The next morning, the air felt heavier.
I could barely look the staff in the eyes as I walked through the villa. Elena avoided my gaze while serving breakfast. Mr. Reynolds kept his face professionally blank, but I caught the quiet concern in his eyes when he glanced at the faint swell of my belly under the thin white dress Daddy had chosen for me.
Daddy noticed my mood immediately.
He pulled me onto his lap at the dining table, one hand resting possessively over my stomach while the other fed me pieces of fruit.
“You’re thinking about what they said,” he murmured, voice low enough that only I could hear. “About leaving.”
I nodded slowly, leaning back against his chest.
“It’s not that simple anymore,” I whispered. “Not with the baby.”
Daddy’s hand tightened on my hip. He turned my f
