As I stood there, watching the five of them laugh and chat in the living room, it felt like knives were slashing through my chest.
Every word, every laugh, another cut into my flesh.
Because of IVF, I had spent two years enduring hormone medications, constant injections and a body bloated beyond recognition.
After I got pregnant, Hunter and my parents were always concerned I wasn't getting enough nutrition, forcing me to take endless supplements every day.
The fetus grew too large and by the fifth month, my belly was already covered in thick, unsightly stretch marks.
I used to think they cared about what I was going through.
Now I understood they only cared about the child in my womb, the one created from Savannah and Hunter's genes.
My fists clenched tightly, cold sweat sliding down my back. I fled from that suffocating house.
Once I calmed down, I didn't hesitate to pull out my phone and call the hospital.
"Hello, I'd like to schedule an abortion."
Since Hunter and the others were so eager for this child, I would prepare a grand gift for them.
The doctor gave me a prescription and handed me an appointment slip.
"Take the pills for three days, then come back to the hospital for the procedure."
Exhausted, I returned home with the slip in hand.
As soon as I entered the door, I saw Savannah walking out of my bedroom, wearing my nightgown.
"Big sister, I've been having some heart issues these past few days. Hunter said I should stay here for a while so he can take care of me."
"I forgot to bring my clothes, so I wore yours. You don't mind, right?"
My eyes landed on the red marks across Savannah's chest.
Before I could speak, Hunter stepped out of the room in a wrinkled set of pajamas.
"Your sister is the most understanding person. How could she possibly mind?"
"Besides, with how much weight your sister's gained, she can't even fit into her old clothes. This nightgown looks much better on you."
Hunter walked over and pulled me into his arms.
"You went out so late and didn't say anything. You're still pregnant; what if something happened to you? What would I do?"
Looking at the affection in his eyes, I felt nothing but coldness inside.
On the surface, he acted concerned and loving. But behind my back, he and my family were plotting how to use me.
He shamelessly fooled around with my younger sister right in my own home while my parents turned a blind eye and even encouraged it.