4. Abortifacient

Grace is forced to give in to allow Claire to live with them. Even though Claire and Jackson didn't live in the same room, Grace still felt jealous and uncomfortable. Since the beginning of their marriage until now, Jackson and Grace have never slept in the same bed. They slept apart throughout their three years of marriage. It was natural for Jackson to feel that he had never made love to Grace, because he didn't remember everything he had done when he came in and out of Grace's room when he was drunk three months ago. Grace couldn't blame him if Jackson didn't believe that she was pregnant with their child. She understood that this was all Claire's doing, trying to break up their relationship.

Grace could have returned to the Brown family home. They would treat her very well as if she were their daughter. However, she didn't want to continue to cause trouble. She didn't want to be a burden on the family that had raised her. She just needs to be patient in waiting the next six months until she gives birth and does a DNA test on her baby. When the test results came back, Jackson would believe her.

This morning Grace came down to have breakfast together in the dining room before leaving for work. She was quite surprised when she found Claire sitting in the chair she usually sat in. She liked sitting in that chair because she could easily serve her husband. She loves that chair, and it has been her favorite place for a long time. However, she didn't want to make a fuss when her seat was suddenly taken. She just kept quiet, then looked for another chair to sit on.

"Jack, I heard that your company is looking for a new designer for a new product that you are going to launch. Can I work in your office?” Claire asked hopefully. Her tone when talking to Jackson was always like that, sounding very soft and spoiled.

“You don't need to work, Claire. I once promised you that I would always protect and provide for all your needs. I will not break that promise. You just relax and enjoy your life." Jackson took out a card from his pocket. The card was unlimited, so Claire could use it as she pleased. “Your life has been very difficult all this time; I will never let you suffer again.” He took Claire's hand and squeezed it gently.

Grace, who witnessed this, could only remain silent. She felt hot, hot because she was burning with the fire of jealousy. However, she could only hide her feelings because she didn't want to cause trouble.

Claire turned to look at Grace; she smiled sarcastically in victory.

"Grace, I hope you don't mind because I use Jackson's money for my living expenses." Claire spoke in a tone full of sarcasm.

“You don't need her permission to use my money.” Jackson confirmed.

Grace took a deep breath; she looked up at Claire with a big smile on her lips. “I don't mind if my husband spends his money on homeless women. You don't work and have no income; you also can't do anything. You can only rely on men, so I should pity you.”

“Grace, watch your mouth!” Jackson sounded so angry.

Claire looked very annoyed when she heard that sentence. She squeezed the spoon and fork in her hand. Her jaw tightened; she looked at Grace so sharply. She wanted to curse back, but she had to restrain herself because Jackson was still there.

***

Grace threw herself roughly onto the sofa. She felt quite tired after a long day of work. She took off the heels she had been wearing all day; her feet felt so sore.

"Aunty, please bring me a glass of orange juice!" Grace calls the maid who works for her.

“Yes, ma'am.” The middle-aged woman immediately carried out the orders that Grace gave.

Claire quietly followed into the kitchen. She waited until the maid finished making the orange juice that Grace wanted. When the woman was about to deliver the order, Claire approached and asked the woman to do something for her.

“Wait for me to give this to Mrs. Grace, then I will do what you want.” The helper negotiated.

“I want you to do that now. If you argue, I will ask Jackson to fire you. You know who has the most power here, right? Jackson heard what I said better than your mistress." Claire made a threat.

The maid couldn't refuse; she went to Claire's room to look for the things Claire wanted.

Claire glanced around, just in case no one noticed her. When she was alone in the kitchen, she mixed abortion medicine into Grace's orange juice. She stirred it to make sure the powder dissolved completely. When she confirmed that her plan had gone perfectly, she rushed out of there.

When the maid returned, Claire was no longer there. Because Claire had already left, the maid quickly brought the order that Grace wanted. Grace drank greedily without any suspicion at all.

“The taste of the juice is a little different this time. Did you use a different type of orange?” Grace commented after she drank the drink.

“No, ma'am. I used regular oranges; I always buy fruit at the place you mentioned.”

Grace frowned. "Ah, maybe it's just my feeling. Thanks for the juice.” Grace smiled slightly; she got up and was about to go to her room on the second floor. However, just as she got up, she began to feel excruciating pain in her stomach. The pain was unbearable; her face turned pale with cold sweat suddenly attacking her.

"Please call a doctor." Grace gave orders, then with great difficulty she continued her steps towards the top floor.

Grace lay in bed waiting for the family doctor to come to examine her. No need to wait long; the doctor arrived there.

“Did you consume anything today?” The doctor asked to confirm.

Grace tried to remember. “I just had breakfast as usual, had lunch in the office canteen, and also drank juice after I got home from work. My maid prepared everything. She always buys food stock according to the recommendations I give. So far she cooks quite well.” Grace explained.

"Are you pregnant?" The doctor asked to be sure.

"Yes." Grace answered quickly.

"I think you have taken abortifacients. You should go straight to a gynecologist so he can give you the right treatment."