The reception room at the villa was tastefully arranged , but the air was thick with silent tension . I sat between my parents , facing the four people on the opposite couch - Robert , Emma , Hylton , and Priscilla . Priscilla shot me a silent , provocative smile . Only now did I get it . When one truly was out of words , all they could do was laugh . We were about to discuss breaking off the engagement , and they brought Priscilla here ? Robert cleared his throat , breaking the silence first . He forced a kind smile and said , " Things have gotten messy. Hylton's young , hot - tempered , and a bit impulsive . Every couple has their little fights . " Emma chimed in quickly , " Yes , yes . It's all just a misunderstanding . Our friendship has been standing strong for years . It'd be a shame to ruin that over something so small . " She turned to me , her gaze carrying a subtle hint of scrutiny . " Lina , dear , if you ever feel wronged , you can always talk to me . How could you just- " Before she could finish , my dad cut her off by pushing a document onto the coffee table in front of them . " Misunderstanding ? Friendship ? Look at this and tell me if it's a misunderstanding ! my dad hollered icily . The smiles on Robert's and Emma's faces froze . They exchanged a glance and hesitated before opening the document and pulling out the papers inside . It was a detailed medical report from a reputable hospital , documenting the physical injuries I'd suffered , along with the baby I'd been forced to lose . The color drained from their faces instantly . Their hands trembled as they held the report , lips moving but unable to form a single word .