Chapter 1: The Hand That Tried to Save Two Lives
Chapter 1: The Hand That Tried to Save Two Lives
Emily's breathing came in short, shaky gasps.
Her fingers dug into the polished banister until her knuckles turned white. The baby kicked hard against her ribs, as if sensing her fear.
Behind her, silence.
Not the kind of silence that brought relief.
The kind that warned another attack was coming.
Emily slowly turned around.
Standing at the top of the staircase was Victoria Hale, her husband's elegant stepmother. She wore a flawless cream-colored suit, her diamond earrings sparkling beneath the chandelier. Not a single strand of silver hair was out of place.
Only her eyes betrayed her.
Cold.
Patient.
Calculating.
"I warned you to stay away from Richard," Victoria said calmly, as though discussing the weather.
Emily stared at her in disbelief.
"You pushed me."
Victoria tilted her head.
"You lost your balance."
"You tried to kill us."
A faint smile appeared on Victoria's lips.
"Can you prove it?"
Emily instinctively wrapped both arms around her belly. Every instinct screamed at her to get away.
But before she could move, the front door opened downstairs.
Richard Parker had come home early.
Victoria's entire expression changed in an instant.
She gasped dramatically and rushed toward Emily.
"Oh my God! Emily, are you alright?"
Richard looked up the staircase in horror.
Emily stood trembling near the edge.
Victoria was already pretending to steady her.
"She almost fell," Victoria cried. "I tried to catch her."
Richard raced upstairs two steps at a time.
He pulled Emily into his arms.
"Are you hurt? Is the baby okay?"
Emily looked over his shoulder.
Victoria was crying.
Perfect tears.
The performance was flawless.
May you like
Emily realized something terrifying.
No one would ever believe the truth.
