Fredric’s POV

At some point, I’ll have to tell Paula about Mathilda’s pregnancy.

She’ll never accept it—of that I’m sure. This is, without question, the worst possible news.

I still can’t believe it myself. But even if I accuse Mathilda of getting pregnant by another man, it wouldn’t change the truth.

That baby is mine.

I still remember the blood on the sheets that night—proof of her virginity.

I’m the one who got Mathilda pregnant.

And honestly, I do feel a sense of guilt.

I never should’ve taken her that day. She’s already endured so much because of this fake marriage, and now she has to bear something this heavy, something neither of us ever expected.

She’s grown colder since then. The disappointment and anger in her eyes cut deeper than any of her words.

But my pride… my damn pride keeps me from showing any sympathy.

Instead, I lash out. I find myself needing to corner her, to scold her, to make her feel small.

Like now.

We’ve just arrived home, and though I can tell she’s moving