Unconventional

Fallen

As the months passed, the household settled into a grueling routine. Jennifer, now heavily pregnant with Emilio's third child, found herself juggling endless tasks while Maria, who had become an increasingly dominant figure in the household, was also expecting. The dynamics in the house were tense, with the constant pressure from Emilio and Maria's increasingly maternal role.

Amelia, now a curious and active toddler, began to crawl around the house with increasing confidence. Her small hands and knees moved across the floor, exploring every corner of her environment. The sound of her delighted babbling filled the house, a small beacon of joy amid the constant strain.

One afternoon, as Jennifer attempted to tidy up while balancing her own growing belly, Amelia reached the living room, her eyes bright with excitement. She began to pull herself up on the furniture, her small hands gripping the edge of the couch. Jennifer watched with a mixture of pride and exhaustion, trying to ignore the twinges of discomfort from her pregnancy.

"Mommy!" Amelia's voice was tentative but clear as she attempted her first words. Jennifer's heart swelled at the sound.

Maria, who was lounging comfortably on the couch with a book, glanced up and smiled. "Look at her go. Amelia's growing up so fast."

Jennifer forced a smile, trying to mask her fatigue. "Yes, she is. It's amazing how quickly she's developing."

Maria, with a contented sigh, patted her own pregnant belly. "We'll have another one soon. It's nice to have little ones around, don't you think?"

Jennifer nodded, though her thoughts were conflicted. The house felt increasingly like a pressure cooker, and she was constantly reminded of her precarious position. Maria seemed to relish her role, often giving Jennifer commands and overseeing the household tasks with an air of authority.

"Let me help you with that," Maria said, standing up and moving to assist Jennifer with some of the cleaning. Her presence was a constant reminder of the shifts in the household dynamics.

Jennifer watched as Amelia continued to explore, her movements becoming more coordinated. She took a moment to rest, leaning against the wall and placing a hand on her own stomach. The rhythmic kicks from her unborn child were a small comfort amidst the chaos.

—-

That night, the house was unusually quiet. Jennifer had just finished another long day of cleaning and caring for Amelia, feeling utterly drained. She was preparing for bed, her thoughts weighed down by the stress of the day and her growing discomfort from her pregnancy.

As she lay in bed, trying to find a moment of rest, the door to her room creaked open. Emilio entered, his presence dominating the space. Jennifer's heart sank; she knew what was coming.

"Jennifer," Emilio said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I want you tonight."

Jennifer's stomach churned with dread. She turned away from him, trying to hide her revulsion. "No, Emilio," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please, not tonight."

Emilio's expression hardened. "Don't start with your excuses. You're my wife, and you have responsibilities. I need you."

Jennifer's mind raced with a mix of fear and disgust. She turned to face him, trying to mask her emotions. "I'm tired. I've been working all day. Can't we just leave things as they are?"

Emilio's patience was wearing thin. He approached her with a steely resolve. "It's not a request. It's a demand. You'll do your part."

Jennifer felt a wave of helplessness. She was physically and emotionally exhausted, and the idea of having to endure Emilio's advances was unbearable. But the fear of his anger kept her silent as he climbed into bed beside her.