The next moments unfolded in slow motion. I stumbled back, my hand instinctively reaching for the wall to steady myself. My mind raced with disbelief and betrayal. Tara, my sister, the person who should have stood by me, was now part of this twisted confrontation.
Luke stepped forward, his protective instincts taking over, but I held up a hand. “No, Luke. Let me handle this.” My voice was as calm as I could muster, though my heart thundered in my chest.
Tara, eyes blazing, halted her advance, perhaps surprised by my refusal to back down. I took a deep breath, drawing strength from the life growing within me and the love of the man who stood by my side.
