His expression softened slightly, and his tone shifted into something that almost sounded like tenderness. “That’s all this was about? I told you, it’s rare for us to come back for the New Year. Stay a few more days. If you really want to leave, you can drive yourself back.”

My heart leaped—I couldn’t believe my luck. This was exactly the opportunity I needed.

But before I could make my move, another problem appeared: his mother.

“David, you’re spoiling her too much!” she snapped, her voice sharp and grating. “It’s the New Year, and she’s rushing to leave? Maybe she has someone waiting for her back in the city!”

“Mom, she’s not feeling well,” David said, trying to defend me.

“Oh, please,” she scoffed. “She’s faking it. When I was pregnant with you, I fell off a ridge and I was fine!”

David hesitated, caught between his mother’s words and my plea.

I stepped in, forcing my tone to remain calm. “I just want to go for a checkup. If everything’s fine, I’ll come back right away. It’s the New Year—I want to spend it properly with the family.”

“If you want a proper New Year,” she snapped, “then stay here. There’s nothing wrong with you—I know because I have experience. Now stop standing there and go wash the dishes! There’s a pile from yesterday, and I need a break. What kind of daughter-in-law doesn’t help out in her in-laws’ home? Move it!”

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to grab the nearest shoe and slap that smug look off her face.

David glanced at me and said, “Go on, help Mom out. She’s been working hard.”

I stared at him, my mouth slightly open in disbelief.

'This is the man I married?' I thought. 'How could I have been so stupid?'

But I couldn’t lose my cool—not yet.

“I’ll wash the dishes,” I said, my voice steady. “But after that, can I go to the hospital? This is our first child, and I’m really worried. David, please help me explain to Mom. I’ll come right back—I promise.”

David nodded. “Alright.”

As I climbed out of bed, I pretended to stumble, falling into him just long enough to swipe the car keys from his pocket.

'Wash the dishes? Not a chance.'

Moments later, I was in the car, gripping the steering wheel as I navigated the winding mountain roads. My knuckles were white, and I didn’t dare glance in the rearview mirror. I didn’t want to see that house again.

I called my mom, my voice shaking as I told her everything and asked her to schedule the abortion.