And I’m ashamed to say I’ve never felt more free in my life.
Jade enters the room, sets my breakfast tray on my desk, and picks up the test that’s next to the plate. It’s been two months of injections, and still, I’ve yet to get pregnant.
I’m not disappointed.
I disappear into the bathroom, the only place privacy exists in my world, and go about my routine. But as I’m brushing my teeth, my morning takes an unexpected twist in the form of a pink plus sign.
My stomach twists, threatening to expel the contents within, because this isn’t just a baby announcement.
It’s Mateo’s death warrant.
Feeling dizzy, I sit down on the toilet, hoping to make sense of what happens next. I could have years with my husband, as with wealthy marks, it’s always safer to have an heir and a spare.
But with how Mateo has kept me from the outside world, The Web may not be so generous with time.
They’re going to want him dead and they’re going to want it done quickly, because if they can’t maintain contact with me, I become a liability.
But what can I do?
Nothing. I can do nothing. Unless I’d like to die too.
Because if I veer from my objective, they’ll kill us both.
Seeing no reason to stall, I exit the bathroom and hand the test to her.
“Hm.” She tilts her head to the side, squinting, then she looks at me. “You’re pregnant.”
I nod stoically.
“Aren’t you happy? You’ve secured Mateo’s inheritance while winning over some of his affection. You’re set for life.”
“It certainly doesn’t feel that way,” I snicker, turning away so she can’t see my tears.
All at once, my hatred for Jade melts away as I realize that she was never the snake. I was. I’m the one betraying Mateo’s trust when she’s been nothing but loyal to him.
If only he’d have picked her instead of me.
Tears stream down my cheeks, and a sob escapes my throat.
“Why…are you upset?” Jade asks, her voice more curious than hostile.
“You wouldn’t understand.”
“I suppose I wouldn’t, as I was nothing more than a toy for Mateo to discard when he saw fit.”
“That was his mistake.”
“That’s an odd thing for you to say.”
“Why? It’s the truth. Men with money should value loyalty above all, which you have in spades.”
“Are you saying you won’t be loyal to him?”
Knowing I can’t tell her the truth, I settle on a half-lie.
“No, but you know why I was picked. He married me out of convenience, and one day, when our children are still young, he’ll look to you again, remembering your loyalty, and you’ll be waiting for him.”
“It’s what you signed up for.” She hands me a handkerchief, and I use it to dab my eyes.
