The Walking Blood Bank Has Left the Chat

A knock at the door. Vincent's voice followed.

"Sophia, are you asleep?"

I wiped my tears, forced my face into place, and stayed silent.

When I didn't answer, he just walked in. No hesitation.

Our eyes met. Shock flickered in his, but he covered it fast, slipping into his usual act. "You're still awake? Why didn't you answer me?"

I smiled, bright and easy. "I was watching videos. Didn't hear you. Hey, what's Andrew doing here so late?"

Behind him, Andrew was already sweating. "Uh... well, you know... Vincent and I haven't caught up in a while, so I stopped by. You don't mind, right?"

"Of course not. You're always welcome." I grinned.

My clueless act seemed to put Vincent at ease. He stepped closer, wrapping an arm around me. "Did you drink the milk? It's good for sleep."

Milk laced with sleeping pills. Yeah, real helpful.

I sneered inside but kept up the act. "Yeah, but my stomach was off. I threw up."

Vincent tensed. "Threw up? Are you... pregnant? Andrew, check her."

Andrew frowned. "I'm not a scanner, man. I can't tell just by looking. Sophia, go to the hospital tomorrow for a test."

"Okay."

"Thank you for everything. I love you." Vincent pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, all tenderness and warmth. But inside, I felt nothing but ice.

If I faked a pregnancy, I wouldn't have to give blood tonight, right?

"Andrew, I'll hang out another time. I want to stay with Sophia," Vincent said, sending him away before crawling into bed beside me, holding me like he was comforting me.

I shut my eyes but stayed on high alert. If I fell asleep, he might draw my blood again.

The man I married was nothing more than a monster in disguise.

I had to leave him. Quietly. Completely.