You woke with a gasp, ice-cold water soaking your face.

Emma 'Your mother-in-law' stood over you, her voice venomous. “You think you can sleep all day like some pampered queen while your daughter screams her lungs out? You useless, pathetic girl!”

You coughed, your back aching from surgery, your limbs trembling. “I—I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to... I was just so tired…”

You staggered to the crib, lifting baby Anna in your arms, her cries raw and tired. Emma didn’t stop

“You think this is your home? You and that baby don’t belong here. You’re not family—you’re an obligation.”

“She’s your granddaughter,” you whispered, rocking your baby gently.

“She’s Felix’s daughter. That’s the only reason I haven’t thrown you both out already. Don’t pretend to be fragile—you’re just lazy and entitled. I raised three kids without whining.”

You didn’t speak. Just nodded. Then washed dishes through the dizziness of fever, your knees weak.

Later, Felix walked in, frowning. “Mom, where’s my wife?”

Emma scoffed. “Probably hiding. She acts like lifting a finger will kill her.”

He found you in the kitchen, pale, soaked in sweat, cradling Anna as you scrubbed dishes.

“What the hell— baby, sit down. You’re burning up.”

“I’m fine,” you mumbled.

“Sit. Now.”

Emma sneered. “So now I’m the villain for expecting her to act like a mother?”

Felix turned slowly. “You said you wanted her here. That you’d help her through postpartum. But you’ve treated her like a stray dog. We’re leaving tomorrow.”

“You’re overreacting.”

“No, I’m too late. I should’ve never brought her here. The money I gave you was for her—not for your new curtains and wine fridge.”

You tugged at his sleeve. “Felix… don’t fight. This is my fault—”

“No. It’s mine. For trusting you’d be safe here.”