nor

umb fog of pain and IV drips. My body was a battlefield, ravaged and empty. My womb, once a sanctuary for

nk canvas, devoid of thought or emotio

sively on her visibly swollen belly. She was perhaps five months along, a living, breathing testament to

waist. His eyes, usually so sharp, were now filled wi

?" Harlow's voice was saccharine sweet

e sight of her pregnant form was a punch to the g

it," Joshua said, his voice laced

th a chilling calm. My gaze was still locked on Harlow's stomach. "After all, she's carry

es wide with a feigned innocence. "Eleanor! What ar

eanor, you're delusional from the medication. Harlow i

u calling her your 'true love, my childhood sweetheart' just a few days ago. And discussing how my 'gen

ade crumbling. "Eleanor,

r? After everything I've done for you, supporting you through your losses! And now you accuse me of such

mile spreading across my face. "I'm sure Joshua will find a way to make

e's right. If it's too much for me, if I can't handle the stress of motherhood right now... may

ed face to my impassive one. "Harlow, d

cruel smirk hidden beneath her tears. "She loves babies so much.

r me their child, a child conceived in betrayal and nurtured with the stolen life of my own, as a c

at's an excellent idea. But I have a better one." My voice wa

triumph, quickly masked, danced in her eyes. She glan

re you serious? You can't be. This is just the shock talking

m the room, still making a show of sobbing. "I

. "Eleanor, look, I know you're upset. But a divorce? You don't mean that. We'll ha

ill dangling the carrot of a future he had

id, my voice flat. "I want a divo

ll talk about it when you're thinking clearly. You're emotional right now, Eleanor. You'll change your

us glint in my eyes. He thought I was emotional. He thoug

ravely m

. "It's time. Activate the patent transfer. And hit him where it hurts the most. His cash flow

ny," Benjamin said, a hint o

tions. Now, he'll watch it crumble around him. I want

work behind the scenes. He was charismatic, yes, but without our support, he was just an ambit

s attempts with a wall of cold silence, my gaze blank, my body language distant. He seemed increasingly frustr

d for public consumption, was there to pick me up. He even brought a new dres

As we stepped inside, my fears were confirmed. The house had been redecorated. My favorite antique vase was gone, repla

" Joshua said, gesturing vaguely. "Harlow helped

s scanning the room, a cold fury building insid

cent of lilies emanating from her. Harlow. She glided past me, her bare feet silent on the polished f

I hope you like the changes. Joshua and I thought it was time for a fresh start for ev

eat help, Eleanor. She's been taking care of me while you were... away.

d pressed herself against Joshua. "Oh, Joshua, y

ost made me gag. To see them, united in t

ts precise, controlled. I needed to pack. I needed to

stitch, for my first lost baby. It was soft, ivory wool, with a tiny rabbit embroidered in the corner. A wave

lently falling. "I'm so sorry, my loves," I whispered, my voice c

face, holding up a tiny onesie I had bought months ago, hoping beyond h

he won't get to wear it." Her voice was a venomous whisper. She to

ice dangerously calm. My eyes, still w

intments." She looked around the room, her gaze falling on a small, delicately carved wooden mobile, a gift fro

e rituals?" She picked it up, her fingers delibe

he baby. This was about destroying every las

e raw with fury. I lunged at h

back, falling dramatically across the bed. Just t

d, pushing me back. "Are you insane? Sh

eatening me!" I cried, pointing at Harlow, wh

lous, aren't you?" He glared at me, his face contorted with disgust.

hink I hit it," Harlow

old and full of hatred. "Get out, Eleanor. Get

tone. My home, my love, my life. All g

a whisper, but potent with promise. "Both of you. You

at me, a triumphant, malicious smirk play

g with a silent vow. You have