The drive to the gala transpired in quietude. Michaela was engrossed in fiddling with the beads on her dress, thus refraining from engaging in much conversation.
Elijah made no attempts to initiate dialogue with Joana, leaving her feeling self-conscious after his fixed gaze on her abdomen when they entered the car - was she already displaying signs of pregnancy, or was it merely happenstance?
Eventually, the driver pulled up to the curb outside a majestic stone building, boasting large marble columns.
Elijah instructed them to await the opening of the doors; Michaela and Joana alighted first. Clutching Joana's hand tightly, Michaela conveyed her nerves as they approached the building, clearly mirroring Joana's own. Her apprehension heightened upon realizing the absence of other childre
