Forbidden Desires: The Neighbour Next Door

The Unfolding Truth

Ethan sat on the edge of the bed, his brow furrowed in thought. He had been feeling uneasy for weeks now, and no matter how much he tried to shake it, something about Chloe just didn't sit right. It wasn't anything obvious, but the small things had begun to pile up. Her behaviour, the way she was constantly rubbing her stomach, and her eating habits mirrored Isabelle's. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Turning to Isabelle, who was resting beside him, he spoke softly, not wanting to alarm her. "Dear, I can't seem to put my finger on it, but I feel like something's wrong with Chloe. I don't know what it is, but... something just doesn't sit well with me. Maybe you could talk to her? I'm worried she might be in trouble or, I don't know, caught up in something she can't handle."

Isabelle listened carefully, her hand resting on her round belly as she considered his words. Ethan rarely spoke like this unless he was truly concerned. "You think she's in some kind of trouble?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

"I don't know," Ethan admitted. "She's just turned legal, and I can't help but wonder if she's met someone or ended up in a situation she doesn't know how to handle. I think we should check in with her, just to be sure."

Nodding, Isabelle agreed. "Alright, I'll talk to her. She's been acting a little different lately, but I assumed it was just because of everything happening with the baby. I'll see what's going on."

Later that afternoon, Isabelle approached Chloe, finding her in the living room, flipping through a magazine. "Chloe, can we talk for a minute?" she asked gently, sitting down beside her.

Chloe looked up, her face lighting up with a smile. "Of course, Mum. What's up?"

Isabelle took a deep breath before speaking. "Ethan's been a little worried about you, and to be honest, I've noticed some changes in you too. Is everything alright? You can always talk to us if something's bothering you."

Chloe's heart raced with excitement. Ethan was worried about her? That was the best news she'd heard all day. Keeping her expression calm, she smiled reassuringly. "Oh, everything's great, Mum! I'm just so excited about the baby. There's nothing to worry about, honestly. I've been focusing on preparing for the little one, and I guess I've been a bit distracted."

Isabelle nodded, visibly relieved by Chloe's response. "I'm glad to hear that, Chloe. We just want to make sure you're alright."

Chloe grinned, delighted that her little plan seemed to be working. "Everything's fine, Mum. I promise."

The next day, however, Ethan's unease hadn't subsided. While searching for a few items in the storeroom, something caught his eye—an untouched stack of sanitary pads that had been sitting there for some time. His mind raced. He hadn't seen Chloe using any recently, and it struck him as odd. He walked over to the storeroom and called for Isabelle.

"Isabelle," Ethan called, his voice steady but concerned. "Can you come here for a second?"

Isabelle waddled over, her belly large with the baby, and glanced at the stack of sanitary pads Ethan was looking at. "What's wrong?"

Ethan pointed to the pile. "These have been sitting here for ages, untouched. Have you bought her any new ones recently?"

Isabelle furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment. "Come to think of it, no, I haven't. It's been a while since I bought Chloe any. Maybe she's been getting them herself?"

Ethan's concern deepened. "I don't think so. And... have you noticed her stomach lately? I know she's been wearing oversized clothes, but it doesn't look right. I think she might be further along than we realise."

Isabelle's eyes widened as she took in Ethan's words. "You think she might be pregnant?"

Ethan nodded slowly, his face serious. "It's possible. But I have a better idea. Let's ask the midwife to check her. Chloe won't suspect anything if the midwife's here for you. You're due soon anyway, so it won't seem out of place."

Isabelle agreed, her heart pounding at the thought. The idea that Chloe could be hiding a pregnancy was unsettling, and they needed answers.

Later that evening, the midwife arrived to check on Isabelle, as part of the usual routine before the home birth. Chloe, assuming nothing of it, went about her evening as usual, oblivious to the growing suspicions around her.

As the midwife examined Isabelle, she casually mentioned that she'd like to have a quick word with Chloe, just to check if everything was alright with her, given the stressful time leading up to the birth. Chloe, unsuspecting, agreed and followed the midwife into another room.

As the midwife asked a few general questions, she "accidentally" brushed her hand over Chloe's midsection while helping her up. The midwife's expression shifted slightly, though she tried to remain neutral.

"Chloe, how have you been feeling recently?" the midwife asked, her tone casual but observant. "Any changes in your body? Any discomfort?"

Chloe hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "No, nothing unusual. I've been feeling fine."

The midwife gave a small nod, but her eyes remained sharp. "You're not experiencing anything out of the ordinary?"

Chloe shook her head again, but the midwife wasn't convinced. After a few more minutes of conversation, she returned to Ethan and Isabelle, who were waiting anxiously in the living room.

The midwife's expression was careful, but there was no mistaking the gravity of what she was about to say. "Ethan, Isabelle... I've examined Chloe, and though I couldn't do a full check-up, I can confidently say that she's about five months pregnant."

Isabelle gasped, her hand flying to her mouth as she turned to Ethan, shock and disbelief filling her eyes. Ethan stood still, his face pale, as the weight of the midwife's words hit him like a sledgehammer.

Chloe was pregnant.