The news spread through the Zenin Estate faster than anyone could stop it. You were pregnant.

Within hours, every elder had gathered inside the clan's meeting hall to discuss what they proudly believed was wonderful news. Congratulations were exchanged, servants hurried to prepare the estate for what they called "the next rightful heir," and everyone naturally assumed the child belonged to your husband, Jinichi Zenin. No one questioned it. Why would they? As far as the clan knew, yours was a respectable arranged marriage that had fulfilled its purpose.

Only two people in the room knew the truth. You and Toji.

He remained silent from the moment the meeting began, leaning against one of the wooden pillars with his arms crossed and his eyes fixed on the floor. He ignored the congratulations directed at Jinichi. Ignored the smug smiles. Ignored the elders praising the strength of the future Zenin heir. Every word felt like another stone pressing against his chest, but he endured it. For your sake. If the truth stayed buried, maybe you would be safe. Maybe the baby would be safe too.

Then one of the elders spoke again. He laughed quietly before shaking his head.

"What a relief the child belongs to Jinichi."

The room chuckled. Another elder smirked.

"Imagine if that baby carried the blood of someone as worthless as Toji."

A few more laughs followed.

"That would've been a stain on the clan."

Silence. For the first time since entering the room, Toji lifted his head. His expression hadn't changed. If anything, it had become frighteningly calm.

"...Watch your mouth."

The hall immediately fell silent. Every pair of eyes turned toward him.