Chapter 4My Baby Told Me to Marry a Villain

The Montgomery family hosted a dinner, claiming it was to mend fences.

Mrs. Montgomery's voice on the phone had been dripping with sincerity, saying she knew she was wrong, and Seraphina knew too, begging me for a chance to make amends.

Dominic answered the call. I thought he'd refuse, just like last time. But to my surprise, he said. "Fine, we'll be there on time."

I looked at him, puzzled. He only said. "Some things need to be settled face-to-face."

I understood then; he wanted to stand up for me. But I never imagined this so-called family dinner was actually a meticulously prepared grave for me.

In the dining room, the Montgomery family was effusively welcoming, more than ever before.

Mr. Montgomery clapped Dominic on the shoulder, calling him 'good son-in-law' repeatedly.

Arthur Montgomery also came over, feigning friendliness, to offer a toast, but his hypocritical eyes kept darting to my stomach.

I just felt sick.

After a few rounds of drinks, Mrs. Montgomery herself carried a bowl of soup to me.

"Elara, dear, this is a calming soup I personally made for you. Drink it while it's warm. I was wrong before, please don't take it to heart." She smiled with such maternal affection, as if I were her own daughter.

I stared at the dark, murky liquid in the bowl, a sinister premonition washing over me.

"Don't drink it! Mom! It's abortion poison! A hundred times stronger than what Jasper prepared last time!"

The Little One's frantic scream drilled into my brain like an electric drill.

"They're in league with Jasper! They want you to drink it in front of everyone, then pin the murder of the Montgomery grandchild on you and Dad! They're insane!"

My hands and feet instantly went cold. I snapped my head up, my gaze sweeping past Mrs. Montgomery's hypocritical face, to an unfolding scene nearby.

Seraphina and Jasper stood side-by-side at the top of the stairs on the second floor. She leaned against the railing, looking down at me with a condescending, utterly venomous smile.

In that instant, everything clicked. It was a death trap. A no-win situation.

Either I drank this poisoned soup and both the baby and I perished. Or, even if I avoided the soup, they'd force me to the stairs under some other pretext, and Seraphina would 'accidentally' push me down, leading to the same outcome.

They had calculated every move. Today, I was trapped, unable to escape.

All eyes were on me. Mrs. Montgomery still gently urged. "Elara, why aren't you drinking? It's getting cold."

Upstairs, Jasper watched me with an expectant, amused gaze.

Dominic seemed to sense something, beginning to rise. But it was too late.

I looked at the soup, then at that despicable pair by the stairs.

The last shred of illusion I held for this family shattered completely. Fine. If you want my life so badly, then I'll give it to you.

Under everyone's shocked gazes, I picked up the bowl. Then I whirled and flung the scalding contents straight into the face of Jasper, who stood nearest.

Amid his raw scream, I didn't pause. I used every ounce of strength I had, charging like a madwoman towards the stairs.

Seraphina's triumphant smile hadn't yet dissolved before she saw me barreling toward her like a wrecking ball.

She shrieked in terror, instinctively trying to push me away. But I wasn't aiming for her at all.

Just one step from her, I pivoted. I threw my full weight, not at her, but against the unforgiving wooden banister.

Then I fell.

The world spun. Excruciating pain ripped through my entire body.

With my last bit of strength, I fiercely shielded my belly.

Blood spread beneath me, staining my white gown crimson.

Before consciousness completely faded, I saw the horrified faces of the Montgomery family, the ashen lips of Seraphina and Jasper, and Dominic rushing towards me, his face a mask of agony.

I looked at them, my heart utterly calm.

This life, I'm giving it back to you.

From now on, we owe each other nothing.