One Too Many Red Flags

"Ms. Harris, you're already six months pregnant. The baby is fully formed... Are you sure you want to go through with the abortion? The hospital strongly advises against it." The doctor said hesitatingly.

Phoebe Harris instinctively placed a hand over her swollen belly.

Six months. The child had grown inside her, from something no bigger than a grain of rice to the size it was now.

They say a mother and her child share an unspoken bond, and she could feel it too. If she weren't utterly broken inside, what mother would ever have the heart to give up her baby who was about to enter the world?

After a silence that seemed to stretch on forever, Phoebe took a deep breath. Then, with a resolve that left no room for doubt, she said, "I'm sure."

'I'm sorry, baby. I can't bring you into this world. I want you to be born into a loving family, not a life filled with endless lies and bitter hatred,' Phoebe thought sadly.

When she left the hospital, Phoebe looked up and saw the giant electronic screen on the mall across the road. It was playing the press conference held by the Marshal Group yesterday on a continuous loop.

At the press conference, a young reporter had asked Nathan Marshal, "Mr. Marshal, as far as I know, the Marshal Group has always been a giant in the electronics and jewelry industries. Why the sudden shift toward the maternal and infant sector?"

On the screen, Nathan wore a custom-tailored suit. He looked distant and elegant. A faint smile curved his lips as he answered slowly, "Because my wife is pregnant. I don't trust what's available on the market."

The next moment, Phoebe heard a group of girls nearby erupt into excited squeals.

"Oh my God! This is what real love looks like. Nathan is too good to his wife. Other rich husbands buy cars or houses, but he built an entire maternal and infant supply chain just for her."

"Exactly! I heard that when Nathan proposed, he promised he'd never change after marriage. Every year on her birthday, he gives her extravagant gifts like crowns and diamond shoes. One year, he even bought an entire island and built a castle on it just for her."

Listening to their chatter, Phoebe smiled bitterly. Never change, huh?

But Nathan had already changed.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed her phone vibrating. When she checked it, a message from an unknown number appeared on the screen.

[Heya, pregnant hag, guess where your husband is right now?]

Attached was a photo. Phoebe recognized it immediately. It was taken in the underground parking lot of the Marshal Group.

She knew it was a trap. But sometimes, even when you know there is a trap ahead, you still walk straight into it.

Without hesitation, she drove to the Marshal Group headquarters.

In the dimly lit parking lot, Nathan's black Maybach was shaking violently. The people inside clearly had no shame, leaving the window open. A long, pale leg stretched out of the window, wrapped in torn black stockings.

A large hand reached out next, gripping the woman's thigh and squeezing it forcefully.

Then came the woman's sugary voice. "Ah... Master, be gentle. I can't take it."

In the darkness, something bright pierced Phoebe's eyes. It was Nathan's wedding ring. The one she had designed herself, a unique piece in the entire world.

Now, that very ring was on the hand gripping Clara Steele's thigh.

She knew that hand well. It had once slipped a wedding band onto her finger. It had cooked meals for her and held her through long nights. Every morning, the owner of that hand would bend down and kiss her awake.

"Master, you're amazing. I can't take it anymore. Please, have mercy," Clara's honeyed voice cut through her memories.

Phoebe touched her face and realized her tears had already fallen.

She knew Clara had sent the message and photo. She also knew why. If Phoebe, heavily pregnant, caught them in the act and became too emotional, it could easily end in tragedy for both her and her child. That way, Clara could easily swoop in and take her place.

Nice plan, Phoebe thought. But she wasn't going to give Clara the satisfaction.

Silent, she returned to her car and dialed Nathan's number.

He picked up quickly. His voice was slightly uneven. "Phoebe, I'm in a meeting. I can't talk right now. I'll call you back later..."

Before he could finish, Phoebe cut him off coldly. "Be home in ten minutes, or you'll never see me again."