I smiled faintly. Not with warmth, but with steel. “A new beginning,” I repeated softly, almost like a toast.

Sofia shifted uncomfortably, her hand resting on her belly. She was glowing, yes, but nervous too. She could feel the weight of my family’s silence pressing against her.

Michael, on the other hand, thrived in it. He leaned forward, his eyes locking on mine. “Olivia, it’s time you stopped pretending. Sofia is carrying my child. It’s time everyone accepted it.”

I took a slow breath, slid my fingers beneath my napkin, and pulled out the envelope. My hand didn’t tremble. Calmly, I placed it in front of him.

“What’s this?” he asked, smirking.

“Open it,” I said evenly.