The next day, Zoe woke up, dazed for several minutes before getting out of bed. The house was as lifeless as ever, the air heavy with silence—a silence she had grown accustomed to.
It wasn't until her skin was raw from scrubbing that she left the bathroom. Changing into comfortable clothes, she heard noises outside – the sound of a door opening, footsteps suggesting more than one person.
Zoe sat on the bed, waiting for whoever it was to enter.
The door was opened. Evan led the way, followed by several masked female doctors, which raised her guard. "What are you doing?"
"Be a good girl, it's just a checkup." He stepped aside, allowing them entry.
The doctors carried equipment and disinfectants. It suddenly dawned on her; was he serious about yesterday?
Zoe stood up, sliding her hand along the bed towards the footboard. "I won't do it!"
"Behave, it'll be over soon. For our baby, hmm?"
One of the doctors cleared the nightstand and placed the instruments there.
Hearing that word, Zoe's nose tingled with sadness.
Reacting swiftly, she pushed Evan and tried to run, but he grabbed her. "Evan! I won't, I won't! Can you stop doing this?!"
Zoe shrieked, clawing at his face.
He winced in pain but didn't release her, instead holding her tighter.
The doctors exchanged glances and stepped back.
She scratched red marks across Evan's face. "Make them leave!" she struggled in his arms, her face flushed.
Evan tightened his hold, giving them a signal. "Go back for now."
The doctors looked at each other, nodded, and left with their equipment.
Exhausted, Zoe stopped struggling.
She lifted her head to smile, but her eyes showed no mirth. "Evan, please, stop torturing me. Didn't I have a child before? What did you say then?"
"I told you, there were reasons back then..."
"Reasons? There are reasons now too. You can find anyone to bear your child, just don't disgust me."
Angered, Evan grabbed her arm again. "You're my wife! It's only right that you bear my child!"
"I signed the divorce papers! You—"
He silenced her with a kiss.
She struggled fiercely but couldn't break free.
Her first action upon standing was to open the living room door. It was locked, and she couldn't find her keys or phone.
A chill ran down her spine as she glanced at the balcony, now fitted with reinforced security grilles.
Zoe wandered barefoot, checking every window in the room, kitchen, and bathroom – all secured with grilles. The doors were locked, preventing her escape.
What was he planning? To imprison her?
Zoe didn't move, fixating her gaze on the doorway.
Forcing herself to calm down, she sat on the sofa, staring at the door.
As evening fell, the last rays of sunlight cast a faint glow on her face, yet her expression remained numb, like that of a motionless doll.
The door opened, and Evan entered carrying a large plastic bag. He hesitated when he saw her.
Closing the door, he approached.
"You must be hungry, sorry, I was a bit busy." He unpacked various food containers.
"What do you want?" Zoe asked calmly.
"Nothing, I just bought you some food. Eat while it's hot, it won't taste good when it's cold," Evan said, ignoring her words as he focused on setting out the food.
