Chapter 5
The lawyer had already gathered all the necessary materials, and in the last day and a half, I honestly didn’t want to waste any more words with him.
“I didn’t even go home. This is just the clean nightgown the hotel gave me. Why didn’t you think to bring me any clothes?”
Stephen’s unspoken reproach caught in his throat, leaving him at a loss for words.
Daisy, seeing his discomfort, flashed a bright smile. “Mr. Greene just bought me a coat. You can wear it for now.”
“No need, it’s secondhand. I’d rather not.”
She didn’t seem to want to move, so I quietly took a seat in the back.
Stephen was surprised by my calm reaction to Daisy’s taking the front seat. He seemed unsure, caught off guard.
It was only then that Daisy, noticing the tension, spoke up. “Sorry, Alison. My foot still hurts, and there’s more room up front. I hope you don’t mind sitting in the back.
I could feel Stephen’s eyes on me through the rearview mirror, assessing me.
During the drive, Daisy kept suggesting I change into something else.
I knew she was indirectly criticizing my appearance, but I couldn’t muster the energy to argue with her anymore.
Finally, Stephen couldn’t stay silent anymore. “Just leave her be. Let her wear whatever she wants. She’s about to give birth. Who’s going to look at her?”
His dismissive tone made Daisy beam with satisfaction.
She chattered non–stop about the kids sending her messages saying they loved their Christmas presents, and how Stephen had been so attentive to her last night. She even mentioned how the Christmas turkey had been delicious, though there hadn’t been enough. It was as if I had sneaked bites of the turkey before serving it, though the truth was I hadn’t even gotten a taste of the meals I’d made. And yet, I was mocked for being greedy.
At this point, I’d gotten used to it. The fatigue of pregnancy made me numb, and the quiet car ride was a welcome opportunity to sleep.
Stephen, ever watchful, continued to monitor my reactions, but I kept my face neutral, which seemed to make him uneasy.
“You’ll sit next to me in the theater. It’s dark in there. Watch your step, and hold onto me when we get inside.”
1/3
Chapter 5
+25 BONUS
I didn’t expect to be watching a farewell Christmas movie with him and the kids, thanks to Daisy’s efforts.
When we arrived, the kids–each clutching the gaming consoles Daisy had given them- ignored me completely. They even seemed to disdain me and went so far as to hold Daisy’s hand upon arriving.
“Mom looks like a clumsy bear now!” one of them commented.
“I don’t want to walk with Mom. I want to walk with the beautiful Ms. Daisy!”
Once again, I found myself alone, walking behind them as they clung to Daisy. Watching Stephen and the kids, indifferent to me, I told my lawyer, [Forget it. I won’t even bother fighting for custody of the kids.]
By the time I found my seat, Daisy was happily sharing popcorn with Stephen and the kids, a picture of domestic bliss. In the dim lighting, Stephen gave me a brief, apologetic glance.
“I didn’t mean to ignore you earlier. Don’t be upset.”
I nodded, indifferent. “It’s fine. I’m not upset, and I won’t be upset anymore. After the movie, don’t leave. I need to talk to you.”
He didn’t seem to hear me clearly, as Daisy immediately called him over to help open a bottle for her.
Halfway through the movie, there was a loud crash from above, followed by a few seconds of chaos. People ducked or crouched, but I, the pregnant woman, was left frozen in fear, drenched in sweat.
The metal framework had fallen, and Stephen quickly shielded Daisy, pushing her away from the falling debris.
I, fearing for the children’s safety, instinctively stepped in front of them. Luckily, the framework landed right in front of me, narrowly missing my belly. One more inch and it would’ve punctured me.
Stephen didn’t even check on me before, in the flash of the emergency lights, he grabbed Daisy and the kids, rushing out of the theater.
It wasn’t until the rescue team arrived that I was escorted outside. There was no sign of Stephen or the kids.
Worried, the rescue team took me to the hospital for a check–up. Finally, I saw him— Stephen–busy helping Daisy, who only had a minor scratch, as they waited in line. The kids had already been sent home.
“You’re really lucky, Alison.” Daisy’s voice came from behind me, colder and more sinister than ever.
2/3
+25 B010S
Chapter 5
“Same goes
goes for you.”
I wasn’t going to let her get to me. I glared at Stephen, focusing on his back as he paid the bill.
My heart, already shattered with disappointment, broke completely at that moment. The last remnants of hope vanished.
At this point, there was no need to keep holding on.
Daisy reached out and touched my belly, a malicious smile twisting on her face.
I swatted her hand away, a feeling of intense unease rising in my chest.
But I was too slow.
She grabbed my hand and, before I could react, threw herself down the stairs behind me.
The pearl necklace Stephen had given me–the only valuable gift he’d ever given me- snapped, the beads scattering on the ground.
A loud crash echoed before Stephen rushed past me.
He shoved me out of the way, pushing me hard. The force sent me tumbling down the stairs.
My belly hit the wall at the bottom, and pain exploded through my body. For a moment, everything went numb, and my vision blurred.
All that was left was a weak whisper. “Stephen… help me…”
