âDad, Mom, why didnât you come home last night? Were you out looking for a place to be alone? To share some intimate moments together?â
Tilda nearly stumbled in surprise and turned red as she asked, âWho told you that?â
âElma!â Sheldon said earnestly, pointing to Elma.
Both Lyndon and Tilda turned to look at Elma simultaneously.
Flustered, Elma quickly changed the topic and said, âHave you eaten breakfast? If not, I can make something right now.
â
âNo, thank you.
Weâve already eaten.
You go on with your conversation.
Iâm going upstairs to change,â Lyndon said gently, sensing that Tilda needed to speak privately with Elma.
As he ascended the stairs, Elma pulled Tilda aside with a grin and whispered, âTilda, did you and Mr.
Fernandez get together last night?â
Tildaâs cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
She murmured, âIâm thirsty.
Could I get some water?â
Seeing this, Elma realized that the two had slept together last night.
She was filled with joy.
âSure, I will get it for you.
â
âNo need, Iâll get it myself,â Tilda said, still blushing as she headed for the kitchen.
Elma beamed, patting Sheldonâs head and whispered, âSheldon, you might be getting a younger brother or sister soon.
â
Sheldon blinked his big eyes and said happily, âThatâs great! I wonât be lonely anymore.
Iâm going to have a sibling!â
In the kitchen, Tilda drank some water, feeling the heat on her face slowly fade away.
Elma walked in and said, âTilda, now that you and Mr.
Fernandez have been intimate, donât you think you should tell him the truth?â
The truth meant revealing Sheldonâs true identity to Lyndon.
Tilda clenched her glass, looking out at the warm sunshine through the window.
âI need more time,â she said softly.
It was just a night of passion-it didnât mean anything.
She knew Lyndon didnât love her.
What if he met his true love someday?
She didnât want Lyndon to feel obligated to stay with her because of the child.
She had too much pride for that.
Elmaâs concern was evident.
She wanted to say more but hesitated.