A wolf in sheep's clothing

The late afternoon sun glowed softly on the marble steps of the Andros mansion as Bianca slipped her arm under Navie’s, helping her climb the last few stairs. Then it occurred to her, a single shove. Just one gentle shove. The image unravelled in Bianca's mind like a dark fantasy, Navie sprawled on the tiles below, lying in the pool of her own blood, her baby gone and perhaps too, the mother gone. 

“Careful,” Bianca said with a sweet smile. “You shouldn’t strain yourself in your condition.”

Navie smiled faintly, her free hand cradling her baby bump. “I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

Only two steps to the front door, they had climbed four steps. Bianca’s gaze flicked to the steps behind them. they we sharp drop that could end everything in one tumble. Bianca’s manicured fingers twitched. She could do it. She could end everything. Once and for all. She would also fall with her, pretending they both slipped down the stairs. 

“Bianca?” Navie’s gentle voice pulled her back.

Bianca blinked, the fantasy dispersing like smoke. Navie was smiling at her, so free, so trusting it made Bianca sick.

“Thank you,” Navie said softly. “For always being there for me. I don’t know what I would do without you. You’re Reid’s best friend, but you have always treated me like a sister.” 

Bianca forced a light laugh, the sound almost musical. A sister, she thought bitterly. If only you knew how badly I want to get rid of you. Sister dear. 

Navie smiled inwardly, she was grateful for Bianca's company, no matter what anyone says. To her, Bianca is a sweet soul. They reached the door. The housekeeper opened it immediately, bowing as the two women stepped into the vast, luxurious villa.

“Reid!” Bianca called out, her face lighting up when she saw the man seated on the couch. “Guess who brought home the gold!”

From the sitting room, Reid Andros sat, broad-shouldered and elegant, wearing a perfectly tailored suit, jawline as if carved to perfection. He stood up slowly to welcome them . His dark eyes softened at the sight of Bianca, not his wife.

“Bianca,” he said with a rare smile. “You did it?”

She giggled and ran into his arms, hugging him tightly.

 “First place! And look—” She pulled out a small velvet box and opened it excitedly. Inside gleamed a golden butter knife, the award that was presented to her. “They said it symbolizes excellence and refinement.”

“Of course, you deserve this,” Reid replied gazing at her with admire. 

At the doorway, Navie stood silently, her smile frozen in place. The sight of her husband’s childhood friend pressed so close to him, laughing radiantly. Yet she swallowed and smiled, she's happy for Bianca. And of course Reid would be happy. Bianca truly deserved the award. Reid finally turned to her, his eyes narrowing. His smile disappeared instantly. 

“And you. Why did you even enter that competition?”

Navie blinked. “I just… wanted to try. I didn’t think—”

“You DON'T think at all,” he snapped, his tone slicing through the air sharper than any blade. “You’re pregnant, Navie! What kind of impression do ou want to give others? That I’m some careless husband letting my seven months pregnant wife overwork herself for attention?”

Her lips parted, trembling. “I only wanted to do something nice—”

“Don’t argue with me!” His voice rose. “Do you want the press to think I’m heartless? That I neglect you? You always do this Navie, acting without thinking.”

Bianca’s hand slipped around his arm in a feigned attempt to calm him. “Reid, don’t be so harsh,” she said gently, leaning closer. “She just wanted to take a break from this boring house. It quite boring for her you know. Staying indoors all day? I’m sure. Navie’s trying her best.”

Navie’s eyes dropped to their linked arms. The sight stung worse than his words. But still, Bianca is speaking in her favour. She's grateful enough for that. She swallowed the ache.

 “I’m sorry, Reid. I’ll be more careful next time.”

But her apology only deepened his frown.

“Go rest,” he ordered coldly, signaling a nearby maid with a snap of his fingers. . “Take her to her room and call a doctor, I don't want my child to be stressed because of someone's negligence”

The maid stepped forward obediently. “This way, ma’am.”

As the maids led Navie away, she caught faint whispers from the maids passing by. 

“She’s so stupid,” one murmured.

“Competing against Miss Bianca? What was she thinking?” another snickered.

“She should know her place.”

“Tsk! You brats! Off to your post!”, the maid accompanying Navie yelled at them.

Navie’s throat burned, but she said nothing. Her vision blurred as tears welled, threatening to spill down her cheeks. She bit her lips to prevent it. When they reached her room, she dismissed the maid.

“Thank you, I would like to be alone”. The maid bowed and left. Once the door closed, the maid turned and glanced at the door. “What a duffer, Miss Bianca doesn't thank us, she's more qualified than that but what can I expect from an high school graduate”, she hissed and left.

When she sat on her bed, her composure shattered. She pressed a hand over her mouth to muffle her sobs. He didn't even ask about her, he didn't comfort her for losing. She wanted to impress him if she won but she lost. He should have at least encouraged her. Instead all she got was taunts and a scolding. 

Reid indirectly reminded her once again, that she's just a woman carrying his heir. She's just a wife in name. His baby mattered more to him than the woman carrying it. Her head started to ache, she finally lay on her bed. The doctor came and examined her, when the doctor left she took a nap. By the time she woke up, it was already dark. Her eyes were puffy, her chest heavy. She stepped onto the balcony, breathing in the cool air that swept through the garden below. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes 

Navie’s hands rested on her stomach.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered to her unborn child, her voice trembling. “Mama’s fine… we’re fine.”

But deep down, something inside her broke softly, quietly, like the first break in glass before it shatters.