Chapter 3

Martha hadn't planned on actually hiking up the mountain, but since she had no phone, no ride, and nowhere else to go, she ultimately followed the crowd.

The midsummer sun was brutal and beat down with no mercy. Not to mention, the path was packed with tourists. Every time she slowed down, people behind her would push and urge her to keep moving.

It hadn't even been 15 minutes before Martha's legs were shaking from exhaustion. Amid the pushing crowd, someone shoved her and caused her to fall hard on the stone steps.

She blacked out right there.

By the time I got the call, Martha had already been taken to the hospital. She was fine and just had a mild case of heatstroke.

The moment she saw me walk into the hospital room, she started screaming her head off.

"You heartless witch! Do you want me dead that badly, huh? Is that what it is?"

I stroked my belly and put on my best innocent face. "Martha, I had no idea you were this weak. I mean, I'm the one pregnant, yet I still climbed hundreds of those steps!"

I added sweetly, "But don't worry. All the hardship you went through today will surely be remembered. Now, you can rest assured that your grandchild will be born safe and healthy!"

Martha was momentarily speechless. Then, her eyes flicked toward Michael, who had just rushed into the room.

He frowned and stormed over like he was about to hit me, but I caught his wrist midair. "What are you doing, honey?"

Michael was clearly taken aback to see me react so quickly. The curse that was on the tip of his tongue stalled. His whole demeanor shifted, and he backed down a little, though not without one last punch.

"I know what you're up to, Virginia!" he snapped. "You tried to kill my mom today because you're scared she'll expose the fact that you cheated on me!"

He pulled out a piece of paper from his bag and shoved it in my face. "Your lies end now. Take a look at this—it's proof of my vasectomy.

"So, tell me, Virginia, how can the baby be mine?

"If you want me to forgive you and your cheating ass, abort that bastard child now!"

Michael thought he could scare me into submission, but I stayed calm and pulled a neatly folded document from my bag. It was the paternity test from my recent amniocentesis.

"A paternity test fresh out of the clinic," I coolly said. "The baby is yours. If you still don't believe it, we can get another test done right now."

Michael's face flickered with something close to panic. He hadn't expected I had come prepared.

Still, he tried to keep up the act and pretended to stay composed. "Whatever it is, this whole pregnancy is way too suspicious. I'm not betting on it. If you want us to keep going, you need to get rid of this baby!"

He added, "We're still young. We can try again! But if you won't—"

"Then, we're done," I interjected, giving an ultimatum. "Even if it comes to a divorce, I won't get rid of the baby. Not now, not ever, regardless of whether you accept him or not."

"Virginia!" he said through gritted teeth.

It couldn't be clearer that my response had shocked Michael. With his excuses suddenly rendered useless, he was both panicked and frustrated.

At that moment, Mom and Dad barged in at what seemed to be perfect timing. "Gina, why are you bringing up divorce all of a sudden?"

Mom quickly shot Michael a look and coaxed me, saying, "Michael's had a vasectomy, sweetie. It's only natural he'd have doubts. Let's just talk it out…

"Anyway, this baby—"

I calmly looked at her. "I can tell none of you want me to keep this baby, but don't you think I at least deserve an explanation? The doctor did a full prenatal check-up before I came here and said the baby is perfectly healthy.

"She also told me I'm 35 now. If I lose this pregnancy, it might be my last ever chance to have a baby. Do you still want me to abort it after hearing that?"

Michael turned to my parents, visibly conflicted.

They hesitated for a while until Dad stepped forward with a suggestion. "You're right, Gina. This baby didn't come easy.

"How about this—come home with us, and we'll take care of you and make sure the baby comes into this world in the healthiest and most loving environment."

Mom chimed in with a smile, "That's right. We've even set up a nursery for the baby."

I looked at their fake smiles and couldn't help but laugh. They still refused to tell me the truth and insisted on killing me and my baby with that formaldehyde-laced house.

"I'm not going anywhere with you!"

Why would I give them another opportunity to harm me?

I turned to leave, but Mom and Dad each grabbed me by the arm.

"Listen to us, Gina!"

"It's either you come home with us, or you get rid of the baby!"