Chapter 6

I trudged through the empty hallway, my stomach growling with a hunger that seemed to echo through every cell in my body.

The baby inside me stirred, as if sensing my distress. I rubbed my belly, trying to soothe both of us.

It was getting late, and I knew I needed to find something to eat before I could even think about sleeping.

I made my way to the kitchen, hoping against hope that I would find something, anything, to satiate my hunger. But as I pushed open the door, my heart sank.

The kitchen was spotless, but it was also empty. No pots simmered on the stove, no raw ingredients lay on the counter, and the fridge was as barren as the rest of the kitchen.

A wave of bitterness washed over me, and I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes. How could they do this to me? I was pregnant, for crying out loud!

Didn't they care that I needed to eat, that my baby needed nourishment?

I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself down. Maybe they just forgot that I'm here now. Whatever the reason, I knew I had to find a way to get some food.

I squared my shoulders and made my way upstairs, determined to knock on Nicholas and Cecilia's door and demand some food. But as I reached their door, I heard the sound of laughter and music drifting from inside.

I knocked on the door, trying to keep my anger in check. Cecilia's voice called out, "Come in!" and I pushed open the door.

The scene before me was like a slap in the face. Nicholas and Cecilia were lounging on the couch, surrounded by takeout containers and bottles of wine. They looked like they were having the time of their lives.

Cecilia's eyes met mine, and she laughed, a cold, cruel sound. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The unwanted, pregnant woman, begging for scraps."

I felt a surge of anger, but I cautioned myself to keep calm. I didn't want to give them the satisfaction of seeing me lose my temper.

"Please," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm hungry. Can I have some food?"

Cecilia's laughter grew louder, and Nicholas joined in, his eyes glinting with amusement.

"No food for unwanted, smelly pregnant women in this house," Cecilia sneered.

I felt a sting from her words, but I knew I couldn't react. I turned to leave, but not before I caught Nicholas's eye.

For a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something there, something that looked almost like guilt.

But it was quickly replaced by his usual mask of indifference, and I knew I was just imagining things.

I made my way back downstairs, my hunger and anger warring for dominance. I knew I couldn't stay in this house, not with these people who seemed to take pleasure in my suffering.

But for now, I had to focus on finding something to eat. I glanced at the clock on the wall and winced.

It was already past 11 pm. Where could I go to get food at this hour?

I thought about going to a nearby convenience store, but I was hesitant. The streets could be scary at night, especially for a pregnant woman alone.

But I didn't have a choice. I had to eat, and I had to eat now. I took a deep breath, grabbed my purse, and headed out into the night.

The cool air hit me like a slap in the face, and I shivered. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to warm up as I walked.

The streets were deserted, the only sound being the echo of my footsteps off the buildings. I walked quickly, my eyes scanning the streets for any sign of life.

As I turned a corner, I saw a light in the distance. It was a small diner, still open despite the late hour.

I quickened my pace, my stomach growling with anticipation.

I pushed open the door and slipped inside, grateful for the warm glow of the diner's lights. The smell of grease and coffee enveloped me, and my stomach growled louder.

I took a seat at the counter, trying to catch my breath. The waitress, a friendly-looking woman with a kind smile, came over to take my order.

"What can I get you, honey?" she asked, eyeing my belly.

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude toward this stranger. "Just a burger and fries, please. And a glass of water."

The waitress nodded and headed off to place my order. I leaned back in my seat, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

For the first time in hours, I felt like I could finally breathe.

But as I waited for my food, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I glanced around the diner, but it was empty except for.