Chapter 2

Early the next morning, Nora started in on me again.

"Clara, move into Vincent's room today. You two need time to get close. The sooner you do, the sooner you can give me a grandchild."

I looked at her and forced a faint smile.

"I want to give you a grandchild too, but the doctor said I have a condition that makes it hard to carry a pregnancy. There's a high risk of miscarriage. I need a few days to get treated and build my strength. That way, the baby will be healthy."

Nora paused, clearly caught off guard by how cooperative I sounded.

"Fine. Do what the doctor says. Your body had better not fail us!"

After she left, I took a medical report out of the drawer.

The one with the problem wasn't me.

It was Malcolm. He had already been diagnosed with poor sperm quality. Having a child wasn't possible for him.

I had tried to be understanding. I spent money on medication and pushed him to get treatment. In the end, he turned it on me, saying I was the reason we couldn't get pregnant.

Now, that lie worked in my favor. It bought me time.

I was still thinking about it when my phone rang.

"You're Malcolm's wife, right? I was the one with him the day he died."

"What do you want?" I kept my voice even.

"He still owes me money. Eight hundred. You're his wife, you should pay for it."

I almost laughed.

My husband died in another woman's bed. Not only did I have to handle his funeral, but now, I had to settle his bill.

"Fine," I said quietly. "Meet me at a coffee shop this afternoon. I'll bring the money."

At 2 p.m., I met the woman. Her name was Mandy Carver.

"This is 800. Count it."

I handed her the money. She didn't even glance at it before smiling.

"Your husband also said he'd transfer a house to me. And because of him, I've suffered serious emotional distress. I can't even work right now. That house should cover my damages."

I looked at her and smiled, going along with it. "You're right, but the house is under his dad's name. I don't have the authority to transfer it."

She was about to argue, so I lowered my voice.

"Listen. My father-in-law, Quinton, has more than just that house. He's got plenty of savings, too."

Her eyes lit up right away.

"If you can get on his good side, one house is nothing. You won't have to worry about the rest of your life," I went on. "When the time comes, tell him you want something steady. Say you'll give him a son. That's exactly what he wants."

Mandy straightened in her seat, her excitement showing. "Don't worry. Handling men is easy. If I can deal with Malcolm, I can definitely handle his dad."

I took her hand and smiled. "Good. I'll arrange for you to meet him soon."

By the time I got home, it was almost dark. I changed into a thin slip dress on purpose and sat next to Quinton to watch TV.

"What's this show about?" I asked.

He stammered through an answer, but his eyes kept drifting toward me.

I could see it clearly. His body was already reacting. The sight of his bloated stomach and yellowed teeth made my stomach turn. I nearly threw up.

But if I wanted revenge, I had to see it through.

When it was fully dark, I yawned and went back to my room, leaving the door slightly open.

As expected, about 30 minutes later, Quinton crept in.

"Clara, are you asleep?"

When I didn't answer, he stepped closer.

"I've been thinking about you. I can't even sleep…"

He climbed onto my bed, carrying that sour, stale smell with him.