I glanced at the dining table, where Felix and Clara sat beside them while talking to their baby in Clara’s belly. And I was alone. Cooking for all of us was like being a maid watching my master’s intimacy.
“I can’t wait to see his face,” Felix spoke while rubbing Clara’s stomach.
“He’s a boy. He’ll be very handsome like you,” Clara replied, followed by laughter from both of them.
That was my dream, but Clara got it from Felix.
I admit that I was devastated to see that Clara always managed to attract Felix’s attention throughout the day in various ways. Felix even preferred to accompany Clara at night rather than me.
When Felix was with me for just a few minutes, Clara would call for Felix for various reasons, whether screaming in pain or calling for Felix to show that the baby in her belly was kicking.
I needed the same attention, too. There was never a good time for me to tell Felix about my pregnancy, and now my husband was ignoring me.
If it weren’t for our unborn child, I wouldn’t want to stay between the two of them. To hell with a short marriage!
After all, I don't want to live with a man who hasn't finished with his past. Felix also looks like he would happily live with Clara and their future son. His desire was very clear. Felix is ready for a family, but not with me.
I didn’t want my child to be born without a father.
“What are you cooking, Alice?” asked Felix, who came to me, rubbing my head.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make breakfast for you two,” I replied curtly.
Felix chuckled and kissed the top of my head gently. No matter how sweet he was, I wouldn’t melt down as long as Clara was in this house and Felix gave her attention.
“You seem still angry,” Felix teased.
“Hey, why do you care? I don’t have the money to pay for your concern.” I laughed, pretending to return Felix’s joke when what I said was my own opinion.
The smile on Felix’s face faded. He was offended by my words, but I didn’t care. I was also too fed up pretending to be nice to Clara, preparing everything for Clara’s comfort in this house. Instead of keeping it to myself, I thought it would be better to get what was on my mind out in the open.
But it’s so hard for me.
“Alice, if there’s a problem, just tell me,” Felix said, trying to comfort me.
“No, Felix. I’m just not in a good mood.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded slowly. There were so many things I wanted to say, but my mouth couldn’t get them out straight away.
I wanted to say that I didn’t like Clara being here, that I didn’t like Felix acting like Clara’s husband and ignoring me, and much more. But I already know how Felix would react if I said all that.
It would disappoint me.
“Alice’s bad mood is because of me, Felix.” Clara joined in and got closer to me.
She then clasped her hands together and looked at me sadly. ‘I’m sorry,’ she said.
I took a long breath. “Please, don’t talk to me,” I replied, turning my back on her.
So far, I have managed to avoid talking to Clara because I am sure she has an evil plan to destroy my life by showing herself to Felix and me again. Several times, I saw her smiling triumphantly at me when she managed to get Felix to pay attention to her.
“Alice, please.” A heavy sigh was heard from Felix’s voice.
“Don’t be angry with her, Felix. I’m to blame for making her uncomfortable with my presence.” Clara spoke so sweetly.
“So, just go!” I sneered again.
Felix’s gaze turned gloomy, showing his anger at my attitude. Ah, I hate pretending to be nice to a cunning woman. But oh well.
“My goodness, you have such a big belly, Clara. You must be starting to feel overwhelmed.” I rubbed her belly like a neighbor who was happy that Clara was about to give birth.
But it was just an act.
I swear on my baby’s life, it was just acting.
I didn’t hate Clara’s unborn baby at all. However, my relationship with Clara has been full of disagreements since the beginning because Clara always started arguments with me.
Felix and I had a family-like relationship before. I considered him my older brother, and he thought of me as his younger sister. Behind that, I fell in love with him seventeen years ago.
“It’s difficult but delightful, Alice.” Clara stared at her belly. “Ah, Felix. Can you take me to the doctor for a routine check-up today?” Felix responded to Clara with a nod and a sincere smile. He reached out to stroke Clara’s stomach.
Felix smiled contentedly at my slightly gentle demeanor. “You guys continue talking. I have to take care of something for a moment.” Felix was gone a moment later.
I’m done with my acting. I ignored Clara and refocused on my cooking. But Clara followed with her big smile and her narrowed eyes mocking me.
“If I can’t get Felix, neither can any woman, Alice. Even if it’s you, I’ll make him leave you.” Clara threatened me as she grabbed the spoon of soup from my hand.
I looked into her eyes, which showed her seriousness about what she was saying. I did suspect that Clara wanted to take Felix away from me.
She’s cunning!
“Oh yes, one more thing. I’m telling you, this is not Felix’s child.”
