Chapter 1

My step-sister, paralyzed for six years, suddenly became heavily pregnant. I picked up my phone to call the police, but my father grabbed my hand.

“Felicia, this is your child too!”

My husband, George Gervase, stood silently beside my father. I understood that the child in my step-sister’s womb was his.

Seeing my silence, George stepped forward, separating me from Helena. “Felicia, it was Dad and I who made this decision on our own. Don’t blame Helena.”

He comforted me with a tone of condescension. “You always refused to have children. You know how cruel the gossip outside is.”

“Helena is paralyzed. She is your own sister. Her pregnancy won’t threaten your position as Mrs. Gervase.”

Every word they spoke claimed to be for my sake. Yet they acted first and asked questions later, never once inquiring if I was willing.

In their eyes, I could never say no to them. But they didn’t know that the time I promised my mother to care for both the Gervase and Fogolla families had come to an end. It was time for me to leave.

——

George’s hand still rested on Helena’s rounded belly. That sight stung my eyes like needles.

“Felicia, don’t be angry with George.”

Helena lay on the bed, an innocent smile on her face. “The doctor said my health is not good. George kept it from you because he was afraid something might happen to me or the baby.”

She added, “We’re all doing this for your own good. After all these years as Mrs. Gervase, you still have no children. How embarrassing is that?”

As she spoke, she affectionately patted the back of my hand. “Once the baby is born, we’ll register it under your name. Let him call you Mom, okay?”

My father cleared his throat, adopting an authoritative tone. “Felicia! Helena is carrying the Gervase Family’s first grandson and it’s our Fogolla Family’s hope!”

“Your sister is unwell, sharing the burden for you and the Gervase Family. Instead of being grateful, you stay expressionless. Who are you pretending to be?”

George finally withdrew his hand from Helena’s belly and walked towards me. He reached to take my hand, but I pulled away. His movements froze in mid-air.

“Felicia, after all these years as husband and wife, don’t you know me by now? Everything I’ve done is for you, for our family. I can’t let others stab you in the back, calling you a useless wife.”

I stared at him, speechless. Seeing my unmoved expression, George’s patience snapped. He tugged impatiently at his tie.

“Enough of this. I’ve had my assistant prepare dinner. So, let’s celebrate it together. As the lady of the house, you should at least show hospitality.”

He turned to help Helena, his movements gentler than I’d ever seen him before. “Helena, what do you want to eat? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it for you.”

Helena leaned weakly against him, pouting, “I want bird’s nest soup and I want you to feed it to me yourself.”

George replied, “Alright, whatever you want.”

They flirted openly, without caring and treated me like I was invisible. Standing there, I felt ridiculously superfluous.

Just then, Uncle Isaac, the family doctor, entered carrying his medical bag. He pulled a medical report from his bag with a big smile.

“Mr. Gervase and Ms. Fogolla, there is wonderful news!”

He handed the report to George in a booming voice. “Ms. Fogolla’s pregnancy is very stable. The ultrasound shows it’s a boy! Congratulations, Mr. Gervase, you’ll have a son as your heir!”

George planted a fierce kiss on Helena. My father’s face flushed crimson with emotion.

Uncle Isaac turned to look at me, a hint of pity in his smile. “Mrs. Gervase, please don’t be too sad. Since your belly isn’t showing any signs of pregnancy, having Ms. Fogolla bear a child for you is just as good.”