CHAPTER 220

LATER THAT EVENING, while I sat quietly in the living room, and enjoying the sip a hot cup of herbal tea that Aunt Lou had made for me, the tension that had been brewing throughout the day finally came to a head.

Aunt Lou had been hovering, her watchful eyes lingering on me every time I moved or said anything. It wasn’t like her usual caring concern—it felt heavier, more disapproving. I could sense something was wrong, but I hadn’t wanted to push. I wanted to ask her what could be bothering her but I feel like it would be best to wait for her to tell it to me instead.

Finally, she couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“Margarette,” Aunt Lou started, her tone gentle but firm. She sat down across from me, folding her hands in her lap. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

I set my cup down, frowning slightly. “What do you mean?”

She let out a soft sigh, as though she had been holding her breath. “Meeting with Regina. Talking to Jack without waiting for Leon to come back. You’re pregnant, swee