"Kathryn, are you sure Felix will be joining us?" Leah looked at Kathryn with doubtful eyes.
"Yes... No, I mean I was so sure before. But now, am not sure if he will be coming any minute soon"
"..."
" Mum, can you please tell us the reason why you called for brother and I? " Daniel raised his head from his phone after replying to Lina's message. He stared Kathryn in the eye as he spoke.
"Yes Kathryn, tell them the news so we can get this done and over with. The earlier the better. Besides my daughter's belly ..."
"Okay, let me be the one to announce the good news" Kathryn hurriedly interjected, fearing that Leah's way of breaking the news will worsen things.
She stole a quick glance at Emil who sat lazily with his legs crossed. He seemed not bothered about whatever that was happening.
'All seems good' she heaved a silent breath
"Daughter's belly ?" Daniel turned to Leah as he repeated. He slightly raised a corner of his lip, "If your daughter is having stomach problems, then I suggest you take her to see a doctor. My family is into business, and not medicine."
He sharply said with his gaze fixed squarely on the mother daughter pair. Louisa panicked when her eyes met his. Out of fear, she grabbed onto her mother's hand as she tightly held it.
"Don't worry. There's nothing he can do to you. Also, am here right?" Leah softly comforted, and in reply, Louisa loosened her hold.
"Daniel enough !" Kathryn exclaimed ,"Is that how to talk to guests? And more importantly, to your would be sister In-law and mother?" She stared disapprovingly at him as she reprimanded.
...
Couple of seconds later after cooling down, Kathryn finally broke the ice.
"Dear," she gazed at Emil, "Louisa is pregnant." she announced
Emil, "..."
Daniel, "... that's why I said earlier that she go see a doctor. Because this mansion isn't a hospital."
"Will you let me finish son?" Kathryn stared warningly at Daniel
" Okay, I will just listen"
"As I was saying, Louisa is thirteen weeks pregnant. And per my understanding and everyone present here, the child in her womb was formed one night thirteen weeks ago..."
"Okay, we get it that she's pregnant. But why's brother and I present here? And for what purpose?"
"So, as I was saying before the interruptions, Louisa is pregnant. And the father of the child is Emil."
At these words, Kathryn paused while observing Emil to see any reaction from him. But disappointingly, there was none. He seemed to not have heard what was said.
Kathryn cleared her throat and continued to speak, "Emil dear, is there anything you want to say, or should ...."
"What else do you wish to hear from brother? You've already concluded, so there's nothing more to say. Or is there?" Daniel gazed mockingly at their mother.
" Son, let your brother speak okay?"
"What should brother say? That the child isn't his? That he respects himself enough to ...."
"Shut up !" Leah angrily exclaimed, "What are you implying? Does my daughter look like some cheap prostitute?" she asked these questions in one breath.
" Hah! When did I use the word "cheap prostitute"? Or is it because she is?" Daniel looked mockingly at the mother daughter pair.
Kathryn felt like needles were pinching her behind from within the sofa. She stared warningly at her troublesome son. But unfortunately for her, her troublesome son avoided her look.
"How dare you call me a prostitute? Did you see me sleep with other men?" Louisa spoke almost in a scream
Daniel raised a brow at her, "Is it because you actually did it and you're trying to cover up, or because you didn't understand the words I spoke ? Where in my words did I call you a prostitute? And for your information, It was your mother who used the words CHEAP. PROSTITUTE..'
"Mtch"
A soft chuckle but loud enough for everyone to hear suddenly sounded. All eyes were set on the culprit.
Emil looked at Louisa for not more than five seconds before diverting his gaze to his mother. His gaze was deep and full of questions and doubt.
Kathryn feeling uncomfortable with the intense gaze, looked sideways.
"Emil, do you deny that you slept with my daughter many weeks ago at the INN hotel? Do you?" Leah angrily threw the question at Emil.
Emil just looked at her, but didn't say anything, neither did he made the attempt to speak.
"I thought you would be descent enough to admit to your deed and take responsibility. But sadly, ..."
"What will my saying anything matter. Would you believe and accept what I say?"
Emil coldly but slowly said. All this while, his gaze was still fixed on Kathryn. It was as if he was answering to her, and not to Leah.
"What do you mean? That am lying to you and also to everyone that am pregnant?" Louisa said shouting
"No, you aren't lying. You're indeed pregnant. But where's the prove that the child you're carrying is brother's?" Daniel asked provokingly.
"Prove you say? What other prove is stronger than a woman identifying the man who impregnated her?"
Daniel speechlessly looked at Leah as if she was retarded.
...