I instantly drew in a deep breath.
That almost-breaking collapse, I forced it down into the bottom of my chest.
Grandpa Kale, upset, kept shouting nonstop, his cane hitting the floor again and again.
Ravenna’s eyes were red, too. She kept hitting Zion’s back, scolding him for being stupid.
Everyone thought I would lose control.
Cry, question him, fall apart.
But I didn’t.
I only stood up, my voice so calm it felt cold. “Today is Great-Grandfather’s birthday. It’s a joyful day. Let’s not ruin it over these things.”
“As for the baby… We’ll talk when it’s time.”
The whole room went still.
Grandma Ravenna opened her mouth, but in the end, she could only swallow her anger, forcing herself to keep the scene steady and continue the banquet while everyone hid their own thoughts.
During the dinner, I said I wasn’t feeling well and left early.
Seeing me not argue and not cry, a sudden, strange fear rose in Zion’s chest.
Was she planning to divorce?
But he quickly brushed the idea away.
How could I ever bring myself to leave him?
My car had just rolled off the main road outside the old house when an unfamiliar van appeared in the rear-view mirror.