The moment we walked through the door, Hector appeared, carrying a bowl of steaming fish soup. I forced a gag, clutching my stomach.
I said, “I’m sorry, but my morning sickness has been terrible lately. I can’t drink that.”
However, Vanda was not having it. She shoved the bowl toward me, her tone firm. “You need to have this. I already had my share–this is for you.”
I took a deep breath, trying to change the subject. “Vanda, how are things with you and your husband? It’s been months since you two fought. Don’t you think it’s time to make up and move back with him?”
Before Vanda could respond, Hector jumped in defensively. “Luna, what are you saying? Hasn’t it been great having Vanda here with us? She’s an ob–gyn–she’s the best person to take care of you.”
Then, he nudged the bowl closer. “Now, have it.”
My suspicion toward Hector grew.
As Vanda brought the bowl to my lips, I pretended to sneeze, jerking forward just enough to send the soup crashing to the floor. Both of them looked annoyed as I stammered, “I’m so sorry! I’m exhausted today.
“I just need to rest. By the way, Vanda, I’ve been feeling a little off. I’m going to the hospital tomorrow to get checked.”
Vanda called out from behind the door, her voice sharp. “Not feeling well? I can check on you right now.”
I quickly replied, “No, it’s fine. I ran into one of your coworkers earlier, and she told me to come to her tomorrow. I already said I’d go.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 3
The hallway went silent after that. Of course, I had not run into anyone. It was just an excuse I came up with to buy me some time.
Besides, I knew the only place I could extract the insect safely was somewhere public, like the hospital.
Before my alarm even went off the next morning, I was already out of bed. I barely slept a wink. Whenever I closed my eyes, I saw Vanda’s unsettling smile and the squirming insect on her back.
After a quick wash, I peered into Vanda’s room. Her door was still shut, and I exhaled in relief. I needed to move quickly.
At the hospital, I pretended to register for a checkup. I kept an eye on the bustling crowd, wanting to find the perfect spot to execute the plan.
Vanda arrived for her shift about 30 minutes later. When she spotted me, her expression turned dark as she growled, “Luna, why did you lie to me?”
Chapter 4
Chapter 4
