Chapter 3

"Oh, Aria! Why did you run out by yourself?!"

I looked up and saw Ryan's cousin, Marcus, beaming from ear to ear. His tacky gold chain glinted garishly in the sunlight, and he clutched a carton of milk and a fruit basket, eagerly rushing over to me.

His joyous expression made my stomach churn.

"I just came to check on you, you know."

He said, stepping closer with a sickly sweet smile.

"You absolutely mustn't wander off, my darling little..."

"Ahem!"

Ryan's cough came from behind me.

Marcus caught on, quickly changing his tune.

"You absolutely mustn't hurt my darling nephew, you hear!"

He let out a short laugh, then quickly added in a low voice, "You, Aria, are truly the savior of our family. Once the baby is born, your family will get double the house and money!"

His eyes glinted with smugness, like he was sealing a deal that couldn't possibly fail.

Next to him, Ryan's eyes flashed with a glint of greed.

But when he saw me, he composed himself.

He deliberately cleared his throat twice and said to me.

"Aria, aren't you going to thank my cousin?"

I lowered my eyes, a barely perceptible cold laugh on my lips.

Seeing my silence, his smile slowly faded, and a flash of panic crossed his eyes, as if he'd realized something.

"Aria, when did you get here? Why didn't you come inside? Everyone's waiting for you!"

"Just arrived," I said flatly. "Ran into Marcus on the way and chatted for a bit."

He sighed, visibly relaxing, and forced a strained smile, "That's good, that's good."

Marcus was still immersed in his joy, completely oblivious to this small detail.

He kept staring at my belly, looking it over and over, thoroughly satisfied.

"That's good, that's good."

Ryan let out a breath of relief.

I looked at his pretense and suddenly found it laughable.

Marcus, beaming, patted Ryan's shoulder, "Treat your wife well, make sure she's well-fed. She's carrying our golden child!"

"If the baby needs anything, just let me know! Your family will be well compensated!"

Ryan's eyes lit up.

He nodded profusely, bowing slightly, "Of course, of course!"

Just then, Chloe, my sister-in-law, poked her head out from inside the house, sniping sourly, "Well, sister-in-law's certainly worth a fortune now, more valuable than gold."

"And who knows whose baby she's carrying, yet my brother's falling all over himself to treat her well. Hope it's not a losing investment."

"Chloe! Shut up!" Brenda glared at her, then turned to me with a placating smile, "Chloe doesn't know what she's saying; don't take it to heart."

"This baby is the golden grandchild of our family, he'll be loved by everyone from birth, truly blessed!"

"His cousin said he'll give you a big bonus once the baby's born, and Mom will give it all to you!"

From the moment I returned until now.

She had never been so pleasant to me.

A cold laugh bubbled inside me, and I retorted, "How can you be so sure I'll actually give birth to this baby?"