Chapter 2Fetal Static

I was in the hospital for a month. I tried everything to get rid of it. I "accidentally" fell in the shower. I "accidentally" ate unpasteurized cheese.

But Julian was watching me like a hawk. He’d anticipated every move.

On my last day, he must have sensed my desperation. He sat on the bed, his voice laced with a strange anxiety. "Chloe, what's wrong? You've been... distant. Is the pregnancy making you unhappy?"

I dropped my gaze to hide the bitter irony.

"I've wanted this for years, Julian. After all the failed IVF... how could I be unhappy? Why would you ask that?"

My flat denial seemed to calm him. He sighed, relieved, and handed me a folder.

"I know it's been hard on you. This is just... a thank you. It’s the deed to that downtown condo you liked. It's all yours."

I just stared at it.

Thirty minutes ago, I’d been scrolling through Instagram. Serena Vane had just posted a new photo. It was also a deed, blurred but recognizable.

Her caption: [The only beachfront villa in Malibu. In love, there’s no such thing as ‘first.’ The one who isn’t loved is always the third wheel. 😉]

I’d "liked" it. She deleted it almost immediately.

The difference was so painfully clear. He gave me a condo. He gave her Malibu.

I opened my mouth to refuse, but the door swung open.

Serena Vane, in sunglasses and a perfect blowout, waltzed in with a fruit basket.

"Julian, darling! I heard Chloe was here and just had to stop by. I hope I’m not interrupting."

She was an A-list star. Beautiful, untouchable. I was a pale, exhausted woman in a hospital gown.

The baby went wild.

MOMMY! MOMMY’S HERE! I love you, Mommy! I’ll be out soon, Mommy, I promise!

The high-pitched joy was like an ice pick in my ear. I turned my back to them. "I'm tired. I need to rest."

I thought she’d leave. She didn't. She sat down next to Julian.

He started massaging my calves, the picture of a doting husband. But under the blanket, I felt his foot move.

Ooooh, Daddy’s foot is touching Mommy's foot! They’re holding hands! YAY! My parents are the best! This stupid carrier bitch is just in the way. I can’t wait to get out so I can ruin her life!

Their movements became more obvious. Julian, thinking I was asleep, leaned over and whispered something to Serena. He kissed her.

YES! YES! YES! They’re kissing! I hope she sees! I hope it kills this bitch!

The baby was doing gleeful flips. I didn't know what hurt more, my abdomen or my heart.

I didn't dare open my eyes. A minute later, they quietly left the room together.

I followed them.

In a utility alcove down the hall, they were pressed against the wall.

"You shouldn't have come," Julian murmured, his hands in her hair. "I told you to be careful. What if Chloe saw?"

Serena laughed. "But I missed you! You’re so mean, making her carry our baby just so I don’t get bloated. You have to let me reward you."

She pulled his face down and kissed him, a deep, passionate kiss.

The baby in my womb was cheering.

Go, Mommy! Go, Daddy! I hope she’s watching!

I stumbled back to my room, one thought repeating itself: I have to get this thing out of me.