I walked through the ballroom, ignoring each lady who tried to converse. My strides were long and stiff. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but I couldn’t ruin my wife’s pregnancy celebration.

I finally found where she was. She wore an ethereal gown made of the finest silk. I smiled when I noticed her belly, healthily plump.

I wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“Love, when will this be ending?” I asked lowly.

I reached for a glass of vodka from a passing servant.

“I tire of this…”