CHAPTER 2 — THE WOMAN THEY CHOSE
The pregnant wife remained on the cold marble floor long after the pain should have forced someone to help her.
No one moved.
Not her husband.
Not his mother.
Not even the servants lining the hallway.
Every pair of eyes followed the mistress instead.
As if she were the victim.
As if the woman carrying the family's future meant nothing.
Finally, one of the younger maids rushed forward and helped her sit up.
"Mrs. Carter, you're bleeding."
The words froze the room.
For the first time, her husband turned around.
A small crimson stain spread across the pale fabric of her dress.
Fear flashed across his face.
"Call an ambulance!" he shouted.
But his wife simply stared at him.
The concern had come too late.
Much too late.
As the paramedics arrived, she heard the mistress begin to cry dramatically.
"It was an accident," the woman whispered.
The mother-in-law immediately wrapped an arm around her.
"We know, dear."
The wife closed her eyes.
They were still protecting her.
Even now.
At the hospital, doctors rushed her into emergency care.
Hours later, a physician entered her room.
His expression was serious.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Carter."
Her heart stopped.
"The baby is alive."
Relief flooded through her.
Then he continued.
"But the stress caused complications. You need complete rest. Any further trauma could endanger both you and your child."
Tears rolled down her cheeks.
Not because of fear.
May you like
Because she suddenly understood something.
If she stayed with that family, neither she nor her child would ever be safe.
