Between My Husband and Friend, Who Was My Real Ally

Bella's POV

My husband and I were on vacation, enjoying a short trip together. That night, while scrolling through my phone, I happened to click into a nearby livestream.

The host was selling secondhand jewelry, but his sales pitch was bizarre.

“Purebred little lucky bitch, five months pregnant, brings fortune and good luck. Works like a charm. If you get it, you get it. First come, first served!”

I frowned, confused. Then the streamer suddenly posted a picture of the actual “item.”

It was only a back view, but it looked almost exactly like me, nine out of ten, easily.

And I also happened to be five months pregnant.

The livestream exploded instantly. The so-called “lucky bitch,” priced at one hundred and forty grand, sold out in seconds.

The buyer, someone called Morgan Reed from NextGen Builders, started bragging loudly in the chat about how blessed he was to snap it up.

The host reminded him, “Tonight at ten, at the underground parking lot of the Luxe Hotel. Inspect the goods in person. If you’re late, I’m not waiting.”

I stopped breathing for a moment.

Because I was staying at the Luxe Hotel.

Right then, my husband, Nate Blackwell, walked out of the bathroom and said, “Babe, get dressed. I’ll take you downstairs for a late-night snack.”

——

Nate gently towel-dried his hair while nudging me to change clothes.

My heart pounded. I hurriedly exited the livestream, clutching my phone like it might explode. My face went pale.

It took me a long moment before I forced out a shaky smile. “Huh? But it’s almost ten. Isn’t it too late? Feels kind of unsafe.”

He walked over and rested his hand on my round belly, his voice warm and doting. “It’s only ten. What’s unsafe? The elevator goes straight to the underground parking lot, and cameras are everywhere. And you said dinner didn’t fill you up. I can’t let you or our baby go hungry.”

He sounded normal, just like always.

But the moment he mentioned the underground parking lot, my whole body went stiff.

That host’s voice echoed in my mind as he said, “Tonight at ten, at the underground parking lot of the Luxe Hotel. Inspect the goods in person.”

And right now, it was 9:40 in the evening.

I stepped back, avoiding his hand, forcing my voice to sound playful. “I… I’m a little tired. My feet are swollen from walking all day. Could you just go buy it for me instead?”

Nate frowned for a moment, then the expression smoothed away. “You’re pregnant, so rest is important. How about we just order delivery?”

“No!” I shrieked.

My reaction was too sharp. His eyes widened slightly, so I quickly softened my tone. “Delivery gets cold… and it doesn’t taste good. I really want something fresh. Please? Honey?”

I tugged on his arm, gently swaying it.

He sighed, tapping my nose helplessly. “Alright, little foodie. I can never say no to you. Wait here, your husband will go right now.”

After that, he changed clothes and headed out. Only when the door closed and I heard his steps fade away did my legs give out and I collapse onto the sofa.

How could this be happening?

The picture in the livestream showed a pregnant woman in a maternity dress.

And I owned that exact same dress.

Even with the grainy quality, the silhouette, I was almost certain that it was me.

Meanwhile, that Morgan from NextGen Builders was still flooding the chat:

[I’ve heard forever that this lucky bitch brings insane wealth! Finally got one!]

[My luck is unbeatable! Can’t wait to inspect the goods!]

He even tried to buy more, but the host laughed and said, “There’s only one little lucky bitch from this seller.”

If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I’d think it was a nightmare.

Ever since I got pregnant, Nate had been unbelievably attentive. He never let me eat anything heavy at night, saying it was bad for digestion.

But tonight, out of nowhere, he insisted on taking me downstairs for barbecue.

Was he planning to deliver me?

My hands shook uncontrollably as I grabbed my phone.

I didn’t dare think further.

I dialed the number of my best friend who worked in this city.