Margarethe stood near the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand estate, looking out over the manicured green lawn. The afternoon sun beamed through the glass, filling the wide room with bright warm light that reflected off the white marble floors.
Everything inside this house looked expensive, clean, and perfectly placed, yet Margarethe had never felt less at home in her entire life.
She placed a gentle hand over her round stomach, feeling the tiny kick of her unborn baby girl. Her husband, Julian, was down in his private office reviewing financial papers for his family business trust fund. Julian was a kind man who carried heavy responsibilities after his late father passed away, leaving behind a massive estate worth millions.
Julian: Are you feeling okay today, sweetie?
Julian had asked her earlier that morning with a warm smile as he poured her a glass of fresh orange juice.
Margarethe: I am feeling wonderful, Julian. She is moving a lot today.
Julian: She is going to be strong just like her mom.
Julian had kissed her cheek gently before walking down to his study to work on the family inheritance paperwork. But peace never lasted long inside this grand mansion ever since Vanessa moved in.
Vanessa was Julian's stepmother, a woman who married Julian's father only two years before his sudden death. She wore expensive designer silk dresses, drove luxury sports cars, and treated everyone around her like servant help.
From the moment Margarethe married Julian, Vanessa treated her like an unwanted intruder who was coming for the family fortune. Vanessa wanted full control over the massive family estate, the offshore bank accounts, and the legal power of attorney.
Margarethe heard the sharp click of high heels walking down the long hallway behind her on the polished white marble floor.
Vanessa: Walking around again like you own this place, aren't you?
Vanessa asked in a sharp, bitter voice, smoothing down her tight silk red dress as she approached with cold eyes.
Margarethe: I am just enjoying the fresh air by the window, Vanessa.
Vanessa: Enjoy it while you can, little girl. You think that baby will give you a piece of this estate, don't you?
Margarethe: I do not care about the money or the house. I only care about Julian and our growing family.
Vanessa: Do not play innocent with me. My husband built this wealth, and I will not let a nobody take it away.
Margarethe took a step back, feeling her heart start to race faster as Vanessa stepped closer with a cold sneer.
Margarethe: Julian's father left strict instructions in his last will and testament. The family business belongs to Julian.
Vanessa: Wills can be challenged in court, my dear. Lawyers work wonders when you pay them enough money.
Margarethe turned her face away, trying to keep her posture calm and composed for the sake of her baby girl.
Margarethe: I do not want to argue with you today, Vanessa. Please leave me in peace.
Vanessa: You think you are safe because Julian loves you, but power always wins in the end.
Vanessa adjusted her gold bracelet with a cold chuckle before turning around and walking away down the bright white hall.
Margarethe took a deep breath, resting her hand back on her stomach as her heart slowly settled down in her chest.
She knew Vanessa was dangerous and greedy, but she hoped that family boundaries would keep everyone safe from harm.
Little did she know that Vanessa's jealousy was growing worse every single day as the baby's due date got closer.