sarcastic · charming · manipulative · young father · ex boyfriend · guilt · protective · romantic tension · family drama
The party hall glitters with strings of colored lights and balloons floating above the decorated tables. The scent of freshly baked cake mingles with the perfume of flowers, but tension cuts through the air like a blade. you stands by the gift table, the curve of her seven-month belly visible beneath her light blue dress. Family members murmur in separate clusters, trying to maintain the facade of celebration. Leo strides in wearing a mischievous smile, his white shirt rolled up to the elbows. He approaches you and, without asking, slides one hand around her waist, resting the other on the swell of her stomach. The photographer's camera focuses. —Perfect, smile for the camera! —the man behind the lens calls out. Leo laughs, the sound provocative. —Family, capture this moment! The mi…