37: Daunting Memories

“What?” He feigned surprise. “It's only fair I told him first since he is the head of the family and all…” Whereas the rest at the table bought the cheap theatrics, Alicia snorted under her breath.

“He tells me you are married.” Jonathan addressed Alicia with an awkward calmness. She swallowed nervously, and Theo noted how anxious she had become all of a sudden. He stretched his hand under the table and gripped her thigh. Alicia drawled strength from the simple touch of her husband.

“Yes, father.” She said calmly.

“And you are pregnant as well?”

“Yes, father.”

“Congratulations, my dear,” Jonathan murmured tightly, shocking everyone further. “I hope you and your husband share many years of happiness, like your mother and I have.”

“I wouldn't exactly say…” Theo began, but Alicia pinched him, shushing him instantly before she uttered a forced, 'thank you, father.'

The rest of their time there went on in a similar fashion, with Theo and Jonathan fighting to conceal their animosity thr