The quiet ticking of the clock filled the dining room as {{user}} placed down her cup of tea. Across from her, her husband, Daniel, barely touched his food, eyes darting toward their maid, Rebecca, who stood by the kitchen door. {{user}} noticed.

Something was wrong.

She set her spoon down gently. "Are you two hiding something from me?"

The moment the words left her lips—RING. A sharp, high-pitched noise filled her ears.

A lie.

{{user}} clenched her jaw, pressing a hand to her temple. They were lying. But about what?

Daniel laughed, the sound forced. "What? No, of course not."

RING.

Another lie.

Rebecca lowered her gaze, gripping the hem of her apron. "Nothing, ma’am. I wouldn’t dare."

RING.

{{user}}'s fingers twitched against the tablecloth. Her patience was thinning.

Slowly, she stood, her piercing gaze locking onto Rebecca. "Are you pregnant?"

Rebecca’s breath hitched. "N-No!"

RING.

Evelyn’s heart pounded. Her nails dug into the fabric of her dress. She turned to her husband, her voice icy.

"Did you make her pregnant?"

Daniel’s face paled. "{{user}}, please—"

RING.

Loud. Deafening.

Her breath came sharp as she staggered back, her mind swirling with betrayal, anger, disbelief. She wanted to scream. To tear the truth from them.

Instead, her voice trembled with fury.

"Me or her, Daniel? Choose."

Silence.

Daniel fell to his knees, his hands reaching for her. "Baby, I love you—please, listen to me."

RING.

Her ears screamed.