The Moment I Realized I Can't Lose You novel Chapter 44

As if only just now noticing the commotion in the hallway, Rainey visibly flinched, her grip on Joaquin’s sleeve tightening defensively.

She looked up, casting a timid, fearful glance toward Audrey, though a flicker of smug provocation danced deep in her eyes.

Joaquin heard the voices too. Frowning, he turned toward the door. "Mom? Audrey?"

Seeing the two women standing there, his first instinct was to pull his arm away from Rainey's grasp. But when he felt Rainey tremble, looking up at him so weakly and terrified, his movement stopped entirely.

His frown deepened. "What are you two doing here?"

"You ridiculous boy, you didn't even tell me Rainey was back in the country!" Instantly dropping the venomous persona she had used with Audrey, Fiona strolled into the room with a warm, beaming smile. She looked thoroughly pleased at the sight of Rainey clinging to Joaquin.

"If Felix's mother hadn't mentioned it to me in passing, I'd still be in the dark! When I heard she was sick, my heart just broke. I immediately went out to buy her some gifts!"

As she spoke, she waved dismissively at Audrey, who was still frozen by the door. "Well, don't just stand there! Bring them in!"

Audrey forced her emotions down, walked inside, and placed the mountain of shopping bags onto the nearby couch.

"Thank you, Fiona." Only then did Rainey release Joaquin's sleeve, offering Fiona a fragile, grateful smile. "You really didn't have to buy all this. I'm stuck in this bed all day, I won't even be able to use any of it..."

"Nonsense, you'll be healthy again in no time!" Fiona practically glided over, sitting down on the edge of the bed and taking Rainey's hand affectionately. "You're far too thin right now. I bought you the best supplements. You need to build your strength back up, put a little color in your cheeks. You need to look perfect when you finally put on that wedding dress. Once you're better, your wedding with Joaquin..."

"Mom!" Joaquin, who had just been pouring water, slammed it down. His brows locked together in fury. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Fiona rolled her eyes at him. "What's wrong with what I said? You and Rainey were always meant to be together. You're the ones who were engaged in the first place, weren't you?"

She shot a glacial glare over her shoulder at Audrey, her eyes dripping with disdain. "The only reason you married *her* was because Rainey wasn't here. Now that the true daughter-in-law of the Judd family has returned, this temporary stand-in needs to go back to where she belongs and vacate the position of Mrs. Judd..."

"Enough!" Joaquin snarled, cutting her off entirely.

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