9#09

9

Christina gently caressed her flat belly, a tender expression on her face. "It's my first experience as a mother," she said softly. "My partner wasn't keen on me getting pregnant so soon. He thought it would affect my appearance. I'm still undecided about keeping the baby," she confessed.

Ben's eyes grew large at this revelation. "Christina, I'd love a little sister to play with," he exclaimed quickly.

Christina chuckled, covering her mouth. "That's sweet. Remember, when she arrives, you'll need to protect her from any mean ladies who might try to bully her."

Ben nodded solemnly, his expression serious.

While the child missed the subtle implication, Wanda caught it. Realizing Christina had overstepped, she spoke icily, "My wife isn't feeling well. You should go now."

Christina's pretty face paled, then flushed. Clearly upset, she reluctantly exited the room.

"She's just naturally careless and sometimes speaks without thinking. Don't let it upset you," Eric said as he carefully set down the still-hot healthy meals, one at a time.

"From now on, I'll watch over you more closely to ensure your health," he promised her.

As he reached to tuck a loose hair behind her ear, Wanda instinctively recoiled, making an excuse, "I'm sweaty and feel unpleasant." She fixed her gaze on him as she spoke.

Surprised, his eyes flickered before avoiding hers. He lowered his gaze and held her cold hands. "How could you be unpleasant? You'll always smell wonderful to me. I could never dislike you."

To demonstrate his sincerity, Eric gently kissed the back of her hand.

Ben, used to his parents' occasional affectionate gestures, covered his eyes with his pudgy hands, feigning embarrassment.

"Eww... yucky!" he cried out, his chubby hands over his eyes, pretending not to look. However, he shuffled to the other side of the bed, grabbing Wanda's free hand in his little arms and vowed, "I'll give Mommy lots and lots of warmth too!"

Onlookers peering through the glass couldn't help but envy the woman in the bed. They imagined she led a charmed life.

However, the tender moment was short-lived. Eric's phone buzzed.

As he unlocked it, Wanda caught a glimpse of the contact name, "Sweetheart."

Before she could look closer, Eric abruptly stood up. "Wanda, there's an urgent meeting at work. I'll bring you something tasty when I return."

He ruffled Ben's hair and patiently instructed, "Be a big boy and look after Mommy."

"I want to go with Daddy!" Ben protested.

Eric wavered, "Maybe I should just..."

"Just go," Wanda interjected, her tone calm but firm. "Take him with you. It'll be less trouble for me."

Though Eric seemed surprised, he didn't insist on staying. He picked up Ben and left the room. At the doorway, he hesitated and glanced back, as if sensing something amiss.

The setting sun streamed through the glass, bathing Wanda's delicate features in a soft light, blurring her outline. It was as if she might disappear entirely the next moment.

Yet Wanda didn't meet his gaze. She simply stared out the window at the bleak view.

A few hours later, the father and son who were supposed to be at the office appeared in a video sent by Christina.

In the clip, Ben sat in a living room, eating cake and playing games, his cheerful voice calling out, "I love Christina the most!"

The video transitioned into a long audio clip.

"What's wrong? Weren't you just saying I could do whatever I wanted? Can't handle it now?"

The man's hoarse voice was heavy with desire, filled with lustful undertones. Then came the sound of passionate kissing, followed by endless gasping breaths.