Bianca's voice was steady, her face emotionless as she stared at the burning flames.

"Just some trash that had to be burned."

Erick's brows furrowed, an inexplicable unease creeping into his chest. His eyes darted to the fire, trying to discern what exactly was fueling the flames. The flickering light cast shadows across Bianca's face, making her look distant and unreachable. He stepped closer, his instincts urging him to inspect further, but just then, Sabrina's voice rang out from behind.

"Erick!"

He froze mid-step and turned to see Sabrina entering the yard, her expression as radiant as ever.

"Why are you here?" Erick asked sharply, his tone betraying his uneasiness.

Sabrina blinked innocently and turned her gaze to Bianca. "I heard my sister is pregnant, so I came to check on her and congratulate her."

Erick's eyes flickered with a mix of guilt and annoyance. "I'll let you two talk then," he muttered, clearly eager to escape. "I'll go upstairs and change."

As Erick disappeared into the house, Sabrina moved toward Bianca, her almond-shaped eyes crinkling with a practiced smile.

"Sis, I'm so happy for you," she said cheerfully, clasping her hands together. "I can't wait to meet my little nephew."

Bianca met her gaze, her own expression calm but cold, like the surface of a frozen lake. The betrayal stung more sharply than any blade could. For years, Sabrina had been her closest confidante, the little sister she had doted on and trusted completely. And now, she stood here, shameless and smiling, after tearing Bianca's life apart.

"Are you really happy?" Bianca asked, her voice laced with a subtle edge.

Sabrina's smile didn't waver, though her eyes briefly flickered with unease. "Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"

Bianca forced a smile, suppressing the urge to lash out. The tension between them was palpable, like a coiled spring ready to snap.

"I'm happy too," Bianca said softly, the lie tasting bitter on her tongue.

The invisible weight pressing on the air seemed to dissipate slightly and the moment passed.

Not long after, Erick returned downstairs, now dressed in casual attire. His gaze darted between the two women, lingering on Bianca's pale face. Concern etched itself into his features.

"You should be resting," he said gently, stepping closer. "The hospital is better equipped to monitor you. Let me take you back."

Bianca shook her head. Her tone was polite but firm. "The doctor said it's fine as long as I rest at home."

She didn't wait for his response. "I'm tired," she added, excusing herself before turning and walking toward the bedroom.

Erick watched her retreating figure, a growing sense of frustration gnawing at him. He turned to Sabrina, hoping for answers, but she merely shrugged, her expression unreadable.

"Can I stay over tonight?" she asked suddenly, her voice sweet and persuasive.

Erick frowned. "Don't be ridiculous," he hissed under his breath, glancing toward the stairs.

But even as he rebuked her, there was no finality in his tone.

***

Later that night, the quiet of the house was broken by the soft click of the bedroom door unlocking. Erick stirred and sat up, his sharp instincts immediately alert. His first thought was of Bianca, lying beside him. He glanced over to confirm she was still asleep, her breathing steady.

In the dim light, he saw the intruder—Sabrina, her silhouette framed in the doorway.

"We agreed I'd come to you," Erick whispered harshly, his voice low enough not to disturb Bianca.

Sabrina stepped inside, her lips curling into a playful pout. "I missed you," she murmured, her bare feet padding softly across the floor.

Erick's jaw tightened. "Go back," he said, his tone more pleading than commanding.

Sabrina ignored him, her movements fluid and deliberate as she approached. She reached out, trailing her fingers down his arm. "Relax," she whispered. "I gave her enough sleeping pills in her milk. She won't wake up."

Erick's eyes flashed with disapproval. "Don't do that again," he warned, his voice sharper now. "She's pregnant. It's bad for the baby."

Sabrina pouted, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "Got it," she said lightly. Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she leaned closer. "But you can't deny you enjoy doing it right next to her."

Erick looked away, unable to meet her gaze. The guilt was suffocating, yet the forbidden nature of their affair was undeniably intoxicating.

Under the covers, Bianca's fists clenched so tightly that her nails bit into her palms. Her body trembled with rage, but she forced herself to remain still, her breathing even. She had heard every word.

***

It wasn't until nearly two hours later that Erick and Sabrina finally left the room. Bianca waited until the door clicked shut before sitting up, her movements shaky. Her stomach churned violently and she barely made it to the bathroom before vomiting.

The betrayal she had witnessed left her raw, the emotional wounds bleeding fresh. She clung to the sink for support, staring at her reflection in the mirror. The woman looking back at her seemed like a stranger—her face pale and drawn, her eyes hollow.

A loud crash broke the silence as Bianca, in her daze, accidentally knocked over the metal rack by the bathroom door.

The noise jolted Erick awake. In a flash, he was at the bedroom door, pushing it open with force.

"Bianca?" His voice was thick with panic.

Bianca looked up from the floor where she had fallen, her face devoid of expression.

Erick's eyes darted between her and the fallen rack, but his concern quickly gave way to suspicion. His voice trembled slightly as he asked, "When did you wake up?"

Bianca remained silent, her gaze unfocused as she lay on the cold bathroom floor. She could still feel the echoes of the depraved intimacy beside her just a few minutes ago. The disgust that had churned within her was now a heavy weight pressing against her chest.

She had wanted to open her eyes in that moment, to confront them, to expose their betrayal, but she knew it wouldn't change anything. Screaming, crying, or even confronting them would only make things worse. She wasn't weak, but she had to be strategic—she had to play her part until the time was right. If she was to leave this life behind, she needed to endure now. It was the only way she would get out without being destroyed in the process.

Erick stood by the door, his face pale, his voice trembling slightly when he spoke. "Bianca?" His voice cut through the stillness and for a split second, his concern seemed genuine. He hesitated as if waiting for a response, but Bianca kept her eyes closed, maintaining her silence.

She could hear his breathing grow more rapid, the tension mounting with each passing second. His anxiety was palpable, as though his own guilt was suffocating him. Bianca's heart hardened. She wanted to lash out, but she knew better.

Finally, when the silence had stretched to a length, Bianca spoke, her voice soft and measured. "I just woke up. Where were you?"

Erick's body seemed to release the tension it had been holding. He let out a breath that sounded almost like a relief, though there was a subtle shakiness to it. He quickly moved toward her, crouching down to offer his hand. "I went out for a glass of water." His eyes were full of concern now, but they didn't meet hers directly. He could barely mask the faintest hint of discomfort. "Bianca, are you okay?"

Bianca ignored his outstretched hand, her eyes fixed on the floor. Her stomach twisted and the nausea she had been holding back surged forward with alarming intensity. She barely had time to turn her head as she dry-heaved violently, trying to keep it contained.

Erick's face showed the kind of worry he reserved for someone he truly cared about. "Bianca, I'm worried about you. Are you sure about this pregnancy?" His voice softened, filled with a mix of concern and a subtle plea that didn't go unnoticed.

Bianca shook her head, but the pain in her chest intensified. She didn't need to hear his doubts. She had already made up her mind about the baby, about everything. Her silence was her shield now. She could feel his gaze on her, but she didn't look up. "I'm fine," she said flatly, her words an icy dismissal.

Bianca maneuvered herself back into bed. She could still feel the faintest traces of bile in the back of her throat, but she fought to keep them at bay. She had to endure if she intended to deliver the blow three months later, ensuring it would be a devastating strike—one that would seem like both mother and child perished.

Erick stayed by her side for a few moments longer, his presence heavy. But he said nothing more.

After a few moments of tense silence, Sabrina entered the room, her steps light but purposeful. She came in with the same fake sweetness that had been her hallmark during their earlier exchange. Bianca closed her eyes tighter, wishing for nothing more than to sink into the bed and disappear. She couldn't afford to engage with her, not now. She let Erick take over, leaving the room without saying a word.

***

The night stretched on in near silence. Erick returned later, his voice soft as he settled beside Bianca. "Sabrina wanted to stay and take care of you, but I sent her away." He lay down beside her, pulling her closer into his arms. "If you still feel unwell, let me know and I'll call the doctor."

Bianca's body tensed as his warmth surrounded her. She didn't respond to him. Her thoughts were elsewhere, racing, plotting her next move. His voice, soft and insincere, echoed in her mind, but she didn't trust him anymore. It was a long time before she fell into an uneasy sleep, the quiet of the house pressing down on her chest like a vice.

***

The next morning, Bianca's adoptive parents called, the news of her pregnancy spreading quickly. They were on their way back from a trip, eager to celebrate. Bianca felt a sudden pang of dread, but she masked it quickly.

The drive to the Harper Family home was long and silent, with Erick occasionally glancing at her, his face unreadable. Bianca's mind was elsewhere. The thought of facing her adoptive parents felt like stepping into an arena for a fight she was unprepared for.

When they arrived, the house was filled with the clatter of preparations, the smells of a meal being readied. Martha, her adoptive mother was already bustling around, putting the finishing touches on the meal with the help of the housekeeper. The familiar sights of the home did nothing to ease Bianca's discomfort. She felt like a stranger in her own skin.

As they sat down to eat, Martha smiled warmly, her attention shifting to the pregnancy. "Is it a boy or a girl?" she asked, her tone light and full of excitement.

"We haven't checked yet," Erick replied, his voice smooth, his expression gentle as he glanced toward Bianca. "Whether it's a boy or a girl, I'll love it no matter what."

His words, meant to sound affectionate, carried an undercurrent of something darker. Sabrina's eyes narrowed and she shot Erick a pointed glare. He met her gaze and gave a small, reassuring smile in return, one that Bianca noticed with increasing discomfort. The once pleasant exchanges now felt like cruel mockery. She could feel the betrayal in every word, in every glance.

Sabrina's smile only grew wider, her eyes dancing with mischief. It was sickening.

Bianca couldn't stomach it any longer. Excusing herself from the table, she feigned fatigue, stating she wasn't feeling well. Erick wanted to accompany her, but his phone rang, pulling him away.

She walked slowly to her room, but as she passed her parents' room, she heard hushed voices that made her freeze.

"No matter how you look at it, Bianca is just an adopted daughter. She can't compare to a biological one. It's best if Sabrina can take Erick away from her." Edward, her adoptive father, spoke coldly.

"Sabrina, you need to work harder and get pregnant with Erick's child as soon as possible," Martha replied, her voice dripping with the same calculated ambition.

The words pierced Bianca's heart like a dagger. The glass in her hand slipped from her fingers, shattering on the floor and she staggered, trying to keep herself upright.

So, her parents had known all along. They had all known about the affair. She had been the only fool, the only one in the dark. The weight of that realization nearly crushed her.

When the voices inside the room stopped, Bianca didn't need to look up. She knew they had seen her.

Martha stammered out her name in surprise, but Bianca's gaze was cold. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing as they landed on Sabrina, who stood there with a smug, satisfied smile on her face.

Bianca couldn't hold it in any longer. With a sharp movement, she slapped Sabrina hard across the face. The force sent Sabrina stumbling back, her hand flying to her cheek in shock, but then she laughed, the sound cruel and mocking.

"Sis, haven't you always been good at enduring?" Sabrina taunted, her tone laced with venom.

Bianca stood frozen in the living room, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might burst from her chest. Sabrina's words sliced through the air, each one sharper than the last.

"I've sent you pictures of your husband cheating and yet you pretend not to see them," Sabrina sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "Last night, I had sex with him right next to you and you still managed to fake sleep. Why aren't you playing deaf and blind now, sis?"

Bianca's breath came in ragged bursts and her body trembled as though it couldn't contain the weight of the truth crashing down on her. She had known, of course, but hearing it from Sabrina's mouth, seeing the cruel delight in her sister's eyes, was a wound that cut deeper than anything Bianca had anticipated.

Her chest heaved violently, the pain of betrayal searing through her. Her eyes burned with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall. Not now. Not when they were looking at her with such contempt. "Why?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sabrina's lips curled into a sadistic smile. "Of course," she said coldly. "Because I'm going to be Mrs. West. Why don't you just give it up, sis? You've been a pathetic Mrs. West anyway." Her words were a dagger aimed directly at Bianca's heart and with each syllable, the last vestiges of their sisterly bond were shattered. The facade of affection that had once existed between them crumbled into nothing, revealing the ugly greed and coldness that had been festering beneath the surface all along.

Bianca's legs began to tremble and she felt as if the ground beneath her was giving way. Her body swayed, but she steadied herself by gripping the edge of the table, the cool wood grounding her in that moment. Martha's voice sliced through her thoughts, filled with the same icy authority that had always been present in her presence.

"Bianca, think about it. You've had Sabrina's life for years. If you have any conscience at all, you'll end this pregnancy, divorce Erick and give him back where he belongs—with Sabrina."

The words were a poison, each one twisting in her gut, making it harder to breathe. Bianca's eyes blurred with tears as her chest constricted, unable to take in the magnitude of what was being asked of her.

Before Bianca could process anything further, the front door creaked open and Erick's voice rang out, heavy with confusion and concern. "What's going on?"

He froze in the doorway, his eyes wide as he took in the scene. Bianca stood before him, her face flushed with anger and humiliation, while Sabrina stood beside her, an expression of malicious triumph on her face.

Sabrina's gaze flickered quickly and before anyone could say a word, she burst into fake tears, her sobs loud and dramatic. "Erick, Bianca found out about us."

Hearing his name snapped Erick out of his stupor, but it was too late. His face went ashen, his breath catching in his throat. Panic seized him, his mind racing for a believable explanation. He looked at Bianca, his eyes pleading, but she saw only fear. He'd been caught. "Bianca..." he whispered, his voice desperate.

Bianca's heart was pounding in her chest, but her anger had risen to a boiling point. She no longer cared for explanations, no longer cared about saving face. With every ounce of strength she had left, she lifted her hand and slapped him hard across the face. The sound echoed through the room and for a brief moment, the world stood still.

"Erick, you've really outdone yourself," she said, her voice low and filled with contempt.

Martha let out a shrill scream, her face pale with shock. "Bianca, how could you slap Erick?"

But Erick, in his panic, barked at her, his eyes frantic. "Shut up!" he snapped, his voice rising. He turned back to Bianca, reaching out for her hand. "Bianca, listen to me, I can explain. Just please, let me explain!"

Bianca didn't even glance at him. Instead, her gaze stayed cold, unwavering. "Explain?" she sneered, her voice frosty. "Explain what? That you didn't cheat? That you didn't sleep with Sabrina?"

His mouth opened, but no words came out. The panic was overwhelming, drowning out any coherent thoughts. He could see the derision in her eyes, feel the weight of her disgust in the air. And in that moment, he knew that everything he had ever taken for granted was slipping away.

The silence that followed was thick and suffocating. Bianca's tear-filled eyes locked with his for a long moment before she turned away, not sparing him a second glance. Her footsteps were sharp and deliberate as she walked past him, leaving the room without another word.

***

The drive home was quiet. Bianca sat in the passenger seat, her hands tightly clasped together in her lap, her gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. The world seemed blurry through her tears, but she didn't wipe them away. She let them fall, each one a silent testament to the pain she could no longer suppress.

Once inside the house, the weight of the silence suffocated her. She turned to face Erick, who had followed her in. He stood in the doorway, his hands wringing nervously as he looked at her.

"Erick," Bianca said softly, her voice filled with a strange calmness that didn't match the chaos inside her. "We're getting a divorce."

The color drained from Erick's face immediately. His mouth opened and closed, as if he couldn't comprehend the words that had just left her lips. "No," he whispered, his voice trembling. "Bianca, I was wrong. You can hit me, scold me, whatever you want. Just don't leave me. I can't live without you. Please, don't leave me. I won't let you leave me, not even if I die."

His words were desperate, tinged with a possessiveness that made Bianca's skin crawl. His eyes were wide, frantic and in them, she saw the obsession he had always tried to hide. It was a suffocating, consuming fear that twisted his features into something unrecognizable.

A shiver ran through Bianca, her stomach churning. She remembered him locking her in the house after a fight, fearing she'd leave. She remembered the threats, the control, the ever-present fear beneath his charm. She couldn't let it happen again.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. "Erick, I need some time alone," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

But he wasn't ready to let go. In the next instant, Erick dropped to his knees, his face twisted in an expression of utter desperation. "Bianca, give me another chance, please. Please..."

Bianca didn't look at him as she turned and walked upstairs, her steps deliberate and firm. She could hear him pleading behind her, but it only felt distant, like the sound of someone shouting in a dream.

She closed the door to her room behind her and leaned against it, her chest tight with emotion. A strange sadness welled up inside her. If he was so afraid of losing her, why had he cheated?

The next day, as Bianca descended the stairs, she paused at the top. She glanced at Erick, still kneeling on the floor, his face a mask of despair.