Maria smiled, relieved at the apparent respect for her boundaries.
"Thanks. You're the first to respect my privacy like that without pushing for details. It's nice for a change. Do you want some fruit? I'd just cut some apples, bananas, and a few berries. It's good for energy after a long day."
Bianca scoffed lightly, her smile turning sharper, the sweetness dropping like a mask.
"No thanks. I don't need it. Someone needs it way more than I do... the unknown bastard in your belly."
Maria froze, her smile dropping instantly, the knife still in her hand as colour drained from her face. The word "bastard" hit hard, like a slap she didn't see coming. Of course, it wasn't the first time anyone had said it to her. Ever since she got here, she has been hearing whispers in the halls when people thought she wasn't listening. There were also comments made about her behind her back at family dinners or gatherings.
