Labor Pains

Thea Clayhill is a young woman stuck in a dead-end job at a small publishing company. She’s bright, creative, and ambitious. Still, she is constantly overshadowed by her overbearing boss, who is quick to fire anyone who steps out of line. When Thea finds herself moments away from losing her job, she panics and blurts out a lie that she’s pregnant.

To her surprise, the lie saves her position. Suddenly, everyone at the office treats her differently. Colleagues who barely noticed her now offer help, kindness, and attention. Her boss, worried about legal issues, eases up on his constant criticism. Thea begins enjoying her newfound respect, even though she knows it’s built on a falsehood.

Keeping the lie going isn’t easy. With help from her best friend, she fakes doctor’s appointments, buys maternity clothes, and learns to act the part of an expectant mother. As she gains confidence at work, she also catches the attention of Nick, a charming editor who sees potential in her ideas and personality.

As Thea’s fake pregnancy moves closer to its “due date,” the situation becomes harder to control. She must decide whether to tell the truth and risk losing everything, or keep up the lie and live with the guilt.