Between Us

Chapter 60

Alianna

I feel like a guest in my own home. Max and I put so much effort into redesigning this place, and for a while, that worked for us. It allowed us to feel like we got a fresh start.

Yet now, everywhere I look, I see Crystal.

Within the span of just a few days, she's invaded every aspect of the life that I'd tried to cut her out off. It's in her favorite mug laying in the sink, the new blanket on our sofa, and the countless baby magazines that have been spread through the house. It's almost as though she wants to take every single opportunity she can get to remind me that she's having a child with my wife.

I've barely spoken a word to her since she moved in, and much to my surprise, she hasn't tried to provoke me either. She's stayed out of my way for the most part, shooting me sweet smiles whenever our paths cross.

It just makes me feel that much more awful. I wish she'd lash out at me, so I could justify the hatred I feel. The way she's acting these days reminds me of the past, back when I was so blinded to her venom that I didn't realize she'd brought me to the brink.

"Ali?"

I tense at the sound of her voice. She joins me in the kitchen, her hand on her stomach, "God, I'm just hungry all the time," she grumbles.

I watch as she walks straight over to the fridge and rummages through it. It grates on me for absolutely no reason. She isn't doing anything wrong, yet having her in my home is killing me.

She grabs a box of strawberries and leans back against the counter, "How are you holding up? You've been so quiet."

I lift my coffee cup to my lips and take a sip, forcing myself to stay put when all I want to do is hide in my room.

"I'm fine."

Crystal stares at me and nods slowly, "I get it," she says, "It's strange to think that Max and I are going to be parents. The situation is complicated, for sure. But we'll make the best of it, won't we? We always do."

I nod, feeling oddly conflicted. Over the last couple of months she's been so antagonistic that I hardly know how to deal with her she's like this.

"Max and I are getting an ultrasound soon to check if we can find out the gender. Do you want to come?" She hesitates for a moment, "You'll be part of our child's life too. I want you to feel included. The four of us are going to be a family, after all."

I look up at her, my heart bleeding, "Sounds great," I force myself to say.

"It's odd, isn't it? The way all the pieces fell back into place. It's almost as if destiny is intervening, showing us all that Max and I are meant to be together. The only puzzle piece that's out of place is you," Her eyes widen, and then she smiles, "Sorry. I didn't mean it that way. That came out all wrong."

She looks away and pops a strawberry into her mouth, chewing slowly, "I wonder how she'll feel once our child starts asking why Mommy and Daddy can't live together. There are so many questions going through my mind, you know? What will it be like when we need to attend parent-teacher meetings? Will all three of us go? And what about the immediate future? Are you both going to be there when I go into labor? Are you going to wake up in the middle of the night and help with nightly feeds?"

She runs a hand through her hair, "I know that I haven't been myself recently, but this pregnancy makes me see everything through fresh eyes. Nothing matters more than the wellbeing of my child, Alianna," She pauses, "You wouldn't understand," She looks up apologetically, "I guess you never will. Max always said she only wanted one child, after all."

I stare at her, weary, right down to my battered soul, "Crystal," I say, my voice soft, "I don't have any answers for you, but then again, it isn't answers you want from me, is it? Why don't we stop playing games? I hear you, Unnie. You think I'm obstructing the happy family you would've had if I hadn't married Max, and maybe I am. But even if I walk away now, you can't go back to what you used to have. Can't you see that she loves me?"

She smiles and drops the act, viciousness entering her eyes, "I can see that she's infatuated. It'll pass. The love she thinks she feels for you won't surpass the love she'll direct toward her child. Max is a woman of honor, and she's going to do whatever it takes to give her child the life it deserves. What do you think that'll mean for you?" I shake my head, "How is this even supposed to work? Are you going to admit to the whole world that you slept with your sister's wife? Are you truly willing to risk your reputation?"

She grins at me, "Why wouldn't I? After all, I've got years' worth of evidence proving that it's me she dated. If I spin a tale about how we were ruthlessly torn apart because of the Lim family's rules, the media will paint a picture of two star-crossed lovers."

My heart starts to pound at the mere thought of it, "This is going to turn into a huge scandal, Crystal. How is that supposed to benefit any of us?"

She shrugs, "I know, but I won't let my child grow up as a dirty secret. He or she will be a Lim, after all. I won't let Max hide our baby. If not for you, we'd be able to raise our son or daughter together."

She looks away, "If you leave quietly and allow us a chance to revive our relationship, I'll keep my silence too. I'll retire, and soon enough, no one is going to care that I had a child, let alone who the father might be. My baby will be able to grow up with both parents, in a loving home. Max has enough connections to ensure your career won't be impacted. We'll keep the rumors to a minimum."

Abuela's words are still resounding through my mind. Crystal won't let her leave her clutches, and the new bonds between them can't be broken.

"No," I tell her, "I'm not going anywhere, and the sooner you accept that, the sooner we can figure out how to handle the PR surrounding your pregnancy. Crystal, no matter what you do, you won't be able to sway Max. There's a lot I'm uncertain about, but the love between us isn't one of those things. Whether you like it or not, I'm going to be by her side every step of the way. That means I'll be a permanent fixture in your child's life, too. These moments you think you'll have with her? They won't happen, because I'll be there too. You won't be able to use your child to get to her. I suggest you start focusing on what truly is best for your son or daughter, because I assure you, alienating me isn't one of those things. I will, after all, play a key role in raising the baby."

She glances past me for a moment, and then she gasps, her fingers trailing over her temple for a moment, before her body sways. She loses her footing and collapses to the floor before I can even take a single step toward her.

"Crystal!" Max shouts from behind me. She pushes past me and kneels on the floor, gathering her in her arms carefully.

"What happened?" she asks me, "Did you upset her somehow? Her blood pressure is already too high as it is."

She lifts her into her arms before I even have a chance to reply. As she walks past me, I see her glance at me over her shoulder, a smile on her face.

I just told her she wouldn't have these moments with Max because I'd be there too, but I realize now... she's counting on me being present. This is what I'll have to deal with for the rest of my life, and there's nothing I can do about it.

---------------