Chapter 6

Rachel's POV

Rachel paced inside the coffee shop, her eyes darting to the entrance every few seconds. She had chosen a low-cut, tight-fitting dress that was more suited for a nightclub than a casual meeting. She wanted to look irresistible, hoping to rekindle something in Nate. Her heart raced as she waited, each passing minute heightening her anxiety.

She checked her phone again and saw the string of unanswered calls and messages she had sent to Nate. She was desperate, and desperation was not a good look on her. But she couldn't help it; she needed to see him, to tell him everything.

Nate's POV

Nate's phone buzzed incessantly, Rachel's name flashing on the screen. He ignored it, trying to focus on Allyson as she browsed the aisles at the mall. But Allyson noticed his distraction.

"Who keeps calling you?" Allyson asked, her tone light but curious.

"It's no one important," Nate replied, forcing a smile. He didn't want to worry her with Rachel's sudden reappearance.y

After dropping Allyson off at another mall, he drove to the coffee shop, his mind was racing with several questions and doubts. He spotted Rachel through the window, her attire made her stand out awkwardly among the casual patrons. He took a deep breath and walked in.

Rachel's heart skipped a beat when she saw Nate. He looked even more handsome than she remembered. As soon as he entered, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach. She stood up and hugged him tightly, but Nate remained stiff and unresponsive.

"Why did you call me here, Rachel?" he asked, his voice steady but cold.

Rachel pulled back, feeling a sting from his lack of reciprocation. She sat down, trying to compose herself. "Aren't we going to order something first?" she asked shyly.

"No, Rachel. Just say what you want to say, don't have all day, I've got things to do" Nate frowned.

"Fine, It's your wife, Nate. She's not who you think she is. She's a pathetic loser with so many secrets. She's like an onion; you can't really decipher her next move."

Nate's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"Allyson and I work at the same office," Rachel continued, her voice dripping with malice. "No one knows how she got her promotion in less than two months. We suspect she's our boss's plaything. I was surprised you married her, honestly."

Allyson's POV

Meanwhile, Allyson moved through the aisles of the grocery store, blissfully unaware of the duo meeting at the coffee shop. She felt a surge of happiness as she picked out items for their new home, excited to start this chapter of their lives together. She checked her phone, hoping for a sweet message from Nate, but found nothing. Shrugging it off, she continued shopping.

Nate's POV

Nate felt a surge of anger rising within him. "Is this why you called me here? To lay baseless accusations against my wife? How do I know you didn't cook up this story? Why should I trust you, Rachel?"

Rachel leaned in, her eyes wide with urgency. "Because I care about you, Nate. I made a mistake leaving you, and I don't want to see you get hurt."

Nate shook his head, feeling a mix of anger and confusion. "You don't get to waltz back into my life and throw around accusations. If you have proof, show it to me. Otherwise, stay out of my marriage."

Rachel's expression hardened. "I knew you wouldn't believe me. But mark my words, Nate. You'll see her true colors eventually. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Nate stood up, his resolve firm. "Stay away from us, Rachel." He turned and walked out, leaving Rachel sitting there, fuming with anger. Her plan had failed, she didn't expect Nate to defend his wife's integrity the way he did.

 Kelvin's POV

Kelvin was at home, working on some paperwork, when his phone buzzed with a message from Nate. 

"Just met with Rachel. She's trying to stir up trouble. Said some things about Allyson. No proof. Will call you later."

Kelvin frowned, his concern deepening. He knew Rachel was trouble, and her sudden reappearance couldn't be a good sign. He resolved to keep a close eye on the situation and be there for Nate, ready to support him through whatever came next.

As Nate drove back to pick up Allyson, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He loved Allyson and wanted to trust her, but Rachel's words had planted a seed of doubt. He had no reason to believe Rachel, yet he couldn't entirely shake off the unease.

When he arrived at the mall, Allyson greeted him with a smile, oblivious to the turmoil within him. As they drove home, Allyson chatted in excitement about their plans, Nate tried to join in, but Rachel's accusations lingered in the back of his mind.

That night, as they lay in bed, Nate's phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen and saw an anonymous message: "Ask Allyson about her promotion."

Nate's heart pounded as he stared at the message. He turned to look at Allyson, who was already asleep beside him, her face peaceful and content. He almost woke her up but he had second thoughts and just stopped.