Two

2

Anna's POV

I walked to the kitchen and took a deep breath before I clutched the handle of the kitchen door. I got in and found her  in the kitchen, she was backing the door and slicing some tomatoes for dinner preparation. The kitchen smelled of roasted turkey and spiced apples, a comforting aroma that immediately heightened my anticipation.

“Hi mom, Good evening mom.” I greeted calmly putting on a smile. She slammed the knife causing me to flinch. My heart beats fast as I gulped hard. I brought out the gift and placed in front of her.

“Ugh, mom…I have a little something for you,” I said, trying to sound as cheerful as I felt.

She turned around, her expression barely masking her surprise. I held out the small, elegantly wrapped box. “Merry Christmas,” I added, hoping to see an atom of joy in her eyes.

She took the box with a sigh, her eyes scanning me briefly before she set it aside on the counter without another word again. Her reactions felt so cold, and I struggled to hide my disappointment. I maintained a cheerful smile.

“I brought this for you,” I said, forcing a smile. “And I was hoping to talk to you a bit. How’s everything?”

She gave me an icy gaze and dropped the knife. “Anna, I don’t understand why you haven’t quit your job yet. With everything that’s happening, wouldn’t it be better to focus on starting a family? Are you a man or a woman?”

Her question hit me hard and bent my face in shame. “I’m trying to balance everything mom,” I said, my voice steady. “My job is important to me, and it’s not easy to just leave it behind. I'm a woman and will conceive.”

Mother’s lips tightened. “Well, if you’re not committed to making this work, don’t expect any miracles from heaven to happen! And that medicine you’re taking—it’s not a miracle cure. You have to quit working and rest!”

I nodded, “I understand. I’m doing my best.”

I made to leave but she draw me back harshly.

“That reminds me. Anna, Why aren’t you pregnant yet?” she demanded, her voice sharp.

My heart sank. I thought that the gift I bought would bring us closer, but her harsh tone was already a deadly reminder of the pressure I was under. “Mom, I’m doing everything I can. It’s not always as easy as we wanted it to be,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.

Still, my words seemed not to calm her down “You have just 1 month to get pregnant, or else, you’ll have to move out of this house and I get my son a real wife! I’ve made my expectations clear.”

Her voice was a blow to me. My heart raced at the mention of another woman. “I’m working hard to make this happen. Mom Please, just give me a little more time. I've been trying my best, believe me.”

Her face flushed with anger. “You think a few months of trying will fix everything? You’re here, taking up space in this house and wasting our precious time with your barrenness. I don’t need your stupid gifts. What I need is a grandson!”

Her words hit me like a tornado. The weight of her disappointment was crushing, and I struggled to keep my composure. “Mom please, I’m doing everything I can,” I said with a broken voice.“This isn’t easy for me. I’ve been through so much already.”

Mom's eyes narrowed. “Well, if you can’t deliver, don’t expect any sympathy from me. I’m tired of waiting. Give me a grandson already! I'm not getting younger anymore.”

Tears formed up in my eyes, and I fought to hold them back. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “I just want to make this work. I want to give you the grandson you’ve been waiting for. But I need your support, not your anger.”

She walked to the fridge and brought out something wrapped on a paper. She handed me a small glass of a murky, brownish liquid. Her face was stern, and I could sense the weight of her expectations.

“Here, drink this,” she said curtly. “It’s a special mixture I’ve made. It’s supposed to help with conception.”

I took the glass hesitantly, the disgusting smell of the concoction making my stomach churn. “What’s in it?” I asked, trying to mask my irritating face.

Mom's eyes narrowed. “It’s a blend of herbs and spices. It’s supposed to help regulate your cycle and improve your chances. Drink up.”

I swallowed hard, trying not to irritated my face and held my breath. The mixture looked unappetizing, but I simply couldn't refuse it. If not, I would be nagged again. My hand was trembling as i lifts the glass, the smell of the concoction making my stomach churn violently.

I raised the glass to my lips and took a cautious sip. The taste was bitter and medicinal, making me grimace. I forced myself to drink it down, it tastes so bitter that I want to throw up.

“Good,” Mom said, “Now, let’s hope this works. We’re all counting on you. If not….you should know.”

Her words stung more than the drink itself. I forced a smile, trying to hold back my tears. “Thank you, Mom.” I said and left.

I got to the living room and sat with my husband watching movies and eating popcorn. Mom stormed in immediately.

“Michael I want to talk to both of you. Briefly.” Mom said and my heart skips a beat. She took a seat.

“Michael, you need to make sure Anna understands that she has a month to get pregnant!” Mom's voice was sharp, her eyes blazing.

“Because if she doesn't, I'm getting your a new reproductive wife. And not this man sitting beside you. Though I gave her some of my herbs but I hope they works or I will have no other alternative.” Mom added strictly.

Michael turned to his mother surprise and frowning at the same time.

“Mother, I’ve already told you that Anna and I are working on this together. It’s not something that can be rushed or dictated by a timeline. And about a wife, you can't decide that for me.”

Mom's eyes narrowed. “You’re siding with her now? I'm your mother Micheal and carried for nine good months in my stomach! I know what's good for you This is about the family’s future, and you’re being weak.”

“This isn’t about weakness Mom. It’s about support and understanding. If you can’t offer that, then maybe it’s better if you step back and let us handle this as a family.” Michael responded cuddling me. I only sat there forcing back tears.

Mom's mouth opened and closed as if she were searching for words. Finally, she huffed in frustration and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

I held my husband's hands feeling a mix of relief and admiration. I feel protected “Thank you so much honey.” I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper. “I know this isn’t easy.”

Michael hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead. “We’re in this together, Anna. We’ll get through it, no matter what.”

He placed a kiss on my lips seductively, sweeping me off my feet. He carried me to bedroom as I wrapped my hands around his neck.

He dropped me on the bed and walked lustfully to me and unbuttoned his shirt revealing his broad chest tattoo with a cross. He is super hot.

I breathed heavily, Michael grabbed my head closer and placed a deep kiss on my lips and my neck.

“Mmmh” I moaned softly in pleasure.

"Take off your clothes.” He whispered into my ears sending cold shivers down my spine.

I reluctantly did, he stared at me in lust biting his lower lips.

He yanked off his boxers, kissing me,He rocked his body against mine.

"Lie down and spread your legs.” He ordered again, I nodded biting my lips seductively.

He slowly bounced on top of me.His mouth made its way down to my chest, licking, nipping, sucking.

"Mmmmm...oh fuck!” I moaned.

"Do you want more?” He asked.

"Yes!” I quivered.

“I have no time for foreplay right now” he groaned like he couldn’t control himself but I also didn’t have time for any foreplays, I couldn’t wait for him to be inside me. 

   He bit my nipples and I quivered.He slowly penetrated into me without any warning. I moaned loudly,he silenced me with another kiss.

“Oh my God!” I screamed in ecstasy.

“I love you Anna.”He growled and Kept going into me.

*****

I woke up with a start and I couldn't find my husband next to me. I found a written not on the bed.

“Good morning my love, hope you slept well? Thank you so much for last night. I totally enjoyed every bit of it. I had an urgent call so I rushed off. I prepared your favorite in the kitchen. Eat and be safe. Love you.”

I smiled at letter, I quickly took my bath and walked downstairs. Thank Goodness! Mom is no longer in the house. She went for work. I'm off work today so I ate my breakfast of toasted bread and butter pickles and tea. I left for the gym to meet Jessica. My bestie.

Hoping for some distraction and a chance to clear my head. As we worked through our routine, I tried to focus on the physical exertion, but my mind kept drifting back to Mom's scolding.

We moved to the stretching area.

“So girl, how is the results going lately? Any progress?” Jessica asked as we took a break.

“Yeah, I just had to keep trying you know, and thanks to my husband who net fails to give me his full support always.” I responded with a smile.

 “Anna, I’ve been meaning to ask… how’s everything going with Michael?” she said, her voice tinged with concern.

I looked at her, puzzled. “It’s been good. Why do you ask?”

Jessica hesitated before talking. “I just… I’ve heard some things that make me wonder if you should keep a closer eye on him. Sometimes, people don’t always show their true selves. Just saying…you know, friendly advice.”

Her words hit me like a cold splash of water. “What do you mean?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Jessica looked uncomfortable. “I don’t want to make you.feel uncomfortable or gossip about your husband, but just be vigilant. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to question it. Come on, break is over!”

We jogged around but my mind wasn't at peace anymore. The seed of doubt she had planted was growing, and I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling that something was off. I tried to focus on my workout, but Jessica’s words kept lingered in my mind.