Chapter 5: Tightening Net

Chapter 5: Tightening Net

Melinda’s heart pounded so hard she was sure Stanley could hear it. He stood right in front of her, tall and intimidating, waiting for her answer.

She forced herself to look calm. “I’m not planning anything,” she said quietly. “I only went to see my mother. She’s still weak, and I worry about her. That’s all.”

Stanley stared at her for a long moment. “You’re lying to me,” he said slowly. “I know when people are hiding things, Melinda and you’re not very good at it.”

“I’m not lying,” she insisted, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m just tired and scared about being a mother, this is all new to me.”

Stanley was quiet. Then he reached out and gently touched her stomach. “This child is mine, always remember that. If I find out you’re trying to run or do something stupid, I won’t be kind.”

Melinda nodded quickly. “I won’t run. I gave you my word.”

He seemed satisfied for now. “Good, go rest. Dinner will be served..”

As soon as he walked away, Melinda let out a long breath.

Her legs felt weak. She went upstairs to the bedroom and sat on the bed, trying not to cry. Things were getting more dangerous every day.

The next afternoon, she managed to meet Elena again at the hospital. They hid in a small empty office.

“He’s watching me closely now,” Melinda whispered. “One of his men is always following me and yesterday he questioned me like I was a criminal.”

Elena looked worried. “This is bad. My contact says the fake documents will be ready in six weeks, not two months, but you need to be very careful, don’t meet me too often.”

Melinda nodded. “I have some jewelry Stanley gave me, I can sell it quietly for extra money. I also need a safe place to hide once I leave.”

“I’m working on that,” Elena said. “There’s a small town far from here, but Melinda… are you sure about this? Stanley Stewart is a very powerful man. If he catches you…”

“I know,” Melinda replied, touching her stomach. “But I can’t let my baby grow up in that house. He called me a breeding vessel, he plans to take my child away from me, I have to go.”

Back at the mansion, Stanley was already home early.

“Where were you?” he asked the moment she walked in.

“At the hospital with my mother,” she answered.

Stanley walked over and pulled her close. “You’re spending too much time there. From now on, I want you home more. The baby needs you to rest.”

She just nodded, but inside of her, she was scared because he was tightening his control.

At night, Stanley came to her again. He was gentler than usual, but still acting cold. After he finished having sex with her, he lay beside her for a few minutes instead of leaving immediately.

“You’re carrying my heir,” he said quietly, almost like talking to himself. “That makes you important for now.”

Melinda stayed silent. She waited until he fell asleep, then carefully got out of bed. She went to the bathroom and cried silently.

***

The next few days were tense. Stanley’s men watched her every move. She had to be extra careful when talking to Elena.

Melinda started hiding small amounts of money and important papers in different places around the house.

One evening, while Stanley was in his study with some business partners, Melinda hid near the door and listened. She heard them talking about “shipments,” “territory,” and “dealing with enemies.” Her blood ran cold. Stanley really was involved in dangerous mafia business.

She quietly moved away before anyone saw her. But as she turned the corner, she bumped into Marcus, Stanley’s right-hand man.

“Mrs. Stewart,” Marcus said with a small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You shouldn’t be walking around here at this time.”

“I was just going to the kitchen,” Melinda said, trying to sound normal.

Marcus looked at her carefully. “The boss really cares about that baby you’re carrying, don’t do anything that would make him angry.”

Melinda nodded and walked away fast.

At night, after Stanley had gone to sleep in a separate room, Melinda’s phone vibrated with a message from Elena.

“Documents will be ready sooner than I thought, but there’s a problem. Stanley’s men are asking questions at the hospital about you. Be ready to leave any day now.”

Melinda’s heart raced, she deleted the message immediately so Stanley would not find out her plans through her inbox.

Melinda was still thinking about what to do when the bedroom door suddenly opened. Stanley stood there, looking at her with dark, angry eyes.

“Who are you texting this late?” he demanded.