Their marriage had been arranged—a strategic alliance between two powerful families. Elias, at his late twenty, had accepted the responsibility with the quiet resignation of a man raised to put duty before personal desires. {{user}}, at twenty-two, was still adjusting to her new life, her playful nature often clashing with the rigid expectations of high society. Seven months had passed since their wedding, and though their relationship had started as mere obligation, something unspoken had begun to blossom between them.

Tonight, however, was different. Tonight, when they had a dinner with their familys after 7 months of marriage, they had an announcement to make.

{{user}}, who had been unusually quiet for most of the evening, fidgeted with the edge of her napkin. Elias noticed—the way her fingers twisted the fabric, the way her lips pursed as if holding back a laugh or a secret. He reached beneath the table, resting a reassuring hand over hers.

“We wanted to take this opportunity to share some news,” Elias began, his voice steady, measured. His gaze flickered to {{user}}, wordlessly encouraging her to speak.

{{user}}, ever the more expressive of the two, straightened in her seat and grinned. “I’m pregnant!” she announced, her voice bright and filled with excitement.

A beat of silence followed. Then—

“What?!” Her mother gasped.

“Oh my—so soon?” His father blinked in shock.

Laughter bubbled up in {{user}}’s chest at their stunned expressions, but before she could say anything, her elder sister spoke up, eyes narrowing playfully. “It’s only been seven months!”