Chapter 6: The Breaking Point
The word 'C-section' sent a jolt of pure electricity through Elena’s spine.
She looked at the clock. 10:45 PM.
She had to move.
Elena feigned a sharp pain in her abdomen. She let out a guttural scream and doubled over.
"The baby! Something’s wrong!"
Julian hesitated. Martha leaned in, her eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Is it the stress, Elena? Or are you acting?"
Elena collapsed off the sofa onto the floor. She gripped the edge of the coffee table, her knuckles white.
"I’m bleeding! Julian, help me!"
For a split second, the husband replaced the monster. Julian reached down to lift her.
That was his mistake.
Elena reached into the side of the sofa cushions, where she had tucked a heavy brass letter opener earlier that evening.
She swung.
The metal caught Julian across the cheek, opening a deep red gash.
He howled, falling back.
