Chapter 2

A few weeks later, as predicted, Chloe returned.

Her other romantic prospect had, as I knew it would, soured completely.

Eleanor, her mother, trailed behind her like a grim shadow, her disapproval of me a palpable force in our pristine living room.

"Ava, darling," Chloe cooed, her voice like honey laced with something bitter. She rushed to my side, her eyes, however, flicking towards Ethan who had just walked in.

"I heard your wonderful news! I'm so thrilled for you both. Pregnancy can be such a delicate time. As a wellness enthusiast, I'd love to offer my support, share some of my knowledge."

Eleanor sniffed. "Chloe has helped so many with her regimens. You're lucky she's offering, Ava. You look a bit... pale."

Ethan, ever susceptible to status and Chloe's practiced charm, beamed.

"Chloe! Eleanor! What a pleasant surprise. And that's very kind of you, Chloe. Ava does need to be careful."

I smiled sweetly, the picture of naive gratitude.

"That's so thoughtful, Chloe. I would appreciate any advice."

My mind raced. Chloe wanted access. Access to Ethan, access to my life, to my child.

"In fact," I said, an idea forming, "the guesthouse is empty. It's quiet, private. You could stay there, Chloe. It would be so convenient for you to 'help' me, and it has easy access to Ethan's home office if he needs anything too."

Chloe's eyes gleamed. The guesthouse was a separate structure but connected by a covered walkway to the wing containing Ethan's study. Perfect for her.

"Oh, Ava, you're too kind!" she said, a little too enthusiastically.

Ethan nodded. "An excellent idea, Ava. Chloe, you must stay."

Eleanor looked momentarily surprised by my "generosity" but quickly composed herself into a smug smile.

Later that week, I made another move.

Tiffany. An aspiring model, flashy, ambitious, and exactly the type to catch Ethan's easily wandering eye.

I arranged a "chance" encounter at a charity luncheon I knew Ethan would attend briefly.

I' d "accidentally" spilled a drink on Tiffany, apologized profusely, and made sure Ethan noticed her.

He did. Tiffany was the opposite of Chloe' s refined, old-money persona. She was a firework, loud and attention-grabbing. A perfect distraction. A rival for Chloe to contend with, someone to split Ethan's already limited focus.

I watched from the sidelines as Ethan, predictably, was charmed by Tiffany's boldness.

My plan was simple: let them fight over the scraps of Ethan' s attention.

I remembered my past life, the pain, the betrayal.

Ethan, so easily swayed. Chloe, so self-assured in her cruelty.

This time, I would be the one pulling the strings, even if it meant appearing to be the puppet.

The guesthouse was prepared for Chloe. I made sure it was comfortable, almost too comfortable.

Let her settle in. Let her think she was winning.

My true motive was not kindness, but calculation. Every move was a step towards their downfall.

I was playing a long game, and my patience was a weapon they wouldn't see coming.