MYSTIC HOLLOW Homicide

Sarah was seated at the edge of the bed, with her hand protectively placed on her stomach. The results were obvious - two strong lines indicating her pregnancy. A new life was growing within her, a tiny spark of hope in her otherwise complicated world. She'd imagined Jake's reaction countless times: the joy in his eyes, the embrace they'd share as they looked toward their future as a family. This news was her lifeline, a bridge to the happiness she'd been dreaming of since marrying Jake.

But, as if on cue, a familiar figure interrupted her thoughts-Isabel, her sister-in-law, who seemed to have no boundaries when it came to intruding on Sarah's life.

The news of Alex's plane crash had left Jake distraught, and somehow, that pain had bonded him with Isabel. Day after day, she was at their home, her grief-filled expressions, subtle touches, and lingering looks at Jake filling the space that should have been Sarah's. It wasn't just the loss of his brother, it seemed, but the presence of Isabel that had transformed her marriage into something unrecognizable.

Today, Isabel came with an announcement of her own, revealing her pregnancy with a coy smile that left Sarah feeling as if the ground had disappeared beneath her feet. Jake's response to Isabel's news only deepened the growing emptiness in Sarah's heart. Instead of comforting her or even acknowledging her presence, Jake turned all his attention to Isabel, wrapping her in a warm hug, and offering words of comfort and support. His eyes sparkled with a tenderness Sarah hadn't seen in a long time, and it left her feeling invisible.

The days that followed were suffocating for Sarah. Isabel, now officially a fixture in their home, began to manipulate every situation to her advantage. Pretending to be helpless and frail due to her pregnancy, she demanded Sarah's constant attention, insisting on having special meals and sending Sarah on endless errands. All while smiling sweetly at Jake, her gaze daring Sarah to protest. Sarah was losing her patience, but she remained composed, wishing that Jake would recognize her distress and offer his support.

One night, Sarah made a lovely fruit platter for Isabel, aiming to alleviate the escalating tension with a simple gesture of kindness. With precision, she arranged slices of mango, strawberries, and apples, then drizzled honey and added fresh mint leaves. Walking into the living room with the tray, Isabel looked at her with a smirk, her eyes cold and calculating.

Isabel expressed gratitude to Sarah in a sweet manner before taking the tray. However, just as Sarah was about to reply, Isabel purposely knocked the tray out of her hands, causing fruit and broken glass to scatter on the floor.

Isabel gave a dramatic scream, grasping her stomach and widening her eyes in fake surprise. Jake! Hey there, Jake! "Jake, please assist!" she cried, collapsing onto the couch in a well-rehearsed swoon.

Jake dashed in, his expression contorted with worry. "Isabel!" "Are you doing alright?" He had all his attention on her, his hands shielding her as he gave Sarah a fierce look. "Tell me, what have you done?" he asked, his voice filled with blame.

Sarah started to speak to explain, but Jake interrupted before she could respond. His icy tone snapped when he mentioned that Isabel could have been injured. "Are you not able to recognize that she is delicate at the moment?"