The young woman gently caressed her swelling belly as she eavesdropped on the conversation among the older women, who were sharing stories about their difficult relationships with their stepdaughters. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as she realized that these stepdaughters were only guilty of being cherished by their fathers.
The mere thought of her child potentially facing a similar fate sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn't shake off the fear of her husband marrying someone who would mistreat her future child. Her heart ached at the idea, and she felt her baby responding to her distress with a kick.
She whispered soothingly, "Don't worry, my little one. You won't have to endure a situation like that. Your father and I will always protect you."