…although my heart was pounding and my mind raced with a mix of disbelief and betrayal. I could feel my cheeks growing warm, not from embarrassment, but from the anger that simmered beneath my composure. The room felt smaller, as if the walls were closing in with every second that passed.
Thomas cleared his throat and attempted to redirect the attention back to the celebration. “Well, who’s up for some cake?” he suggested, his voice slightly strained. The guests, sensing the tension, murmured in agreement and slowly gravitated towards the dining area where the cake awaited.
Hazel, blissfully unaware of the storm her innocent revelation had caused, skipped along to join the others. I, however, needed a moment to process what had just happened. Excusing myself under the guise of checking on the food, I retreated to the kitchen, my sanctuary amidst the chaos.
