Page 44 of The Alpha's Forbidden Secret Baby

Abel shifted uncomfortably and took a deep breath, steeling himself for what came next. "I… I forgive you, Mom," he confessed, his eyes brimming with emotion, his voice hesitant yet determined.

“I understand why you didn’t tell me about Dad and everything,” Abel added.

Rayla's heart swelled with emotion, her breath caught in her throat, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes, but she kept her expression neutral, not wanting to overwhelm her son with her own feelings.

"Oh, Abel," she whispered, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "Thank you, Sweetheart. That means more to me than you'll ever know."

Xander nodded approvingly, a proud smile on his face. "That's a big step, Abel. Your mom loves you, you know that, right?"

Abel nodded, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "I know. I just… I needed some time to process everything."

Rayla reached out and squeezed his hand, offering him a reassuring smile. "Take all the time you need, Sweetheart. I'll be here when you're ready."

Taking advantage of the moment Xander turned to Rayla, a determined look in his eyes. "Rayla, I want to try for a family with you. I know things haven't been easy between us, but I believe we can start over."

Rayla's heart skipped a beat at his words. Her mind raced as she realized that this could be the solution to her problem. She hesitated even though she was sure Xander would definitely come to her aid. Perhaps this is how she escapes the blackmail.

While she was still deep in her thoughts, Xander spoke again, his voice filled with hope. "What do you say, Rayla? Will you give us another chance?"

Rayla's gaze softened as she looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity shining within them. Slowly, she nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, Xander. Let's start over."

As she spoke the words, a weight lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a sense of hope for the future. With Xander by her side, maybe she could find a way to overcome the challenges ahead.

The feeling was nostalgic, reminding her of the time he had saved her on the mountains when they were younger. She had always felt invincible by his find, a feeling she remembered now with fondness.

Rayla turned to Xander, her voice soft but determined. "Xander, I want you to know… my feelings for you… they're still there."

Xander's eyes widened in surprise, his expression softening with emotion. "Rayla… "

But before he could say anything else, Abel interjected, his face lit up with excitement. "Does this mean we'll always be together?"

Xander's heart swelled with affection as he looked at his son. "Yes, buddy, that's what it means. We're a family, and we'll stick together no matter what."

And as they continued to talk, laughter filling the room, Rayla couldn't help but feel a glimmer of optimism stirring within her.

But Rayla couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the back of her mind. Ralph's threats still loomed large, casting a shadow over her newfound sense of peace.

As if he sensed her unease, Xander reached out to take her hand in his, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I'll always be here for you," he promised, his voice filled with sincerity.

Rayla nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude wash over her at his words. "Thanks, Xander," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they sat together in the dimly lit kitchen, Rayla felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life inside her. Maybe, just maybe, they could overcome this obstacle together. With Xander by her side, she knew anything was possible.

And as she glanced at her phone, the screen lighting up with another message from Ralph, she knew that her troubles were far from over. But for now, she would cherish this moment of respite, grateful for the love and support of her family.

Xander leaned back in his chair, a playful glint in his eyes as he suggested, "How about I make lasagna for dinner? I make a mean lasagna if I do say so myself."

Rayla raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Oh, really? I'll have to be the judge of that."

Xander chuckled, nodding confidently. "You won't be disappointed, I promise."

Rayla smiled at his suggestion. "Lasagna, huh? I think I'll have to make something special to complement your culinary skills."

Xander grinned in response. "I'd love to see what you come up with. It's been a while since I've had a home-cooked meal."

As they continued to banter back and forth, debating over ingredients and cooking techniques, Rayla interjected with a suggestion, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "How about we start with a hearty salad? I'll whip up a homemade dressing to go with it."

Abel's face lit up with excitement as he eagerly agreed, "Yeah, Mom's dressing is the best!"

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