That heavy day for the Xentras family, caused by Camila's parents, had finally come to an end.
John showed no change; he remained as calm and empty as always. But Camila and Romeo were uneasy, irritated… especially Camila, still hurt by the offense her own parents had thrown at her son.
—Every time they talk about John, it's a problem… —she murmured, bringing a hand to her forehead.
Romeo embraced her gently, wearing that warm smile that always managed to lower her defenses.
—It's okay. In the end, they'll understand and accept him —he said. Then he looked at John, smiling—. Now that they're gone, how about we have dinner separately? Let's go to a restaurant.
A simple suggestion… and the heavy atmosphere of the house broke as if it had never existed.
⸻
It was late. John went to bed, and his parents returned to their rooms.
—I don't know what to do… my family is such a nuisance when they bring up John —Camila confessed, her voice still marked by the stress of the day.
—Don't overthink it. Whether they like it or not, John is part of the family. And he is because you're his mother. It's just a matter of time before they come around —said Romeo, his words simple and gentle, as always calming her.
They lay down together, embracing softly. Before long, both had fallen asleep.
⸻
Morning came. Romeo took John to the academy, and Camila headed to her family's mansion, where her siblings and parents awaited.
Along the way, she stopped at a traffic light. While waiting, she glanced to her right. A hall—apparently famous—was crowded with people. The movement, the lights, the music filtering through the windows… a small oasis of life that contrasted sharply with what she was about to face.
She observed it calmly for just a few seconds.
The light turned green.
And she drove on.
Upon arriving at the mansion, she stepped out of the car. An employee took it to the garage. Her heels clicked firmly against the marble path, a sound that commanded presence with every step. Two staff members walked beside her as she approached a massive carved wooden door.
They opened it slowly.
Camila saw her entire family there: siblings, parents, brothers-in-law, and cousins, all seated, all waiting for her.
Since she was little, she had possessed a solid and quiet temperament. She had softened somewhat after starting her own family, but in gatherings like this… her old self always returned.
—I apologize for being late. We can begin now —she said.
And she walked forward with an elegant, controlled, almost aristocratic stride. Her hair moved with a gentle turn of her head, completing an entrance that no one in the room could ignore.