Chapter 1

Upon discovering my pregnancy, an inexplicable sense of trepidation washed over me.

As I stood there, clutching the test report in trembling hands, I inadvertently caught a glimpse into the twisted machinations of Denzel Evans' mind.

"This idiot is still riding that pregnancy high, completely clueless we swapped her IVF embryo.

"Honestly, she's just a fancy incubator for Jenny's kid. If it weren't for Jenny freaking out about the whole childbirth thing, I would've kicked this pathetic woman to the curb ages ago. Just looking at her makes my blood boil.

"Once she pops that baby out, I'll make damn sure she never gets off that operating table. Then I can finally tie the knot with my Jenny."

As these loathsome thoughts reverberated in my mind, my vision blurred with a mixture of disbelief and despair.

The IVF test report crumpled in my grip, mirroring the fracturing of my naive hopes and dreams.

Denzel's visage loomed before me, a mask of tender affection plastered across his features. "Alright, babe, let's head home. Over the next few months, I'm gonna take care of you and the little one, no doubt about it. I've got your back, every step of the way. Don't you worry, you're in good hands," he cooed, his voice dripping with insincere warmth.

Simultaneously, his true intentions reverberated in my consciousness. "I'll throw that pathetic woman in a dog cage and just sit back, watching her flail around trying to escape her fate. It's gonna be hilarious!"

Shock and sorrow intertwined within me, threatening to consume my very being.

The realization that Jenny, the target of Denzel's depraved desires, was none other than my own sister, tore through me like a jagged blade.

......

I gazed at Denzel, my eyes wide with incredulity.

"What did you just say?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mixture of fear and disbelief.

He appeared momentarily puzzled, his fingers tenderly combing through my hair.

"I didn't say anything," he responded, his tone unwavering.

But Denzel's internal voice resounded loudly within my consciousness.

"What the hell is this bitch trying to pull? Looking to get her ass kicked? If it weren't for that kid in her stomach, I'd drop her like a bad habit, no second thoughts. The only damn thing she's got worth anything is that kid with Jenny. My precious little treasure, but she? Not so much."

This time, the clarity was undeniable—Denzel had spoken no words aloud.

I had heard his THOUGHTS, unfiltered and chilling.

I took a tentative sip of water, attempting to quell the tempest raging within me, my mind a whirlwind of the name Denzel had subconsciously revealed.

Jenny. That was my sister's affectionate nickname!

I turned my gaze towards Jennifer Stewart, who was bustling around in the kitchen, her graceful form accentuated by a low-cut, form-fitting dress as she prepared a sumptuous dinner to celebrate my pregnancy.

When she caught my eye, she hastened over with a radiant smile.

"Wow, look at you, you're the queen of the house now that you're pregnant! Just say the word if you need anything, alright? I mean, I basically treat your baby like it's my own!" Jennifer exclaimed, her hands gently caressing my belly.

But as her fingers roamed, a profound chill washed over me. I stared blankly at her, my heart devoid of any warmth.

It was then that I noticed a subtle yet significant detail—as she prepared to depart, she intentionally brushed her leg against Denzel's, a gesture fraught with meaning beneath its innocent veneer.

My stomach convulsed violently, and I barely suppressed the overwhelming urge to vomit.

This was Jennifer, my sister, my confidante, someone I had grown up with. She was the one who had always professed love for me, vowing she wanted nothing but my happiness.

Yet, when Denzel's treatment of me turned cold, it was she who urged me to endure the pain, to stay and brave the fire rather than seek a way out.

What once felt like genuine care now revealed itself as something far more sinister.

I used to believe her comforting words came from a place of sincerity, but now I saw them for what they truly were—a calculated manipulation, a means to an end. In their twisted plot, both Denzel and Jennifer wanted me to dutifully bring this child into the world and then simply disappear.

At the dinner table, their eyes met in silent communication, exchanging subtle glances that teetered on the edge of flirtation.

I watched as Denzel lavished attention on Jennifer, meticulously peeling shrimp and deboning fish for her while my own plate remained untouched.

His internal monologue was more nauseating than I could have ever imagined.

"Alright, the dog cage and chains are all set. Once we get her back home, she's locked up for real. No screw-ups with Jenny's baby!

"I need to snatch her phone too—cut her off from the outside world completely.

"Can't have her causing any trouble. And once that baby pops out? She'll vanish, disappear without a trace... Just like that."

Suddenly, the clatter of my fork hitting the table shattered the uneasy calm.

All eyes snapped to me, brimming with curiosity and thinly veiled concern.

My fists clenched at my sides, trembling with the effort of holding myself together.

Denzel casually draped an arm around my shoulders, the mock concern in his touch sending a shiver through me.

"Are you feeling alright? Just let me know if you need anything," Denzel said, his voice sickly sweet.

But his inner voice continued its chilling mantra.

"If anything goes south with Jenny's baby, I'll flay you alive, you piece of trash!"

A wave of fear constricted my throat, and I abruptly rose from my seat.

"I... I need to use the restroom..." I stammered, desperation clawing at my insides.

But as I began to retreat, a firm hand caught my elbow, halting my escape.

I turned, expecting another betrayal, but was met with the concerned gaze of my mother, Miranda Stewart.

"Are you feeling uncomfortable, Louisa?"

Miranda's concern enveloped me like a warm tide, and I fought back the tears that brimmed in my eyes, threatening to spill over.

My voice trembled, heavy with a storm of emotions I could no longer contain.

I darted a glance at Denzel before throwing myself into Miranda's embrace, my body shaking with fear. "Mom... I don't want to have this baby anymore," I blurted out, my voice cracking like fragile glass.

Miranda stiffened at my words, her brow furrowing as urgency colored her tone. "What's going on? Tell me everything, sweetheart."

Jennifer gripped my hand tightly, her eyes wide with fake concern.

But amidst this moment of fleeting safety, Denzel's thoughts sliced through my mind like a dagger.

"No freakin' way! I gotta get this bitch home ASAP! We can't screw this up!"

In an instant, Denzel lunged at me like a wild animal, his grip tightening around my arm in a vice-like hold. "Alright, we're outta here for today. Gonna whip up your fave dishes back home. Let's go!"

He yanked me away from Miranda and Jennifer's reach, urgency radiating from him like a palpable force.