Margaret, finally regaining her composure, gestured towards the grand hall. “Well, why don’t we all go inside? The evening is just beginning,” she suggested, her voice strained, the forced pleasantry barely covering her irritation.

As we moved into the lavishly decorated room, I felt the weight of many eyes upon us. Every whisper, every curious glance was a testament to the unexpected turn of events. But I refused to be a spectacle without substance. This wasn’t just about revealing Alex to the family; it was about asserting my place in this narrative.

David hesitated, then stepped forward, his voice low but clear. “Evelyn, can we talk? In private?”