Shattered Dreams

Morning sunshine.

Fabe make it a habit to expose herself to the sun as soon as it starts hailing the earth with its rays. They said it's an excellent natural vitamin D source for her health and her baby.

Fabe would stay in her favorite spot outside the garden, where the sun perfectly shines on that area. She enjoys the heat and sweat in the morning. But still, she wishes for Bryce to take her on a nature trip for fresh air.

Now that she is five months pregnant, she also needs to do a little exercise to help her deliver soon. She makes it a habit to take a quick morning stroll since the mansion has a large area outside.

It's also been five months, but Bryce didn't even bother to show up for her prenatal check. Fabe is still delusional about always waiting for him. He never runs out of excuses every time Fabe reminds him. It was always her and Lyla.

“Baby, Daddy is not here, he is busy with the family business, but he loves us...,” Fabe jerked off hearing Madam Claudia’s shrieking voice.

"Fabe!" she heard Madam Claudia shouting vigorously.

"What now? It's still early!" Fabe whined and was about to start her stroll but hurried back inside, waddling. Madam Claudia doesn't want to keep her waiting and has a bad temper like Rafael.

"Yes, Madam?" Fabe panted and was soaking with sweat facing Madam Claudia.

"Good gracious! You look filthy and smell like a dog!" Madam Claudia covered her nose and pointed at the pile of clothes for Fabe to wash.

"Make sure to wash that immediately. I need it for the weekend, and be careful about it; it costs more than your life!" she said, spreading her fan and continued, "And remind yourself not to use the washing machine; it will deteriorate the fabric. Hand washing is better. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Madam," Fabe picked up the laundry and planned to wash it as quickly as possible so she could still have time for her stroll.

Moments later, Madam Claudia called her again. Her shout echoed in the whole mansion. Fabe stopped washing and wipe the remaining soap on her hands to her clothes and headed to the living room.

"What took you so long?" Madam Claudia yelled at her.

"I was doing the laundry, Madam."

"Make me some tea and be quick about it!"

"Yes, Madam," Fabe went to the kitchen and started the fire to boil water for the tea. Madam Claudia is picky regarding her tea; it should not be too cold or hot. After a few minutes, she returned to the living room and serve the tea.

"Is there anything else, Madam?"

"Nothing more."

"Actually, there is!" Lady Sophie emerges by the door with a big tote bag. She was having a hard time carrying it.

"I want you to wash this. You are the only person I know who can wash my expensive clothes properly," Sophie give her a big tote bag with her clothes inside.

"I forgot to tell you Sophie will come by for her clothes. Take it away," Madam Claudia said, beckoning her to get lost.

The bag was heavier than she expected. That's why Sophie was holding it roughly. Instead, she drags the bag to the floor so she cannot use too much force. Her belly contracted when exerting too much energy.

"What are you doing?!" Lady Sophie saw Fabe dragging her bag and reacted hysterically. She pulls the fan out of Madam Claudia's hand and repeatedly whips it on Fabe's arms.

"You stupid bitch! That bag is Louis Vuitton, and you are dragging it on the floor? How could you?!"

"I'm sorry, Sophie. It was heavy and…please…," Fabe cried out, turning around to protect her belly.

"Sophie! That's enough!" Master Rafael said calmly, peeking into the stairway. "She doesn't have the slightest idea about your fancy things. Now back off! You might hit my grandchild," Rafael added.

"You scheming, ignorant bitch!" Sophie said to her face and went back to the couch, pouting.

“No wonder why brother doesn’t like her. Such a dork!” she added.

Fabe impelled herself to carry the bag. She felt her belly tighten using too much force.

In the laundry room, Lyla was waiting for her. She hugged her and cried her heart out. Fabe tried to be a good daughter-in-law and did her best to please them, but it was never enough. Lyla is the only one she can lean on in the mansion.

"Miss, please stop crying. Think of your baby," Lyla patted her back. "Come; I'll help you with the laundry so we can visit your doctor."

"What for?" Fabe sniffles.

"This kid, it's your prenatal schedule today."

"Oh, it slept my mind," Fabe's face glowed instantly, and she continued her laundry with all her might. Prenatal day is Fabe's favorite day. She calls it her freedom day. The only time she can get away from her in-laws.

Today is the day she will know the gender of her baby and plan on doing the 3D so she will see its face vividly. In Fabe's thoughts, she hopes her baby will look just like her if it's a girl and would look like Bryce if it is a boy. She can't for her to come out.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Hamilton, It's a boy!" the doctor said and continued, "So far, your prenatal check shows you are healthier than ever, especially the baby, but you still have to take care of yourself and drink your vitamins, mostly avoid stress. I'll see you again next month," the doctor added.

"That is such good news, Miss! So please avoid stress," Lyla helped Fabe to change her dress and saw her arms. The whip left a mark and some bruises. She can't help but pity Fabe. After years of serving them, the family didn't change much, even if Fabe was pregnant.

"What do you want to eat, Miss? We need to drop by the pharmacy for your vitamins."

"An ice cream and French fries," Fabe beamed in delight, thinking of her cravings to get satisfied. Not that she can’t eat healthy foods in the mansion, but Master Rafael planned her meal, and she is so fed up with all the greens. It’s good to give in to her cravings sometimes.

When they reached home, Fabe was spirited to see Bryce's car. She can't wait to tell him about their baby's gender and show him the result. However, as she enters the house, her mood flops with their surprise visitor.

Irene sits next to Bryce with Madam Claudia, Lady Sophie, and Master Rafael, clasping his arms. Their laugh faded, seeing Fabe holding her bump. Bryce didn't even look at her.

"Miss," Lyla bowed to them and pulled Fabe to the kitchen. She fixes the ice cream and French fries on a plate, "Here, eat this and don't mind them. No stress remember?"

Fabe ate a little and decided to go to her room to rest. As she passed the living room, Fabe heard them laughing cheerfully, reminiscing the past of Irene and Bryce. She stopped by the hallway to listen well and heard them talking about their wedding.

"A wedding?" she whispered. Bryce didn't even dare to look at her, and now they were planning a wedding. Then she recalls their contract and the divorce Bryce proposes. She walks to their room, wrapping her arms around herself.

The happy family she dreams of for her son is a fairytale. She took a picture of the 3D photo of her prenatal result and posted it; it’s a boy with an emoji heart. As wounded as she feels, she sleeps her pain. For tomorrow is another day of foolishness.

Lyla checked on Fabe and saw the photo beside her bed. She took it and left it in Bryce’s room underground.

Midnight. Fabe woke up feeling thirsty. She forgot to bring water inside her room before she slept. Being pregnant makes her tongue dry all the time, and she craves to drink more water, especially cold. She made a quick trip to the kitchen though she still felt drowsy, and returned with a pitcher of cold water.

She saw Layla carrying linens heading to the underground room and followed her.

“Did Bryce stay for the night?” she said to herself. The underground room is Bryce’s favorite hangout place. He always prefers to sleep there over in their bedroom.

The door opened wide. Bryce was sleeping, and Irene appeared by the doorway wearing nighties retrieving the linen to Layla. Irene saw Fabe and intentionally moved out of the way so she could see Bryce clearly in the bed. She is smiling devilishly.

A loud crashing sound of glass shattered on the floor and startled everyone, followed by a painful scream. Fabe felt the contraction and clutched her belly.

She felt a sudden flow on her thighs and saw the blood. Bryce woke up, jumped off the bed, shoved Irene away by the door, and carried Fabe to his car.