow.
She shot to her feet, frustration bubbling over. "Wait!" she called out, her voice sharper than she intended.
Elion paused, his hand resting on the doorknob, but he didn't turn around.
"I need to go back to my apartment," Raelynn said, crossing her arms over her chest. Her tone was firm, even though her heart pounded in her chest. "I have things there I need to get."
Elion glanced over his shoulder, his expression blank. "There's no need," he said simply. "Buy whatever you need. You can afford to start fresh."
Raelynn let out a sharp, incredulous laugh. "I know you're, like, crazy rich, but there are some things money can't buy." Her voice got a little softer, but she still sounded determined. "There are personal things I want to bring with me. I'm going back to my apartment."
Elion turned fully now, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. For a moment, it seemed like he might argue, but then he let out a quiet sigh.
"Fine," he said, sounding impatient. "But don't take too long. Come back once you're finished."
Raelynn raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, are you afraid I'll run away, or are you just worried you'll lose me?" She smirked, waiting for him to brush it off like he always did.
But instead, Elion's gaze hardened, and he took a step closer. "Yes," he said, his tone low and serious.
Raelynn blinked, confused. "What?"
"Because you're having my baby," he replied, not backing down. "I don't care about anything beyond that."
Raelynn watched as he turned back to the door and opened it. She thought he might say something else, but instead, he walked out without another word, the door clicking shut behind him.
She let out a soft, irritated tck sound, her shoulders slumping as she muttered to herself. "Well, that went great."
Raelynn started to think about what she should pack from her apartment but realized she didn't have many valuable things. She'd know what to take once she got to her apartment.
A moment later, the door opened again, but it wasn't Elion who stepped inside. It was Kade, his ever-reliable assistant, looking as calm as usual.
"Elion asked me to bring you home," Kade said politely, his tone devoid of any emotion.
Raelynn sighed, grabbing her bag from the couch. "Of course he did," she muttered, shooting a glance at Kade. "I guess I don't really have a choice, huh?"
He wouldn't even let her go back on her own.
Kade didn't respond to her comment, instead stepping aside to let her pass. As she walked out of the room, her mind went right back to the same thoughts.
What have I gotten myself into?