Tatiana’s heart pounded erratically in her chest, her grip tightening on the fork. Her calm façade cracked, fear flickering in her eyes. “What… what exactly do you mean by that, Aunty?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, strained as if speaking louder might make Ingrid’s ominous words come true. Ingrid reclined slowly in her chair, a nearly playful smile on her lips, yet the malice beneath it was unmistakable. “Mean? Oh, nothing at all, dear,” she responded smoothly, stirring her tea as though discussing the weather. “I was merely remarking on how unpredictable life can be. A man steps out strong in the morning, and sometimes…” She cocked her head, letting her gaze rest coldly on Tatiana, “…he never comes back the same. Or doesn’t return at all. Like my late brother-in-law and his wife.” Tatiana’s breath caught sharply. “Please—please don’t say such things, Ma’am Ingrid,” Brenda interjected sharply, her voice shaking with emotion. She grasped Tatiana’s shoulder f
Last Updated : 2025-09-21 Read more