Chapter 18: A Child They Want Dead

Ella’s POV

The word “pregnant” hung in the air like a curse. For a moment, the hospital room was silent except for the faint hum of machines. Carol’s face froze, her mouth open in shock. Then her eyes widened, and rage swallowed her expression. She lunged forward, her hand striking my shoulder with so much force that pain shot through my already bruised body.

“You’re pregnant?” she screamed, her voice sharp and dripping with disgust. “You ...