Voices in the Womb

Synopsis

For five years, my husband and I tried every possible remedy we came across but still failed to conceive. After a year of IVF, we ended up with triplets. I was both shocked and overjoyed. Holding the test results in my hands, I wept so uncontrollably in the hospital corridor that I could barely stay on my feet. By the seventh month of pregnancy, I suddenly began to hear the thoughts of the babies inside my womb. 'Three more months till we're out. When she gives birth, whichever of us comes out last gives her a good kick.' 'Yeah, better yet. Make her hemorrhage and die right there. Get her out of the way.' 'Great. Without her in the way, our real mother can be with Daddy forever.' The color drained from my face. I looked down at my enormous belly and told myself I must be in so much pain that I was hearing things. Frightened, I went looking for Charles Grant, but no sooner had I reached the study door than I caught him talking with a friend. "Charles, that's a vicious move, making Emily carry children for you and another woman, and giving you three heirs in one go."