Chapter 3
“What are you taking?”
Ethan’s voice cut through the silence.
I turned to find him in the doorway, brow furrowed with fake concern.
“Just prenatal vitamins,” I lied, my voice steady.[]
He relaxed, heading for the stairs.
“Forgot some files upstairs. Be right back.“[]
As soon as his back was turned, I swiped his phone from the counter. [
Lisa’s birthday–0315–unlocked it instantly, revealing a wallpaper of them kissing, her legs wrapped around his waist.
Double system, just like I’d suspected.
I clicked into his messages. [
dicked
Top of the list: Lisa’s chat, emojis and heart eyes flooding the screen.
Below that: a group chat with Zack and the guys.
The first message I saw made my blood run cold, my phone nearly slipping from my hand.[]
Ethan: Dude, the cow’s gonna pop any day. Once the kid’s out, I’ll dump her and move Lisa in. Thanks for helping me dose her pills all these years–couldn’t have pulled off the IVF scam without you.]]
Zack: Anytime, man. Just remember my “favor” when she’s gone… that pregnant body was hot, even if she was asleep.
I stared at the screen, ears ringing. [
Zack’s sleazy comments left my mind blank, as if I were a naked animal on display, being mocked and humiliated through the screen.
So it hadn’t just been the pills–they’d been drugging me this whole time.
Every “loving” gesture, every “concern” for my health–just a script to keep me compliant, a means to an
end.
Three days until the procedure. []
Three days until the pills would bleed that parasite from my womb. []
Three days until I burned this life to the ground. [
Three days until their perfect plan crumbled into ashes at their feet.[]
Let them take their photos. []
Let them think they’d won. [
By the time they realized I wasn’t the docile vessel they’d trained me to be, it’d be too late to stop me
Footsteps creaked on the stairs.[]
I deleted the camera app from my phone, wiped the browser history, and slid his device back into place. []
When Ethan reappeared, I was staring at the wall, blank–faced, already planning the next move. []
“Babe, why are your eyes so red?” Ethan asked as he came downstairs, files in hand. []
I’d already sunk into the couch, my posture rigid. He draped a blanket over me, his touch too gentle, too performative. []
“It’s still chilly out. You need to stay warm for the baby 1
Lisa’s birthday is tonight,” he said, smoothing the blanket over my stomach
Tim Growing her a party here. Wear something nire–our friends are excited to see you
Femin Praginak. Mave ku (11)–) Burtant ifa Impure and Wacket Dvs. Alus
Chapter 3
At the name “Lisa,” my shoulders tensed, my voice turning icy.
“I want to rest. I don’t want guests.“]]
His smile vanished.
“Lisa’s birthday only comes once a year. Am I asking for much? I’ve coddled you enough since you got pregnant–don’t make this a fight.“}]
He was defending her before I’d even argued. How had I ever mistaken his patience for love?]]
By evening, the house was packed with his cronies–Zack, his smirk razor–sharp, and others I barely recognized, their stares raking over me like I was prey. []
The moment I descended the stairs, their eyes latched on: playful mockery, scornful derision, and a barely hidden streak of malice.[]
“Lila, we’re wearing the same dress! Great minds think alike,” Lisa cooed, linking arms with me.[]
I froze her crimson silk dress matched mine exactly, hugging her slim frame while mine stretched over my swollen belly.[]
“Lisa’s version suits her better,” Ethan said, not even glancing at me.
0
“Lila’s… well, pregnancy doesn’t do her favors.“[]
Zack laughed, grabbing my hand and his palm rubbing slow circles over th
“Come on, Ethan–pregnant women have their own appeal. Right, Sister–in–law?”
His grin was a leer, his touch lingering.
I tried to yank free, but his grip tightened, his eyebrow quirking suggestively.
es.“|
“I like ‘em soft and warm. Nice curves.”
I looked to Ethan for help, but he just neglected
