3

“I think you’re not worthy.” The words stabbed hard into Alicia's chest like a sharpened sword drawing blood.

For a moment, Alicia didn't move, she couldn't breath and didn't even blink. It was as if her entire body had forgotten how to function.

The words reechoed a few times in her head while she carefully analyzed each one.

“Not worthy?”

“Did Stanley just say she wasn't worthy…not worthy to carry his baby.

Oh! Wait, he said not worthy of being their surrogate. Would she even want to be their surrogate? She wasn't out of her mind.

Then she slowly almost mechanically shifted her gaze toward Evelyn’s stomach.

The subtle way her hand rested there, protectively, possessive and proud.

Alicia’s fingers curled against the floor.

Her nails pressed into her palm, hard enough that hurts but she welcomed the pain.

At this moment, it reminded her she wasn't in the dreamland and that every pain she felt was a reality that couldn't be erased.

Moreso, she was alive. Even as everything she had believed in crumbled into dust.

A hollow sound escaped her lips as laughter tore through her lips soft and broken yet the mockery laced in it was chilling.

Seeing her like this Stanley frowned slightly and Evelyn stiffened. Their gaze locked on her hoping to see why she was laughing.

But the next moment, Alicia pushed herself up from the floor. At first her movements were unsteady but she forced herself to stand.

Her spine straight, her shoulders squared and her head held high. She stood proud and tall. Slowly, her eyes lifted to meet their gaze.

Evelyn and Stanley exchanged a glance and their brow furrowed at her confidence. Evelyn's stomach twisted with fury, her fingers clenched tightly.

This wasn't what they had expected. They had expected to see her in tears, begging and desperate to take Stanley back.

Alicia's gaze narrowed slightly. With slow steady steps she walked over to them, Evelyn stepped back instinctively.

“What do you want to do?” Stanley breathed, his hand shot out instinctively to protect Evelyn.

Alicia chuckled at their little act. “Stanley…you said, I was a stand-in right?” she repeated softly. Her voice was calm, so calm that Stanley couldn't help wondering what she meant.

Stanley’s brows furrowed. “Yes,” he said, though his tone carried less confidence now. “That’s exactly what you were.”

Alicia nodded slowly. “As a shield for her against your parents?”

“Yes.” Stanley answered.

“For six years.”

“Yes.”

“Jesus!” She exhaled then tilted her head slightly and smiled.

Stanley felt the knot tightening in his stomach. He had a bad feeling about that smile but then the Alicia he had known had always been dependent on him.

It certainly can't change now. Besides, he couldn't leave Evelyn, not when she was already bearing his child.

Just when Stanley was thinking she wouldn't be saying anything more she chuckled. “I see.” she smirked. This time, there was something sharp in it. “Then I guess…” she murmured, brushing imaginary dust from her dress, “…I’ve been doing charity work all this while.”

Stanley’s expression darkened. “What nonsense are you saying?”

Alicia ignored him, not bothering to spare him a glance. Her gaze moved to Evelyn as she slowly took her inventory…From the flushed skin…To the smug tilt of her lips… To the hand still resting over her stomach.

Alicia’s smile deepened. “You must be very proud of yourself.”

Evelyn stiffened. “What do you mean?”

Alicia took a step closer. “Stealing someone else’s husband,” she said lightly. “Using her name, her position, her marriage as a cover…” Her eyes dropped briefly to Evelyn’s stomach. “And now carrying his child.”

She looked back up. “That’s quite an achievement.”

Evelyn’s lips parted. “Alicia, it’s not like that…we…”

“Oh, don’t,” Alicia cut in sharply. “Don’t insult my intelligence.”

Stanley stepped forward, his patience thinning. “That’s enough, Alicia. Stop acting like a victim, besides we love each other.”

Alicia laughed heartily. “Yeah,” Alicia smirked but not enough to let her take your name…so she is still living in my shadows. Let's say you aren't just man enough to protect her.”

“So…I want to make it simple.” Her gaze snapped to him. “You lied to me.” Her voice rose slightly. “You used me, all for one purpose…why not make it better.”

By now she was standing in front of him. So close for him to see and feel her wrath clearly now.

“And dear husband, I know you don't expect me to stand here quietly right?” she finished.

Stanley scoffed. “Well, everything is still negotiable but you’re overreacting.”

Alicia stared at him. Then slowly… She nodded. “You’re right.”

That caught him off guard. Evelyn frowned. “What?”

But Alicia exhaled sharply, her lips curved up again. “I was overreacting,” she said. “But not anymore.”

She calmly reached into her bag, her gaze locked on Stanley whose eyes followed her movement. “What are you…”

Alicia pulled out her phone and held it up. Stanley and Evelyn shared a glance and swallowed.

She tapped the screen and the video from earlier began to play. Each clearer than the rest and then the words he said earlier..

“You bitch.” Evelyn hissed as her face drained of color instantly while Stanley’s struggled to maintain his composure.

“What the hell…” he began but Alicia silenced him with her response. “You forgot to close the door,” Alicia said softly.

Her thumb paused the video as a heavy silence crashed down the sitting room. “This…would be a big hit on social media right…” She began as she lifted the phone slightly.

“Delete it.” Stanley growled, his jaw tightened.

“Alicia blinked then smiled. “No.”

“I. Said. Delete. It!” he snapped, stepping forward.

But Alicia didn’t move away, she tilted her head slightly. “You don’t get to give me orders anymore.”

Evelyn found her voice first. “Alicia…we can talk about this…”

“No,” Alicia answered firmly. She might have been unsure about so many things but this time… she was sure of one thing.

Stanley and Evelyn would pay.

“There’s nothing to talk about.” She smirked as she slid her phone back into her bag.

“Alicia, you must delete that video.” Stanley snapped.

Alicia raised a brow. “Really?” She asked as she looked at them both one last time and finally settled on Stanley.

Stanley fist clenched. “Alicia…” he began but Alicia simply held up her hand.

“I will delete the video.”

Stanley exhaled slowly. “That’s more like it.”

“Don't be happy too soon…I have my conditions.”

“Under what conditions?” Evelyn asked, stepping forward.

Alicia glanced at her then at Stanley. “Because she is my best friend…I would want her treated so badly…so I’ll be sending you divorce papers,” she said.

Stanley let out a cold laugh. “You think it’s that easy?”

Alicia met his gaze. “Yes,” she replied. “If you cooperate…” Something in her tone made him stiffen. “It would make things easier.”

“And if I don’t?” he challenged.

Alicia smiled. Her eyes flicked briefly toward her bag then back to him. “Then,” she said softly, “we’ll let the world watch what a good duo you are.”

“I can't guarantee your baby wouldn't be harmed in the process…if she is unstable…the pregnancy becomes unstable.”

She patted Stanley's shoulder. “Think about it.”

Then she laughed and turned on heels and headed for the door. She halted briefly.

“Enjoy your night.” She smirked and then a loud bang that rattled the building at its foundation..