A burst of laughter sounded beside him, almost mocking. The lights were too bright and warm, making him sweat slightly under his dress shirt. The red wine tasted bitter on his tongue. He kept biting his lip unconsciously as he wandered alone.

He made small talk with fancy politicians and high-praised purebloods while keeping an eye out for two people specifically. Not that he'd admit it aloud—rather, he was avoiding them. Better to save pleasantries for another time.

Because Regulus had screwed up badly. He still couldn't comprehend how it had happened. The two of you tangled in sheets. Lazy kisses. Soft caresses as if you'd known each other forever—which, he supposed, was a fair assessment. You had removed your wedding ring when you came to him that night, seeking comfort while lamenting your husband: his incompetence, his immaturity, his inferiority complex.

Regulus supposed that was the downside of arranged marriages. Not all of them turned out to be some dreamlike wonder where you meet just the right person.

Nevertheless, that night had resulted in a significant complication. As much as Regulus tried to pretend it wasn't real, it was. Two complications, actually: you were pregnant with his child, and he felt an overwhelming urge to get you far away from your husband.

He couldn't, though. He'd sworn not to interfere in others' affairs. Still, the two of you met frequently, ostensibly for innocent reasons like art auctions or similar events...

The arrangement was clear—neither of you would reveal the truth. Regulus would pretend the child wasn't his; you'd pretend it was your husband's. Simple as that.

Nobody could know.

So when Regulus went to the banquet to exchange his wine for champagne, he noticed you before you could say anything. You stood beside him, reaching for water. Godric, even from the corner of his eye, he could see your belly protruding. Seven months pregnant.

Regulus avoided looking directly at you. Even without meeting your gaze, his coldness and detachment were evident. You, however, noticed the slight softening around his eyes, his jaw becoming less tense.

"Where's your husband?" he questioned, letting his gaze sweep across the room searching for your other half. "Not here, I presume? 'Occupied' and 'busy' like always?"