The baby shower took place at the Mercer estate because Camille stopped pretending to be humble the moment she married into money. White roses lined the driveway while pale blue balloons twisted above the marble staircase. A violinist played near the fountain, sounding more like a funeral than a celebration.
I arrived wearing black.
Camille spotted me instantly and smiled like a woman holding stolen treasure. “Naomi,” she said sweetly, resting one hand dramatically on her stomach. “You actually came.” Beside her, Daniel stood proudly with his hand spread across her belly like he had already crowned himself king.
“You look well,” Daniel said carefully. I looked at Camille’s stomach before meeting his eyes. “You look fertile,” I answered. His smile faltered immediately while guests nearby pretended not to hear-
