"This pregnancy was really an accident," Sofia said gently.
She then added, "Don't worry. After the baby's born, I'll have one with you too, alright? Then you'll be the father of two. The four of us can live happily ever after."
I answered her absently, sounding moved to tears.
The moment I hung up, I opened the surveillance feed.
On screen, Sofia was nestled in Christopher's arms, her voice smug.
"Don't worry. Casper's settled. Once the baby's born, I'll bring up the divorce."
Karen beamed beside them, handing Sofia a bowl of nutritious stew.
"That's my girl! Keep that useless man pacified so he doesn't cause trouble and stress you out."
Christopher chimed in, "Sophie, eat more. You must give birth to a big, healthy boy!"
Watching this heartwarming scene, I laughed until I nearly doubled over.
With Sofia's body in its current state, was she still expected to carry a child safely to term?
It would be a miracle if she made it to delivery at all!
As for Karen living and eating with Christopher under the same roof without the slightest precaution, it was only a matter of time before she, too, was infected.
Sure enough, Sofia called again a few days later.
This time, there was panic in her voice.
"Honey, Mom's sick. It's strange. She's had a high fever that won't break, and she's covered in rashes. I haven't been able to eat or sleep either these past few days. My whole body aches."
I suppressed a smile and spoke gently on purpose.
"Maybe it's just the flu or some viral infection. The weather's been getting colder. Take care of Mom for now. As soon as I'm done here, I'll book the next flight back. If you need any medication, I'll get it from the hospital."
"Alright, just hurry."
Her voice sounded noticeably weak before the line went dead.
I calmly booked my next travel destination.
Days passed like that.
Sofia kept calling.
Eventually, I blocked her.
Then one day, her assistant called instead, her voice trembling with fear.
"Ms. Griffin collapsed in the meeting room today. She's in the hospital for emergency treatment. Meanwhile, Ms. Mason was admitted to the ICU yesterday. The doctors say it's multiple organ failure. She may not last long."
Hearing this, I knew the timing was right.
I booked the earliest flight and returned overnight.
At the hospital, the attending physician called me into his office alone.
His expression was grave as he handed me a stack of reports.
"Mr. Williams, as a family member, it may be more appropriate for you to inform your wife."
He hesitated, his eyes filled with sympathy.
"Ms. Griffin and her mother's blood test results are back. The situation is rather complicated. They've been infected with more than twenty transmissible pathogens, including HIV and Treponema pallidum. I strongly recommend that you get tested as soon as possible."
I nodded, my face unreadable as I accepted the reports.
"Understood. Thank you."
After putting on protective clothing, a mask, and goggles, I entered Sofia's isolation ward.
She lay on the hospital bed, her complexion ashen.
An IV was taped to the back of her hand. Monitors beeped steadily at her side.
When she saw me dressed like that, confusion flickered in her clouded eyes.
Then fear set in.
"Honey, what's wrong with me? Is it serious? The doctor wouldn't tell me anything. Did you see my mom? How is she?"
I did not answer.
I simply walked to the bedside and quietly took out the test results.
