Chapter 49 Three years of marriage, and I still couldn't get pregnant.]] Ethan had convinced me to try IVF, and after two long years, I finally had a baby on the way.[] Eight months into the pregnancy, though, I overheard Ethan chatting with his buddy Zack in the living room. "Dude, you've been slipping Lila birth control pills for three years? Making her think she's infertile so she'd agree to IVF? All so we could implant Lisa's eggs into her?' "That's cold, man! " Zack hissed, his voice low but sharp.]] Ethan just laughed, shrugging as if discussing something as trivial as dinner plans. "Why let Lisa go through nine months of hell-stretch marks, back pain, swollen ankles, that excruciating childbirth? Nah. She's too delicate for all that.", My chest tightened as I stared at the man I'd loved for years, the man who'd spent years plotting every detail, the man whose smile had always hidden a dozen lies-he stood there like nothing was wrong.[] "Aren't you worried Lila will lose it when she finds out the truth? I mean, no one wants to carry another person's kid, right? Especially after nine months of growing someone else's baby," | Zack teased, eyeing Ethan with a smirk.[] Ethan scoffed. "She's too clueless to figure it out. And even if she did-what's she gonna do? She's eight months pregnant. You think she'll abort at this stage? Look at her-she's as big as a house. Who else would want her after she's like this?" "True, everyone knows how obsessed Lila is with you. She's been clinging to you like a damn leech for years," [ Zack said, his grin turning sleazy as he winked.[] "But I gotta admit... I'm kinda curious what it's like with a pregnant chick."[] Ethan's face twisted in disgust. [] "She's a walking whale. Just looking at her stomach-all swollen and gross-kills any urge. I'd rather watch porn than touch her. It's nauseating."I "Since you're not into it, maybe I can take a shot? I wouldn't mind testing that out," Zack said, sieazy laughter trailing his words. Their mocking voices sliced through me like knives in the quiet room. Lach cackle drilled into my chest, a twisted soundtrack to the betrayal unraveling before me. For two years, the IVF hormones had wrecked my body-thickened my waist, left my skin stretched and itchy, covered my belly in purple stretch marks by month. five. I'd thought Ethan was doting when he stuffed me with protein shakes and steaks, worried about "the baby's health."[] Now I knew he only cared about the fetus growing inside me-the product of his and Lisa's egg. My paims were denched so tight my nails bit into the flesh, cold sweat trickling down my spine as I practically fled the suffocating room. Once I could breathe, I pulled out my phone and dialed the hospital "Hi, I need to schedule an abortion," I said, voice steady despite the tremor in my hands.] I went that night, and I was terrified that staying even a second longer would make me lose my goddamn mind.[] The on fall doctor studied my massive belly, skepticism in her eyes [] "Dalat months is very late. Are you certain?" she asked![] What does the father say about thir "He is Dead." I snapped () Store Ithan wanted this batry so badly, I'd prepare A BIG GIFT for him [] In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.