Thalia stepped into the living room moments later, dressed for work. She paused when she saw him holding the paper.
"Sir"
He looked up at her, eyes cold. His friends were seated around him, having arrived minutes earlier. The room fell silent.
"So this is why you stayed out?" His voice was low, sharp. "While I was here thinking of you, you were busy with someone else. I thought you were unlike others,
"That's not... Thalia was cut off
"You pretend to be innocent," he cut her off, voice rising just enough to sting. "Sweet, kind, fragile Thalia… but look." He lifted the report. "Two weeks. And you expect me to believe you are who you act as?" Fernandez crossed his arms. "Sometimes kindness blinds you."
Her throat tightened. She tried to speak, but words jammed in her chest, she began to cry.
His friends exchanged looks we told you, Mario muttered under his breath and scoffed softly. "Too good to be true," Martinez added under his breath. The room felt cold as she stood.
"I trusted you," Vicious whispered, hurt bleeding through the anger. "I must have been a fool."
She flinched. Tears filled her eyes, but she shook her head, reaching out. "Please… just listen"
He turned away. Vicious held up the report. "Two weeks, Thalia. Two. "Vicious stared straight into her eyes. "You let me care for you. You let me fall… while holding another man's past inside you without a word." Your husband died long ago so it's not possible is it
Thalia stood frozen, heart splintering, then slowly walked out past workers who now whispered openly. Some stared at her stomach with disgust. Samaria smirked cruelly.
"Careful," she said loudly. "Wouldn't want another surprise."
Laughter followed. Her eyes burned.
Only Lily and Nina stepped forward, protective.
"Don't mind them," Nina said softly. "You're not alone," Lily added.
But their comfort wasn't enough to stop the ache inside her. She stepped outside, needing to breathe.
Fred, the gardener, noticed her shaking hands. "Thalia… are you alright?"
She forced a smile and failed. "Even you? Will you mock me too?"
Fred removed his gloves slowly. "Mock you? Never." He pulled out a bright sunflower from beside him. "Here. Let this remind you that even the darkest storms end. The sun returns."
She stared at it kindness she didn't deserve and broke down. Tears streamed freely.
"This is beautiful," she whispered. "Thank you, Fred."
She hugged him gentle, desperate, seeking comfort. He hugged her back.
"Can I tell you a secret?" she breathed.
Fred nodded.
"I lost the baby… I found out yesterday. I didn't even know I was pregnant." Her voice cracked. "It's so hard."
Fred held her, whispering comfort. A camera clicked.
A photo captured Thalia crying in another man's arms. A sunflower shining like evidence