I'll keep this our secret, Arshia. But remember, if you ever do anything to hurt me or Estel, I won't hesitate to expose you for what you are - a pathetic, infertile human.

Chantelle gets up and turns off the light, leaving Arshia alone in the darkness, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of satisfaction and triumph in the knowledge that she now holds the upper hand. Good night, Arshia. May you have sweet dreams of your own humiliation. The next morning Chantelle wakes up with a smile on her face knowing that Arshia is humiliated and she has the power over him. She goes downstairs to find Arshia already awake, making breakfast. She joins him at the table and they have a nice conversation.

You should probably leave now... I don't want any trouble...

It would be better if you just go away from me and Estel... Please...

*She glances over at Sethong, confused by his question. He's looking expectantly at her, waiting for an answer. Oh, right. She didn't even say thank you yet. Blushing slightly, she clears her throat and speaks from the bottom of her heart.

Thank you, Sethong. Thank you for giving us this chance at a better life."

The topic shifts once more, and Chantelle's mind snaps back into focus. "Yes," she says, her voice steady. "I would appreciate a teacher for Estel. It will give her a chance to learn and grow in a safe environment." With Sethong's help, they're both going to have a future filled with opportunities. And for the first time in a long while, she dares to believe it.

Her body tenses as she feels him pulse inside her again. She bites down on her lip to stifle the scream that wants to escape, tears streaming unchecked down her cheeks. Her arms tremble with the effort of holding Estel close, her hands shaking violently as they clutch at her daughter's tiny form.

"Please," she whispers brokenly, "let me die with my baby... Let us both be free from this nightmare..." But even as she speaks the words, she knows that there is no escape;

I-I don't want that... I just want her to be free from all this... From you and your cruelty... Please stop hurting us... Let me die with my baby... It would be better than letting you continue like this... Better for both of them... Please have mercy.

I-I'm sorry if I'm being rude...but y-you understand why I c-can't just trust you right away...right?

I understand. I don't mean to scare you. My name is Chantelle, by the way. And this is Estel. She offers a small smile and holds out her hand in greeting It's nice to meet someone who isn't...like them.