She embraced me—truly embraced me—while I stood there pregnant, feeling my baby shift gently inside me. I returned the hug just long enough for Rachel to understand there was no misunderstanding left between us.

I already knew. Everything. And as she stepped back, I caught that expensive perfume again—faint, familiar. Then it hit me. Adrian’s jackets had been carrying that exact scent for six months.

Interesting.

“So,” I said brightly, “let me introduce you to everyone.” She agreed without hesitation, unaware of what was coming.

Around sixty guests filled the hall—family, friends, neighbors, colleagues. Exactly the audience I had planned for. I guided Rachel toward the head table, calm and composed.

“Rachel, meet my mother,” I said. Elena greeted her politely, followed by my mother-in-law Teresa, who spoke warmly about Adrian’s hard work, making Rachel visibly uncomfortable.

I then placed her between Teresa and another guest, Lauren, smiling as she took her seat. “Perfect,” she said, unaware of the trap closing in.

Moments later, Lauren entered. Rachel’s face went pale instantly. “Lauren?” she whispered. Lauren simply smiled and sat beside her, saying she looked forward to “surprises.”

Rachel’s confidence cracked. Adrian rushed toward me, panicked. “Why is she here?” he demanded. I replied calmly that she was his coworker and part of the invited guests.

“You didn’t think it was inappropriate to sleep with her,” I said softly. His expression collapsed. “I know,” I added, watching him freeze as the room continued around us.

The afternoon carried on with games and laughter, but the tension grew unbearable for him. He kept watching me, watching them, while I ignored every glance.

Finally, my mother called everyone for cake. I stood up, microphone in hand, as the room quieted. “People say pregnancy reveals love,” I began, smiling at Adrian as he turned pale.