It had been weeks.
Weeks of perfect compliance.
Weeks of soft thighs, quiet moans, and hollow submission.
And still — nothing.
No swollen belly. No morning sickness. No missed blood.
Serene's body was as untouched by time as the day he first saw her in the café.
Too untouched.
Too pure.
> Wasn't I inside her enough?
---
Roman stood in his private study, the lights dim, a small bottle held between his fingers.
Colorless. Odorless.
Dissolved perfectly in warm liquids.
A gift from a friend in pharmaceuticals.
Promised results within weeks.
Guaranteed fertility.
He had waited long enough.
> "She's mine. Body and womb."
---
That evening, he called the head maid into the parlor. Whispered instructions. Handed her the bottle.
> "Just two drops in her tea. Once in the morning. Once after dinner."
The maid nodded, eyes lowered.
> "And if she asks?"
"She won't," he said.
---
Serene sat at the table as usual — stiff posture, eyes unfocused, lips barely touching the rim of her teacup.
She didn't notice the slight taste.
Didn't notice the maid's new watchfulness.
Didn't see Roman's eyes studying her like a scientist waiting for his experiment to bloom.
He almost smiled.
> "Soon, wife. You'll carry me. I know it."
---
Lelo crawled into his lap that night.
Curled like a cat against his chest.
> "Will Mama be big soon?"
"Very soon," he whispered, stroking her hair.
> "I want her to be fat with me inside her."
Roman didn't correct her.
---
Meanwhile, Serene sat cross-legged in her locked room.
The pink-and-white bottle of pills lay in her palm.
She swallowed one dry, then whispered something into the air:
> "You don't get to win."
Outside her door, the maid stood silently — listening.
And said nothing.
---