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?"
