Resolute

Later that night, straight from the hospital, Evelyn, with Archie and Antonio by her side, walked into the main hall where the clan leaders and other important members had gathered. Conversations hushed as she entered, and all eyes turned towards her.

The heavy wooden doors of the manor's drawing room closed with a soft thud, sealing the occupants inside. The room, adorned with heavy velvet drapes and antique furniture, seemed to hold its breath, anticipating the news that Evelyn was about to share.

Evelyn stood near the grand fireplace, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her heart pounded in her chest, but her face remained composed. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself before speaking.

"Thank you all for coming," Evelyn began, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"How are you, Miss? Are you alright?" Solomon, one of the leaders, asked softly, his concern etched on his weathered face.

"Yes, Miss. We heard from the butler that you were in great pain and even oozing blood," another leader added, his voice heavy with worry.

"Blood?" Brian exclaimed, stepping forward. "Are you alright? Are you in a lot of pain? What happened?"

"Everybody, please relax. I am perfectly fine. Thank you for worrying about me. But there is still something we need to talk about," Evelyn said, her voice carrying authority and reassurance, even though those she was addressing were all around her father's age.

"Why? What happened?" Garry asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Are you ill?" Brian looked at her cautiously, his brows furrowed with worry again.

"Or do you have any chronic disease?" George raised his brows with anticipation, his eyes scanning Evelyn's face for clues.

"Will you guys just stop assuming the worst? She is perfectly fine. Let's hear her out first," Archie interjected, his tone laced with exasperation. He understands that few of them are really worried about her but he doesn't want others to curse her this way.

The room fell into a thoughtful silence, all eyes now fixed on Evelyn, awaiting her next words.

"I have some news to share," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with a hint of underlying tension. She paused, her gaze sweeping across the faces of her gathered family and close friends, all waiting with bated breath. "I am pregnant with twins."

A collective gasp echoed through the room, followed by a heavy silence. Eyes widened in shock, and a few mouths hung open. No one moved. It was as if the world had stopped turning for those few, incredulous moments.

"..."

"..."

"..." Their eyes kept looking at Evelyn in bewildered manner. Some forgot to blink.

George Will, one of the leader, was the first to recover. "Out of wedlock?" he demanded, his voice breaking the silence. His brows furrowed deeply, and his usually calm demeanor was replaced with a mixture of anger and disbelief.

Still, no one else spoke. The air was thick with tension, and every eye remained fixed on Evelyn.

George pressed on, his voice rising. "At this time? When your father and brother just died?"

Solomon, the family solicitor, cleared his throat and spoke cautiously. "Miss Evelyn, are you serious?"

The room seemed to shrink around them as George's anger bubbled over. "How could you even think about conceiving!" he nearly shouted, his face reddening with each word.

"Mr. Wills, calm down. Let Miss Evelyn speak first," Brian Skeetar, interjected firmly, stepping between George and Evelyn. His presence was a calming force, urging George to step back.

Evelyn nodded appreciatively at Brian before addressing the room again. "Thank you, Mr. Skeetar. However, there is nothing more to explain apart from the fact that I am eight weeks pregnant."

Her statement hung in the air, and the realization dawned on everyone. Evelyn had conceived before the death of her father. This revelation seemed to silence many, although unspoken questions and criticisms lingered in the room.

Despite the tumultuous atmosphere, Evelyn stood resolute, her posture unwavering. Her eyes, clear and determined, met the gaze of each person in the room without a hint of embarrassment, shame, worry, or guilt. She wasn't there to seek approval or forgiveness; she was there to inform them of her decision. It was evident that she had come prepared for whatever judgment might be passed.

As the weight of her announcement settled over the room, it became clear to everyone that she would not be swayed by their opinions. She was ready to face whatever came next, alone if necessary.

Evelyn's gaze finally settled on George, whose anger had not yet abated. "I understand your concerns, George," she said calmly, "but this is my decision. My life. And I am ready to take full responsibility for it."

George's eyes narrowed, his frustration boiling over. "You mean, you don't care what we think of it? Even if you have to lose your throne?"