Chapter 3 What are you taking ? Ethans 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 . [ Lisas birthday 0315 unlocked it instantly , revealing a wallpaper of them kissing , her legs wrapped around his waist . Double system , just like Id suspected . I clicked into his messages . [ dicked Top of the list : Lisas 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 cows gonna pop any day . Once the kids out , Ill dump her and move Lisa in . Thanks for helping me dose her pills all these years couldnt have pulled off the IVF scam without you . ]] Zack : Anytime , man . Just remember my favor when shes gone… that pregnant body was hot , even if she was asleep . I stared at the screen , ears ringing . [ Zacks sleazy comments left my mind blank , as if I were a naked animal on display , being mocked and humiliated through the screen . So it hadnt just been the pills theyd 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 theyd won . [ By the time they realized I wasnt the docile vessel theyd trained me to be , itd 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 . [ ] Id already sunk into the couch , my posture rigid . He draped a blanket over me , his touch too gentle , too performative . [ ] Its still chilly out . You need to stay warm for the baby 1 Lisas 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 dont want guests . ] ] His smile vanished . Lisas birthday only comes once a year . Am I asking for much ? Ive coddled you enough since you got pregnant dont make this a fight . } ] He was defending her before Id 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 , were 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 . [ ] Lisas version suits her better , Ethan said , not even glancing at me . 0 Lilas … well , pregnancy doesnt 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 . | I like em soft and warm . Nice curves . I looked to Ethan for help , but he just neglected