Arsene stiffened in his seat, as though the air had been knocked out of his lungs in a single invisible blow. His heart gave a painful jolt, sharp, unexpected, and loud enough to drown out every other sound for a moment. He blinked, jaw slightly ajar, as if the world had tilted just a few degrees too far. Sylvia, on the other hand, underwent a transformation that was almost theatrical in its contrast.
Her face, previously washed in a layer of melancholy and restraint, now lit up with genuine surprise. And then joy. Pure, unfiltered joy.
“A-Are you serious? Is that really true, Sister-in-law?” she gasped, eyes gleaming as she leaned forward with childlike excitement. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier? Since when? How far along are you?” Her voice rose in pitch, cracking slightly with
