I watched the video on loop, my rage building. Then, as dusk settled, Daniel finally walked into our den. He took one look at me sitting in the dark and clucked his tongue.
“Olivia, you shouldn’t sit in the dark. What if you fall?” he scolded gently, flipping the light switch. The scent of jasmine clung to him, a mocking reminder. Keeping calm, I asked, “Where were you?”
“At the office, love. Why?” His voice was light, as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
I pushed harder. “Nothing, I just… I suddenly want those dumplings from the east side of the territory.” I touched my swollen belly, feigning a craving, while our pup stirred inside me.
Annoyance flickered in his eyes as he muttered, “They’re not anything special, and you’re far along. You should be careful.” He turned away, already heading toward the bathroom. “Maybe call your mother for some stew.”
The bathroom door clicked shut, and I let out the breath I had been holding. Stroking my belly, I whispered, “It’s you and me, sweetheart. We’re about to face this war together.”