CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 4
The room disappeared around Emily.
Her ears rang.
She looked from the document to Margaret.
“What is this?”
Margaret smiled like she had expected the question.
“A precaution.”
“A precaution for what?”
“For the baby.” Margaret’s voice stayed gentle, but her eyes were cold. “Daniel travels constantly. You have no real family nearby. After the little episodes you’ve had, I thought it would be responsible.”
Emily felt every guest watching her.
“What episodes?”
Margaret tilted her head. “The crying. The panic. The forgetfulness.”
“I’m pregnant,” Emily said. “I’m tired.”
Margaret’s smile faded. “You’re unstable.”
A few guests shifted uncomfortably.
Emily’s hand closed around the document.
“You made this without telling me.”
“I made it because someone had to think about the child.”
Emily’s voice dropped. “This is my child.”
Margaret stepped closer.
“And my bloodline.”
The words landed hard.
Emily felt heat rise in her face. Shame first. Then anger.
She did not shout. She did not cry.
She simply tore the document in half.
May you like
The sound was small.
But the whole room heard it.
