The ultimatum

"Pregnant?" Silas echoed in surprise. "You are pregnant with my baby!" His eyes darted down to Esme's stomach, a nervous tremor replacing the initial shock.

A wry amusement flickered across Esme's face as she observed his flushed cheeks. She nodded, her lips curling.

Silas felt chills coursing through him. A wave of conflicting emotions – joy, excitement, and a gnawing anxiety – mixed strangely. Then, reality slammed into him hard. "You were about to leave me with my child in your womb." His voice, laced with disbelief, rose in volume. "Did you plan not to tell me about it?"

Esme's smile faltered. A knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach. Lies wouldn't help now. Another slow nod confirmed his suspicion. "Yes," she confessed. "I thought you were already married to Lara and wouldn't want a baby from me. I didn't want to disrupt your married life."

"But the baby is mine," he barked. His anger flared. "You should have told me about your pregnancy."