Chapter 2 An Illogical Plan

POV Danu

Tonight, I want to meet Vero for the second time. Maybe he's still waiting for my payment. To get into that luxurious house, I have to make sure Rania is pregnant first. That strange condition set by my stepmother is making my head spin. I don't even have the money to pay Vero, and I can't get any from my father's lawyer either.

After struggling to convince Rania to stay at the house, I finally managed to leave her with an acquaintance who still lives in the same village.

The flickering lights of the nightclub made it difficult to find Vero. I waited for a moment until I spotted him chatting with his group. When he noticed me, he grinned widely, set down his alcohol bottle, and stood up to approach me.

"I've been waiting to hear from you, Danu," he said as he walked closer. I sighed as he reached for my shoulder and gestured for me to sit. I sank into the seat and glanced around.

"So, where's the payment? Remember, your child will definitely be handsome and adorable. After all, I have Filipino blood," he boasted, running his fingers through his hair. I sighed again and told him,

"She's not pregnant yet."

His eyes widened slightly, his lips twitched, and a man nearby let out a chuckle while nodding.

"Well, that's only natural. she can't possibly get pregnant after just one time," he muttered, stumbling over his words. I clenched my fists in frustration, struggling to speak.

"No matter what, she has to get pregnant," I said heavily, feeling my chest tighten. The man just stared blankly for a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Oh wow, I'm even getting paid for such an easy job," he jeered. I swallowed hard and grabbed the front of his shirt in frustration.

"Do your job properly this time! You know this isn't easy for me!" I snapped. Vero smirked faintly, noticing my reddened eyes. With a casual flick of his wrist, he swatted my hand away, straightened his collar, and shook his head.

"Your wife won't get pregnant if she's under too much stress. Do you think it's that simple?!" he scolded. I froze for a moment, realizing that Rania's mental state hadn't improved. She was still too traumatized by everything that had happened.

"You could leave her for a few days and stay with me," he suggested nonchalantly, taking another sip of alcohol. My heart pounded, and I trembled slightly.

How could I leave Rania for a few days? That night, I cursed myself until morning.

"So, what do you think?" Vero asked again. I remained silent.

"You're really amusing! Your wife won't accept this easily, especially since she's not like the other women here," he continued, leaving me speechless.

"By the way, why don't you just try IVF?" she added.

"If I had the money now, why would I promise to pay you later when I can enter that house?" I retorted coldly. Vero raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly.

"Ah, I see. I want to wrap this up quickly too. I need the money, you know. Don't worry. Once you get into that house and become rich, will you still be paying for the second, third, and so on?" he said, but stopped when he saw the fury in my eyes. He chuckled.

"Alright, forget it," he muttered, scratching his neck. I took a deep breath, my eyes fighting back the tears that threatened to spill.

The next day, after my meeting with Vero, I felt conflicted and burdened. I had to do this because I couldn't wait any longer. Last night, after leaving the club, I was informed by my father's lawyer that if my wife wasn't pregnant within six months, I would lose my inheritance rights. What else could I do? I had no other choice.

Meanwhile, back at home:

"Sweetheart, why are you daydreaming?" Rania asked. I jolted and instinctively turned to her.

"It's nothing, love. Oh, Ran, how about we take a vacation? So much has been happening lately, and I feel exhausted," I said. She furrowed her brows and replied,

"But regarding the case, I still haven't been called in as a witness by the police."

"Sweetheart..." I whispered, gently stroking her cheek.

"The police won't question you. I don't want you to be exposed to the public, and this would bring disgrace to our family. Let's just try to accept it, okay? Stay calm. I'll always be with you," I assured her. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she hugged me tightly. I instinctively stroked her shoulder gently.

"I want to take you on a vacation. I just resigned, and I have some severance pay. We can go anywhere that makes you happy," I said. Rania shifted slightly and asked,

"Why did you resign?"

"I just want to spend more time with you, love. In the future, we'll find a new business idea," I replied.

I deliberately hid from her my status and the condition my stepmother had set for me to enter my father's luxurious house.

Rania looked weary, and all I could do was gently stroke her cheek.

"Get ready. We're leaving," I said.

With the budget I had, I managed to rent a hotel room near the beach to take Rania on vacation.

POV RANIA

"How do you like this place?" Danu asked. I smiled as my husband wrapped his arms around me.

"I'm sorry I could only bring you here. One day, we'll stay in a better hotel, maybe even go abroad," he said. I nodded, gazing at him with love. He gave me a warm smile in return.

"This place is far more beautiful than our home. This is the most luxurious vacation you could give me. I only have one request-let's not be wasteful. Let's come here just once, okay?" I said. He chuckled.

"Yes, love, just once. But this time, I want to spend a whole week here with you. Maybe the romantic atmosphere will help us fulfill the hope we've had for so long," he said. I nodded slowly, touched by his words.

"I hope so, love," I whispered.

Night fell. After spending the entire day at the beach, my husband and I returned to our hotel room. After taking a shower, I stepped out and saw Danu preparing two cups of coffee, handing one to me.

"Sweetheart, let's drink some hot coffee on the balcony," he suggested. I nodded while drying my wet hair with a towel.

Two hours passed, and suddenly, I felt a pounding headache. I sighed, massaging my temples.

"Rania? What's wrong?"

"I suddenly feel dizzy," I replied. Danu quickly lifted me and laid me down on the bed.

"Stay here. I'm going to buy some medicine," he said. I nodded weakly as he kissed my forehead and held my hand for a moment. There was something in his eyes, as if it pained him to leave me.

"Stay here..." he said briefly before walking out.

"Come back quickly," I murmured as my head throbbed. Danu nodded and rushed out.

Half an hour later, my vision blurred, and I felt the room spinning.

"I'm so sleepy, but my head hurts," I muttered, trying to pull back the blanket and get up to find some herbal medicine. I remembered it was in my bag.

Thud...

The door creaked open, and I saw a man standing at the entrance. But for some reason, I couldn't see his face clearly because my vision was so blurry.

"You're back?" I whispered, my voice weak. The figure approached, but I couldn't make out his features. Darkness overtook me, and my body grew weak as I collapsed.

Danu caught me just in time and helped me back onto the bed. I tried to stay conscious and looked up at his face, but strangely, I saw the man-the one who had assaulted me at home months ago. I struggled, but my vision faded completely into blackness.