"Roderick has asked for a pregnancy test!" Darius snapped, glaring at Orabela with cold suspicion. "I just spoke with his mother. He insists it be done at the hospital his family owns. You're not lying, are you?" His voice grew sharper. "You better not disgrace this family. I always thought you were the pride of our name, but you're worse than Layla!"
"Honey, don't say that!" Miriam interjected, her voice full of concern. "How can you put all the blame on Orabela? And why would she lie about something so serious?"
Orabela, her face pale and tear-streaked, sobbed harder. "Dad, I'm not lying. What would I gain from making this up? Roderick promised to marry me, but yesterday, he changed his mind and took back the ring. He even mentioned Layla! I wouldn't be surprised if she's behind all this. The last time, her husband broke Roderick's wrist. Who knows what she might have done to threaten him?"
