Chapter 5 - The Uninvited Guest
That brings us back to today: Lily’s first birthday party.
We had deliberately omitted Beverly from the guest list. We wanted today to be safe, warm, and happy for Daniel and Lily.
Yet, halfway through the afternoon, the front door swung open, and in walked Beverly. She was carrying a gift box wrapped in brightly colored paper, smiling radiantly as if she were the guest of honor.
“Happy Birthday to the little girl of the hour!” Beverly announced, striding into the center of our living room.
The mood in the room shifted instantly. My mother stiffened. Daniel’s smile vanished. I stood near the cake table, feeling a cold, calm focus settle over my mind.
Beverly thrust the package into my hands. “Open it! Open it in front of everyone!”
I didn't want to make a scene in front of our guests, so I unribboned the box and opened the lid. Inside lay a custom-printed baby onesie. Printed across the front in bold, tacky lettering were the words:
“Who’s My Daddy? 50/50 Chance!”
Beverly threw her head back and let out a sharp, amused laugh.
Daniel didn't say a word. He didn't yell. He simply leaned down, lifted our red-haired daughter into his arms, and walked down the hallway toward our master bedroom. A few seconds later, the sharp click of the bedroom door lock echoed into the living room.
Beverly rolled her eyes and waved her hand, adjusting her designer handbag on her shoulder.
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“Oh, honestly!” Beverly sneered, looking around at the quiet room. “You people seriously need to lighten up! It’s a cute shirt! If your marriage is really that weak,” she added, looking straight at me with a malicious smirk, “maybe it deserves to fall apart.”
That was the exact moment something inside me clicked.
