When the Family doctor had last checked my pulse, he told me my body was weak, my womb cold and depleted. I needed to rest and take care of myself. If I miscarried again, I would never be able to bear children.

I wanted this child desperately. Before, it had been for Omero.

Now it was for the people of Millhaven who had died because of me.

I couldn't bring them back. Other than ensuring the body collector's legacy carried on, I didn't know what else I could do to make amends.

A long while later, heavy footsteps sounded in the courtyard.

"Boss, you're back. The lady refuses to eat."

"I'll handle it."

I wiped my tears in a rush, but my swollen, red-rimmed eyes gave me away.

Omero crouched in front of me and reached up to brush his thumb beneath my eyes, his voice aching with tenderness. "Crying and refusing to eat. Who's been bullying my Penny?"

"The little one in my belly, of course."

Omero went still for a fraction of a second, then broke into what looked like stunned delight. "Really? I'm going to be a father?"

"Really."

My heart was a cold cellar, but for the sake of my child, I had no choice but to play along. Somewhere beyond the compound walls, a car engine idled. One of his soldiers making rounds. The sound of the world going on as if nothing in this room mattered at all.

"Omero, what if... I'm just saying what if... you don't want this baby. I'll raise it on my own. I won't be a burden to you. Would that be all right?"

Something guarded flickered behind his eyes, but he forced a smile. His right hand moved to the inside of his left wrist and pressed there, just for a moment. "What are you talking about? How could I not love a child you gave me?"

"Come on, stop overthinking. Let's eat."

I looked at the table laden with dishes and turned my head away. The kitchen staff had prepared everything the way they always did — heavy plates, good silver, cloth napkins folded precisely. The household ran like a legitimate operation. Everything proper. Everything a lie.

Omero picked up a forkful of greens and set it on my plate, his voice soft. "Just a few bites. The baby needs you to eat."

He looked so devoted. How could any of it be an act?

But I knew. All of it was a lie.

"I really can't..."

His patience snapped. "You won't eat, but the baby has to. Stop acting like a child!"