Chapter 2 An Act

I frowned in dismay.

"Don't worry, Mom. I can help. The Shaws are going to attend some upscale wine-and-dine in a couple of days. They asked around and found out Anthony might show up as well. That's your ticket to freedom. We just need to lay low until then."

A wine-and-dine? My heart squeezed. That meant I'd have to meet the man who could decide my baby's and my fate under the Shaws' supervision.

Just as I was drawing up plans with my little tactician, someone knocked on the door. "Are you alright, Diana? I made something for you that'll be good for the baby." Selune's cloying voice echoed from beyond the door.

Our conversation stopped immediately. My baby warned me, "She's definitely got something planned. Be on the lookout, Mom!"

I took a deep breath and put on a nonchalant smile as I opened the door. Selune was holding a bowl, scanning my face with concern. She looked as if she was evaluating how pristine a breeding mare was.

"I'm fine, just a little tired. I was going to catch some sleep," I said softly and turned away to let her in. I acted as docile as I could.

"That doesn't mean you can ruin your body. You're the family's top priority now." Selune placed the bowl on the table and tried to hold my hand as a gesture of closeness, but I casually moved my hand away.

Her act was making my stomach churn in revulsion. If I hadn't found out the truth, I might've bought her act hook, line, and sinker. Now, I understood just how I'd been lured into their perfectly crafted trap in my previous life.

I lowered my eyes to hide the hatred festering in them. Then, I sat down and asked my baby in my head, "Can I drink that? I have a feeling that I shouldn't..."

"Your gut's right! Don't drink that! That's why you died from excessive blood loss after labor in your previous life!" my baby screeched frantically.

I paused and gave Selune a genuine-looking smile. "Thank you for your kindness, Selune, but the smell's making me nauseous. I'm afraid morning sickness is part of the deal for my pregnancy. You should have it instead." I slid the brew over to her, telling her to finish it.

A hint of nervousness flickered in Selune's eyes as she hastily pushed the bowl away. "You deserve all the good stuff. You can just put it here and have it later. By the way, Dad's having the family physician over tonight so you can have a more thorough checkup.

"After all, we have to make sure you and the baby are alright."

She had that eager look in her eyes when she said the last sentence. I knew right then just what they were up to. They wanted to find out if the baby was growing well and if the vessel, that was me, was in good condition.

"Dad really went out of his way, huh? I'll see the doctor, then." I nodded, acting docile as I played up my gratefulness.

Selune was satisfied with my obedience. She put on another act of concern before leaving. My smile vanished the moment the door swung shut behind her.

I looked at the bowl of brew as if it was poison.

My baby was impressed as it exclaimed in relief. "That was a job well done, Mom!"

"This is only the beginning," I said quietly as I flushed the brew down the toilet.

Their so-called thorough check was another evaluation of an object's condition. I played along and calmly answered every question.

"Keep this up, Mom! The more of a doormat you are, the easier they think you can be controlled. That'll keep us safe and under the radar!"

"You should stay at home for the time being, Diana. Tell me if you need anything. Don't keep any of that stress bottled up, you hear? I don't want you and my grandchild to suffer."

The grandchild was the point, not me. Still, I nodded like the obedient daughter they thought I was. "I'll keep that in mind, Dad."

However, a look of hesitation flashed on my face as I parted my lips to speak, seemingly recalling something.