Arlene I barely had a moment to breathe after Liam kissed me goodnight, his touch lingering on my skin like a bittersweet promise. As I watched him bid my father goodnight, his tone polite yet detached, I felt the weight of the evening’s events pressing in on me. Then, as Liam disappeared into the night, my father’s sharp voice pierced the air. “Arlene, to my study. Now.” I recognized that tone. It was the one he used when he was more than just displeased. I followed him without protest, my steps measured, bracing for the storm that awaited behind the doors of his study. Once inside, he closed the door with a decisive click and turned to face me, his expression a mix of disappointment and restrained fury. Well, I didn’t expect him to smile at me for coming home pregnant, especially

