Martin, afraid that I would be tired, told me to sit aside and even brought out a box of cut fruit for me to snack on.
This action also led to other pregnant women nagging and complaining about their own husbands.
"Look at other people's husbands. What about you? You're not as good-looking or considerate as him. Useless!"
"Why are you still standing there? You should learn from him. Go buy a box of fruit for me! Your baby wants to eat!"
Seeing that they also misunderstood the relationship between Martin and me, I wanted to go forward and explain, but Martin held me back.
"Instead of wasting your breath on people who don't matter, you might as well use this time to do some prenatal education for the baby."
With that, he went straight to the line.
I sat uneasily under everyone's misunderstanding gaze.
Back home, I acted coquettishly with Linda, begging her to accompany me to the next prenatal check-up. Otherwise, it would lead to more misunderstandings.
At the dinner table, Linda tactfully conveyed my thoughts to Martin.
His face darkened. He put down his fork and left without finishing his meal, leaving Linda and me looking at each other in dismay.
Was Martin upset that I had rejected his kindness?
After dinner, Linda made plans to go out with friends and might not come home for the night.
Feeling physically exhausted, I went to bed early.
In my drowsy sleep, I smelled a strong scent of alcohol.
A gentle kiss landed squarely on my slightly rounded belly.
I thought it was Ray coming back from a social event and teasing me, so I didn't pay attention.
But when that deep, husky voice sounded, I jolted awake.
"Dear, grow strong in your mother's belly. Daddy is waiting for you to come out!"
Martin, inebriated, spoke as he caressed my belly.
My body stiffened, and I dared not make a sound, my mind constantly replaying his words.
I reassured myself that he must have said it wrong due to his drunkenness.
But how could I explain Martin's kiss? He was my husband's brother, for heaven's sake. Even if he was drunk, he shouldn't be kissing my belly.
My mind was in turmoil, and my breathing became rapid.
Just as I was about to lose my composure, Martin stood up, let out a drunken burp, and staggered out of the room.
Since that day, whether it was psychological or not, I always felt an eerie look in Martin's eyes when he looked at me.