Arlene

“How do you plan on handling the pregnancy after you give birth?” Art’s voice pierced through the quiet, bringing my thoughts to a screeching halt. “What if your stepmother causes trouble and demands a DNA test?”

I froze, my heart dropping into my stomach.

How come I never thought of that?

A part of me wanted to dismiss the idea, but the reality of it hit me like a wave. I had been so focused on keeping my enemies at bay, on surviving the constant threat of Mirela, that I hadn’t even considered the possibility of her pushing things further.

I forced a smile, trying to reassure myself. “Mirela...