After understanding the situation, my mother-in-law quickly said, “Ryan, please don’t get agitated. We’re the ones who wronged you. I’ll call David right now and have him come. Don’t hurt Rachel, she’s nine months pregnant,” she pleaded. Her voice trembled. 

Ryan paused, seemingly believing her words. 

She pulled out her phone with shaking hands. 

The other end of the call was noisy, with faint sounds of a woman crying in the background. 

“What’s happening? Rachel’s been stabbed more than ten times and is barely hanging on. Why aren’t you coming?” she said. She believed David would at least listen to her. 

Unexpectedly, David let out a light sneer, coldly laughing, “Mom, are you also playing along with her act? I just checked, and Ryan is still back in his hometown,” he said. His voice dripped with disdain. 

“Tell her to stop acting. If she’s really in trouble, get her a doctor quickly. By the way, I’ve already arranged a burial plot. We can bury her anytime,” he continued. His words were filled with disgust. 

A soft, fragile female voice came through the phone, “Is Rachel causing trouble again? David, don’t be angry. It’s normal for her to be jealous and put on an act,” she said. Her tone was submissive. 

“Maybe you should go comfort her… but, I really want to die. They say being burned alive is the most painful…” I recognized the voice. It was Ashley. 

My mother-in-law’s face darkened, “If you don’t believe me, I’ll send you a photo,” she said. Her voice was stern. 

David was silent for two seconds, presumably looking at the picture. 

Yet, he showed no concern, only letting out a helpless sigh, “Wow, Mom. Rachel’s really gone all out with this performance,” he said.