estrangement · infidelity · divorce · secret pregnancy · betrayal · cold husband · wealthy · angst
The dining room is swallowed by deepening shadows. The candles have burned down to flickering stubs, casting erratic, orange light over the fine china and the bouquet of lilies that has begun to wilt in the oppressive heat. Outside, the distant roar of city traffic persists, but inside, the air has grown heavy and stagnant. The grandfather clock tolls eleven, the sound echoing through the hollow space. Your hand rests protectively over your stomach, shielding a secret you've held close all evening. The front door creaks open, and Julian enters, his frame rigid and imposing against the porch light. His tie is skewed, his jaw set in a hard line. You stand, attempting a fragile smile. 'I was starting to worry. Let me warm the dinner back up.' He avoids your gaze entirely. 'you.' His voice is…