Julian walked up the grand staircase with swift and heavy marble steps.
Maya led the way happily, holding her father's hand with total confidence.
Victoria scrambled up the stairs behind them, her high heels clicking loudly.
Her hands were sweating as she reached out to grab Julian's black sleeve.
Victoria: Julian, please stop this right now before you humiliate us!
Victoria: Think about my delicate condition and the stress on our baby!
Julian: If you are telling the truth, you have nothing to fear.
He pulled his arm away from her frantic grip with cold disgust.
A dozen curious party guests followed at a respectful distance behind them.
Maya stopped right in front of the master guest room door at the end.
The thick mahogany door was sitting slightly open, revealing the polished interior.
Maya pushed the heavy wooden door open with both of her small hands.
She pointed directly toward the luxurious leather sofa in the quiet room.
Maya: Look behind the big blue cushion, Daddy!
Julian crossed the room in three long strides while the crowd watched.
He reached behind the plush cushion and pulled out a skin-colored strap.
Heavy silicone padded belly padding hung limply in his large right hand.
It was a professional theatrical prosthetic designed to mimic a late-stage pregnancy.
The room gasped loudly as the physical evidence came into full view.
Julian turned around slowly to face his pale and shivering fiancee.
Julian: You lied to me about my own unborn child?