“It’s always on time,” I whispered. “I’m probably just stressed.”
He stepped away from me as though I were dangerous. “That shouldn’t be possible. I was careful. The doctor said—” He cut himself off, then straightened. “We’re going for tests tonight. If you are pregnant, we’ll deal with it before it becomes an issue.”
Seraphine let out a soft, delighted laugh.
So he could ruin me for her child — but mine wasn’t allowed to exist.
“Why would it be an issue?” I asked quietly.
He hesitated. “Because I promised someone I wouldn’t have children of my own until her daughter grows up.”
That was his excuse.
“I’m not pregnant,” I said flatly. “If you’re that obsessed, buy a test. I’m going to sleep. Both of you, leave.”
I heard them go. I sank into the bed like I weighed a thousand pounds.
I was exhausted.
And for the first time in days, my dreams were empty.
---
Morning light filtered through the curtains when I woke. My stomach growled, so I headed toward the kitchen.
As I passed the guest room, I stopped cold.
Muted moans. A man’s murmur. A woman laughing breathlessly.
In broad daylight.
My hunger vanished. I turned back to my room, poured a glass of cold water, and forced it down, trying to keep the sickness from rising again.
I didn’t care what they were doing. I just needed Julian gone so I could leave this house unseen.
The bedroom door opened suddenly.
I stiffened. “Who is it?”
Seraphine’s voice floated in, sickly sweet. “It’s just me.”
My fingers tightened around the glass. “What do you want?”
She walked in as if she owned the place. “Julian changed already. He’s heading to the hospital to bring the baby home. I thought I’d check on you.”
Her tone said the opposite. She wasn’t here to help. She was here to enjoy this.
“I don’t need anything,” I said, turning away. “You can go.”
She ignored me, stepped closer, and seized my wrist. Her nails dug into my skin.
“Want to know what we were doing on your sofa last night?” she whispered. “Or what just happened in the guest room?”
Her smile was sharp. “Julian says he likes women who take chances — not fragile little birds trapped in gilded cages.” She leaned closer, her breath cold against my ear. “And the baby he’s bringing home? She’s mine. Congratulations. You’re going to raise my child now.”
Seraphine’s lips curved as she leaned closer.