The silence after Stella's words was deafening.
"Pregnant." The word hung in the air like a heavy fog.
Mr. Brian's eyes, sharp with fury just a moment ago, widened and then darkened. His chest heaved. He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to grasp the reality his daughter had just dropped on him. He turned back to them.
"You..." His voice cracked, then steadied with icy control. "You're pregnant?"
Stella nodded, her lips trembling. "Yes, Daddy... I am."
"And this...this boy," Mr. Brian spat the word like it was poison, jerking his chin toward Cody, "is the father?"
"Yes," Stella whispered, her fingers gripping Cody's hand tightly.
The veins in Mr. Brian's neck bulged. "Get out," he snapped at Cody. "I need to talk to my daughter alone. Now."
Cody didn't move at first. His pr
