CHAPTER 1 ā The Moment Everything Changed
The plate slipped from Diana's trembling hands and shattered across the kitchen floor.
For one endless second, nobody moved.
Water continued running from the faucet while tiny porcelain pieces scattered across the tiles.
Diana instinctively bent down to pick them up.
Pain shot through her lower back.
She pressed one hand against her swollen belly and quietly inhaled, forcing herself not to cry.
She was seven months pregnant.
The doctor had ordered complete rest after warning that stress could trigger early labor.
But resting wasn't an option inside this house.
Because ever since Ethan's younger sister, Chloe, had moved back home, Diana had become everyone's unpaid maid.
Cooking.
Cleaning.
Serving guests.
Smiling through exhaustion.
Every single day.
Meanwhile, Chloe spent her afternoons inviting friends over, blasting music, leaving mountains of dirty dishes, and treating Diana like hired help.
Whenever Ethan was home, Chloe acted sweet and respectful.
The perfect little sister.
The second he left for work...
Everything changed.
"Hey, Diana!"
A sharp voice echoed from the living room.
"My lemonade isn't cold anymore!"
More laughter exploded.
"And bring more chips!"
Someone added,
"Oh... and don't forget napkins."
As if she were invisible.
As if carrying Ethan's child meant nothing.
Diana slowly closed her eyes.
She whispered to herself,
"Just a little longer..."
She didn't want Ethan worrying.
He already worked twelve-hour shifts trying to prepare for their baby's arrival.
She kept telling herself she could endure a few more weeks.
She never imagined...
He would come home early.
The front door opened quietly.
No one noticed.
Except fate.
Ethan stepped inside carrying flowers hidden behind his back.
He had planned to surprise his wife.
Instead...
He heard strangers laughing while his home looked like a disaster.
Empty soda cans covered the coffee table.
Pizza boxes overflowed onto the floor.
Crumbs covered the couch.
His eyes searched only for one person.
"Where's Diana?"
Without even looking away from her phone, Chloe answered lazily,
"In the kitchen."
Like she was talking about a servant.
Not his wife.
Ethan walked toward the kitchen.
And everything inside him stopped.
Diana stood alone before a sink overflowing with dishes.
Her hands shook so badly she could barely hold a glass.
Her breathing wasn't normal.
Dark circles rested beneath her exhausted eyes.
Then...
He noticed something else.
A fresh red burn across her wrist.
His heartbeat slowed.
"Diana..."
She immediately forced a smile.
"You came home early."
She tried hiding the burn behind her sleeve.
Tried pretending nothing was wrong.
At that exact momentā
Chloe screamed from the living room.
"Diana! Are you deaf? I said bring us water!"
The laughter echoed again.
Ethan slowly turned around.
His expression became frighteningly calm.
May you like
The laughter outside continued...
For exactly five more seconds.
