A Pact Of Tainted Hearts

SHADOWS IN THE HOME

It had been weeks since Bianca moved into Vivian and Victor’s apartment, and from the very beginning, it was clear that this girl hadn’t come to play the role of a humble guest. She behaved as if the house was hers, walking around with the confidence of someone who owned the place instead of someone being offered shelter out of pity. She ate what she wanted, when she wanted, and did whatever pleased her without so much as a word of consideration.

Vivian had expected gratitude or at least some sign of humility. Instead, Bianca’s behavior left her completely confused ……there were moments Vivian found herself wondering whether she was the outsider in her own home.

That afternoon, Vivian sat on the couch watching her favorite show. The living room was quiet except for the sound of the television and the soft hum of the ceiling fan. Her slightly swollen belly reminded her of her baby … the one she was determined to protect at all cost. For a brief moment, she felt peace. But peace didn’t last long when Bianca was around.

“Pass me the remote,” Bianca said from across the room, her tone casual and commanding, as if giving an order to a maid.

Without even thinking, Vivian handed it over, her eyes still glued to the screen. It was an unconscious act, the kind you do without realizing it …….until it’s too late.

The next moment, the TV station switched.

Vivian blinked, confused. The show she had been waiting for all week suddenly disappeared, replaced by a loud music video Bianca seemed to enjoy. Vivian turned her head sharply, her lips parting in disbelief.

“Bianca…” she said softly, half hoping the girl would sense her irritation and change it back. But Bianca didn’t even flinch. She sat comfortably, legs crossed, flipping through the channels until she found something she liked. Then she leaned back, satisfied.

Vivian stared, stunned. “Bianca, I’m talking to you,” she repeated, her voice slightly louder this time.

Still, Bianca ignored her completely.

That was the breaking point. Vivian stood abruptly and marched toward her, her patience finally snapping. “Bianca, first it was the air conditioner …. you turned it off without asking. Now you’ve changed the channel when I was watching something. What exactly are you doing in this house?”

No response. Bianca continued watching the television as if Vivian’s words were background noise.

Vivian snatched the remote out of her hand.

“Bring that remote back here!” Bianca barked, standing up immediately.

Vivian froze. The tone, the arrogance … she could hardly believe what she was hearing.

“Oh heavens, Bianca! Who do you think you are? Have you forgotten where you came from? My husband brought you here out of pity because you were starving, and now you have the nerve to act like this?”

Bianca let out a laugh …sharp, almost cruel. “Husband? Who’s your husband? When did Victor marry you?” She tilted her head mockingly. “Being pregnant for a man doesn’t make you his wife. For all you know, you may be just one of the many girls he’s gotten pregnant.”

Vivian’s jaw dropped. The insult stung so badly she could barely breathe.

“Just because your baby daddy is like that doesn’t mean everyone else is,” she shot back, her voice trembling. “I can see you’re filled with bitterness, but that doesn’t give you the right to make everyone else miserable like you.”

Bianca smiled, a sly, knowing smile. “Vivian, have you ever thought about who my baby daddy is?” she teased, her tone carrying an edge ….like a riddle with a hidden blade.

Vivian’s chest tightened. Something about the way Bianca said that sent a chill down her spine.

“I am so fed up with your nonsense,” Vivian snapped. “From the very first day you entered this house, I knew you carried bad energy. You are leaving this place right now.”

Bianca raised her eyebrows, amused. “Me? Leave? Girl, this is Victor’s apartment, not yours. Give me a break.”

Vivian could barely contain her anger. “The fact that I was kind to you doesn’t mean I’m weak,” she fired back. “Do you know how this apartment came about? My boyfriend rented it for himself and I.And do you even know where the money came from, Remember I am Vivian Dary.

I’m living here with him ….not you. You were the one who was homeless and pregnant. My boyfriend told me about how you were living on the streets, and I agreed to let you stay here out of pity. But you’re acting like it’s our responsibility to take care of you.”

Bianca laughed again, this time louder … a laugh that filled the room with mockery. She couldn’t believe Victor had managed to fool Vivian so easily.

“Vivian, if I were you, I’d wish I never existed,” Bianca said coldly. “You’re so stupid. You’re living in darkness and don’t even know it. You’re not even the main character in your own story.”

Vivian’s face went red with fury. “How dare you insult me? And what the hell are you even talking about?”

Their argument grew louder. The once-peaceful apartment was now filled with shouting, insults, and clashing egos. Neighbors began knocking on the door, warning them to lower their voices, but neither of them cared. The banging only seemed to make them louder.

Outside the apartment, several people had gathered. They could hear every single word, every insult, every curse. The building’s walls were thin, and gossip was faster than the wind.

After nearly thirty minutes of chaos, Victor arrived, panting. One of the tenants had called him, saying his wife and “the other woman” were tearing down the building. He burst into the apartment, eyes darting between the two furious women.

“Bianca!” Vivian yelled, pointing at her.

“You keep saying my baby daddy dumped me, but what if I tell you…”

“Enough!” Victor’s deep voice cut through the air. Both women froze.

He looked at them ….one trembling with rage, the other smirking with satisfaction. “What is going on here? Why are you both behaving like this?”

Before anyone could answer, Bianca spoke again, voice dripping with venom. “Oh, so you think my baby daddy dumped me? What if I tell you he didn’t? What if I tell you he’s someone you know? You know what, Vivian? Today I’ll break your heart. He is none other than…”

“Bianca!” Victor’s voice thundered, silencing her instantly.

The two women turned to look at him. His eyes burned with warning.

“What’s going on here?” Vivian demanded, her voice breaking.

Each of them tried to speak at once, but their words collided into confusion and anger. The more they explained, the worse it became.

Finally, Victor said firmly, “Bianca, go to your room.”

Bianca blinked. “But…”

“I said leave here.” His tone was final.

Reluctantly, Bianca turned to go, dragging her feet across the floor like a stubborn child who didn’t want to obey. She muttered under her breath, her face twisted with irritation, but she walked out of the living room, her steps heavy and deliberate.

Vivian exhaled shakily, tears threatening to fall. “Victor, this girl has to go,” she said quickly. “From the time she came here, she’s done nothing but disrespect me. She walks around like she owns this place. She doesn’t lift a finger. And you….” her voice cracked…“you treat her better than me. You tell me it’s because of her situation, but I’m not blind. You spend hours in her room, saying you’re doing Bible studies. Do you take me for a fool?”

Victor rubbed his forehead, guilt flickering in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Vivian. I’ll talk to her.”

“Talk to who?” she shot back angrily. “No, I don’t need you to talk to her. I need her out of here. I can’t live under the same roof with her anymore.”

“Okay, baby,” Victor said softly, trying to calm her. “Calm down. I’ll be back.” He kissed her forehead gently, but she turned away.

Victor walked down the corridor toward Bianca’s room. His steps were slow and heavy. He found her pacing restlessly, her face filled with rage and impatience.

“What are you doing, Bianca?” he asked, shutting the door behind him. “Why are you causing all this trouble? You’re going to ruin everything.”

“Yes, I will ruin everything,” Bianca hissed. “I hate that she keeps calling you her man. I think it’s time she knows the truth.”

“No, no, Bianca,” Victor said, panic in his voice. “Just give me a little more time. I’m almost done with everything. Why do you want to ruin it now? You said I should marry you so that my marriage with Vivian becomes invalid, and I did. You said you wanted to live with us, and I allowed it. What more do you want from me?”

Bianca’s eyes gleamed with bitterness. “Victor, do you remember why I said I wanted to live here? So that we can find a way to end that baby’s life before it even comes out. She can’t have your baby. And I will make sure she loses the pregnancy.”

Her words cut through the air like knives. The room fell silent. Victor stood there, his heart pounding.