Page 47 of Broken Princess

I know arguing right now isn't going to win me any favors, though. It's just going to put him on guard. Before I can think of anything, Natalie comes into the dining room and Kayleigh isn't far behind her.

Natalie immediately focuses her attention on Stefan, her face lighting up like a chandelier. "Stefan! It’s so good to see you again."

"Likewise, Mrs. Carillo," he says, standing to greet her with a kiss on the cheek. It's an innocent gesture, even though I'm sure it's going in her diary.

Kayleigh goes right over to the table without acknowledging either of us. I'm not sure if she's ticked off or just distracted by something else, but it's clear she doesn't want to be here any more than I do.

"Now that everyone's here, let's all have a seat and get dinner started," Dad says. "I, for one, am starving."

The others follow suit, but I can't even begin to work up an appetite.

"So," Dad begins after everyone is settled and Natalie has poured the wine, "I'm sure you're all wondering why I asked you here tonight."

"The suspense is killing me," Kayleigh mutters under her breath.

"I asked you here," Dad continues, ignoring her, "because there's something important I need to tell you." He pauses for a moment and clears his throat before continuing. "Amelia is pregnant."

There's a collective gasp around the table and I can feel my cheeks heat up. I knew this was going to be hard, but I had no idea it would be this bad.

"Pregnant?" Natalie echoes, her voice laced with disbelief. "But who...?"

She trails off, but I know what she was going to ask. Who is the father? And more importantly, who is he going to marry me off to?

"Stefan, clearly," Dad says through his teeth, annoyed by her question. I'm not sure if it's on my behalf, or because he doesn't want her making me look bad to Stefan. Like he doesn't already know I'm carrying another guy's baby.

"Of course," Natalie says, turning a few shades paler. She glances over at me, looking too confused to be as judgmental as she usually would be. "Well, I must say, this is a bit of a shock. And very unconventional."

"We've already been over it," Dad mutters. "And I obviously don't approve of the fact that they're having a baby out of wedlock, but what's done is done and there's no point in harping on something that can't be changed. What matters is that Stefan is doing the right thing and wants to marry Amelia."

Marriage. The word feels like a cold slap in the face. More like bondage.

"Of course," Stefan says, looking appropriately contrite even though he didn't do anything. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

He sounds sincere and supportive, and even I almost want to believe it. Of course, it just makes me realize even more that I can't trust him. Like there was ever any doubt of that to begin with.

"This is... how far along is she?" Kayleigh asks, more than attentive now. And she has no problem pouring enough judgment into her tone for both her and her mother.

"Far enough," Dad says in a clipped tone. He moves on immediately, "We're going to have to move up the wedding date, though. I don't want any more scandal than there's already going to be."

"Of course," Stefan says again. "Whatever you think is best."

"Well, we might as well do it soon, then. Next month should be enough time with the right planner," Natalie chimes in. "Don't you think so, Amelia?"

All eyes are on me, and I can feel the weight of the world bearing down on my shoulders. This is it. My life as I know it is officially over.

"Sure," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Sounds great."

What else am I supposed to say? It's not like I have any other options at this point, and arguing isn't going to get me anywhere.

"That's not fair!" Kayleigh cries. "Lorenzo and I haven't even set a date for our wedding!"

Dad gives her a harsh look he usually reserves for my outbursts. "That's enough out of you, young lady. This isn't a contest, and your wedding isn't time sensitive. Try to have some understanding."

Kayleigh's eyes are full of tears, but the fire behind them makes it clear they're rage more than anything else, and it's all directed at me.

Under any other circumstances, I would probably be enjoying the fact that the tables have finally turned, and she's the one Dad is scolding in front of everyone.

For some reason, the victory rings hollow.

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