Chapter 13

Maybe they really were that in sync, because the very next second, Hank kicked the door open and burst in. He shoved Chloe aside without thinking—never mind she was pregnant—and rushed to scoop Irene up in his arms like it was an emergency. "Doctor! Someone get a doctor, now!" Chloe clearly saw Irene throw her a smug little smile from where Hank couldn't see, her lips silently mouthing, "I win." The whole villa was thrown into chaos by Irene's fall, but after the initial ruckus, everything went quiet again. Chloe sat on the floor in a daze, not even noticing the food stains on her clothes. Even as the room grew dim, she stayed frozen there. Pain started to creep into her stomach, snapping her back to reality. In a panic, she pushed herself off the floor. No way. Her baby couldn't be harmed. This was the only family she had left. No matter what, she had to protect her child. Her legs trembled and felt weak, but she leaned against the wall and slowly made her way towards the door. The villa was pitch dark and felt completely deserted. "Is anyone there? My stomach hurts—can someone help me?!" Her voice echoed, but no one answered. Ever since she'd moved in, her phone had been taken. She tried to use the landline to call for an ambulance, but no matter how many times she dialed, the call wouldn't go through. The pain in her belly was no longer just a sting; it throbbed in waves now. Holding her stomach protectively, she whispered, "Hang in there, baby… Mom's got you. We're getting help, okay? Just stay strong." She grabbed a jacket, threw it over her shoulders, and rushed out the front door. The villa was in a secluded area—no buses, no taxis at this hour. She'd have to rely on her own feet and start walking. She had barely made it down the street when headlights flashed, and a car pulled up in front of her. Relief lit up her face—thank God, a car. She was saved. But when the driver stepped out, her heart sank. She instinctively lowered her head and tried to turn away. "Don't move!" Hank barked, grabbing her arm and pulling her into his arms. "Chloe, I really underestimated you. How could someone be this cold-hearted? Irene is your sister—for real. And you still went that far? Listen to me—even if she dies, I'll never love you!" His eyes were bloodshot, and he gripped her wrist so tightly it felt like he might snap her bones. Chloe's heart dropped seeing him like this. She didn't know what lies Irene had told him, and honestly, she didn't care. All she could think about now was her baby. Softening her tone for the first time, she begged, "Hank, can you just take me to the hospital first? My stomach really hurts… I'm scared..." Hank let out a cold laugh, lips curling with mockery. "Oh, now you're scared? Where was all that fear when you were trying to hurt Irene?" Clutching her stomach with one hand, Chloe gave him a desperate look, her voice shaky. "Hank, please… I didn't do anything. She brought up my mom to hurt me first. I didn't touch her. Just believe me—let's go to the hospital, please?" "Enough!" he roared, shaking her off harshly. "Is there anything you won't use to get your way?! Do you even hear yourself? Your mom's alive and just fine at the Hudson place! And you wanna act like she's dead to play the victim? Seriously, are you still human?!" Then he forcefully dragged Chloe into the car's back seat, yanking at her clothes. Like an angry beast, he looked ready to tear her apart. Chloe realized what he was trying to do and started fighting back like crazy. "Hank! What the hell are you doing?!" "What do you think? You're always so proud that I can't get over your body—so here I am, giving you exactly what you want."