The lingering scent of hospital disinfectant clung to Yvonne Yates's clothes, a stark contrast to the elation that had surged through her just moments ago. Clutching the test results, she was about to make the call, when her phone buzzed.

"Yvonne, are you and Jackson Miller alright?" Her uncle's voice, laced with concern, cut through her joy.

"Yeah, we're fine. Why the sudden question?" Yvonne laughed, the sound light and airy. How could they not be? She had wonderful news.

"I heard Jackson brought a pregnant woman to get a checkup the day before yesterday…"

Yvonne chuckled, shaking her head. "Did you think Jackson was having an affair?"

"Yes!"

"Don't worry. Jackson wouldn't have an affair even if all the other men in the world were having affairs!" She assured him, her faith in her husband absolute. After hanging up, she immediately dialed Jackson. It rang for an eternity before he finally picked up, his voice a chilling monotone. "I'm very busy. Don't call and bother me if nothing is going on! You hear me!"

He hung up before she could utter a word. The elation, so vibrant moments ago, slowly drained away, leaving a cold dread in its wake. In the three years of their marriage, Jackson had been nothing but gentle. Lately, though, a chasm had grown between them, his patience worn thin, his calls unanswered. What had happened?

Lost in thought, Yvonne turned, only to hear a soft voice call out, "Sis!" Her gaze landed on Fiona Summers, standing beside another middle-aged woman. The sight of her father's mistress's daughter sent a wave of disgust through Yvonne. Her voice turned to ice. "Don't call me that. My mom only has me as her daughter!"