System: Womb for Womb

Ruby kept up her pattern of being with a new man every three days. Since she hardly ever returned to the dorm, our interactions were few and far between.

Three months later, Ruby posted a question in the freshman group chat.

"Is it really possible for someone to be pregnant with a three-month-old and a one-month-old at the same time?"

She deleted the message within a minute.

Everyone who saw it thought she was joking and dismissed it. But I knew better. After all, the fetuses in Mrs. Winslow's belly had come from Ruby. It was then that I realized the real show was about to start.

The next day, Ruby showed up in a fury, insisting I go with her to the hospital. Before I even stepped inside the ward, I could hear heated voices echoing from within.

A hoarse male voice boomed with anger. "I've been away on business trips for months. Whose children are you carrying? And to make matters worse, there are two of them! How could you betray me like this?"

Mrs. Winslow's voice cracked under the weight of her sobs. "I'm innocent! I don't understand why this is happening. I haven't been near another man these past few months. I swear, I never cheated on you!"

As I pushed the door open, Ruby immediately grabbed me and pulled me aside. "Victoria, tell me the truth. Have you noticed anything unusual with your body these past few months?"

I forced a startled expression. "How did you know? I've been secretly visiting the hospital without telling anyone. Please… don't ask me to explain. I just can't bring myself to say it out loud."

Hearing that, the suspicion in Ruby's eyes faded. She lowered her gaze, lost in thought.

The doctor's frustrated voice rang out through the ward. "I already warned you last time to take precautions! An induced abortion now would be extremely dangerous. Given your frail condition, there's a high risk that both you and the babies could die!"

Ruby's legs buckled at the words, and she nearly collapsed.

I quickly steadied her. "Don't worry too much. Maybe the doctor is mistaken. If your mom truly hasn't been with anyone else, how could she be pregnant? It just doesn't add up. Why don't we get a second opinion at another hospital?"

Ruby nodded, trying to reassure herself. "You're right. It has to be a misdiagnosis. Either way, we need to get to another hospital right away!"

Turning to me, she added, "You're still wearing that crystal bracelet I gave you, right? It's a gift. Make sure you never take it off. I spent a fortune on it, so don't you ever take it for granted."

I smiled. "Ruby, you're so kindhearted. We barely knew each other then, yet you gave me such an expensive crystal bracelet. I've heard crystals are supposed to have special powers. If someone didn't know better, they might even think you were trying to cast a spell on me."

Ruby froze. "How could you say that? It's meant to protect you."

I lifted my right hand to show her the bracelet. "But why didn't you tell me sooner that no one else was supposed to wear it? Mrs. Winslow thought it was too valuable and took it back that day. It's probably on her wrist now. I didn't want to upset you, so I got a replica."

Ruby's whole body shook with fury. Without a word, she burst into the ward. She pulled back the blanket and grabbed Mrs. Winslow's hand. Sure enough, the crystal bracelet gleamed on her wrist.

Ruby's pupils dilated. Ignoring the curious glances from everyone around, she yanked the bracelet off Mrs. Winslow's wrist.

Spinning toward me, she shouted, "This bracelet was my gift to you! Why did you put it on my mom? Why?"

I widened my eyes, feigning ignorance. "Does this bracelet have some special power? Mrs. Winslow said it was too valuable and insisted on taking it back. She warned me not to tell you. She was worried you'd be upset."

Ruby froze. Knowing she had lost control, she plastered on an awkward smile. "That's not what I meant. I just think the bracelet suits you better. From now on, you have to wear it all the time. No matter who asks, you can't give it away. Got it?"

As she spoke, she took my hand and slipped the bracelet onto my wrist. A subtle, almost invisible glow shimmered across the crystals. My heart skipped a beat. The bracelet seemed to possess the ability to bind itself to its next wearer.