The house fell into silence shortly after dinner.
The hallway lights remained on, casting long shadows along the walls, but no voices or muffled laughter could be heard anymore. Each member of the family had gone their separate way, as if—without saying it—everyone needed space to digest something that had not been served at the table.
John returned to his room.
He closed the door carefully and leaned his back against it for a few seconds before moving. He wasn't tired, yet his body felt heavy, as though the day had demanded more than it seemed.
He took off his jacket and placed it over the chair. From the window, he could see part of the gardens, motionless under the dim glow of the streetlights. Everything looked exactly the same as always… and yet, different.
During dinner, no one had said anything out of place.
And that was the problem.
The glances that crossed and turned away too quickly, the brief pauses before answering, the way certain words seemed to be carefully avoided. John didn't need emotions to notice it; it was a matter of logic. When too many things go unspoken at the same time, it is never by chance.
Someone had come for a reason.
And that reason had yet to reveal itself.
John sat down on the bed, his gaze fixed on the closed door, as if he expected it to open again at any moment. He felt neither anxiety nor restlessness… but he did feel an uncomfortable certainty.
That night would not end like any other.
⸻
After dinner ended, the younger members of the families returned to their rooms, while Camila and Romeo stayed behind in the main living room, having a drink to unwind.
—May I join you?—Max asked, holding a bottle of wine.
—Of course, it would be a great pleasure to have one of my brothers-in-law with us—Romeo replied, offering a gentle smile.
Max took a seat and poured wine for everyone, starting a pleasant and relaxed conversation.
—I heard that the gym you created near where you live has become famous across the continent. It's extravagant and impressive, without a doubt.
—Thank you. I've always been a fan of sports and exercise, so I don't regret creating it—Romeo replied.
Both men nodded in approval, comfortable with the topic.
Camila remained silent, listening, until she finally let out a sigh.
—Ever since you met, the only thing you talk about is exercise. I don't even know what to think of you anymore—she said in a teasing tone, as if that were the only subject they were capable of discussing.
—Oh, little sister, you've always been so cold and never measured your words. Though I also remember that back in elementary school… didn't you get into about two fights?—Max commented, letting out a mocking laugh.
—What? You actually fought?—Romeo looked briefly surprised before breaking into a teasing smile.
—Haha, I should've guessed. That temper of yours isn't just verbal, from the looks of it.
Camila blushed as she found herself surrounded by their laughter and shot Max a look, silently warning him not to say any more.
—Yes, yes… she's not only the queen of words, but also of fists. She trained in karate for several years, and whenever you disagreed with her, she'd hit you without hesitation. A complete disaster—Max added, laughing nonstop.
—Hey! Shut up!—Camila exclaimed, standing up and clumsily trying to defend herself, more out of embarrassment than anger.
—Hahaha, don't get like that, mami—Romeo said with a mischievous grin.
Camila turned red as a tomato when she heard him.
—Ugh… whatever… do whatever you want—she muttered, sitting back down like a sulking child.
Max immediately noticed the change in his younger sister. The woman who was considered impenetrable both inside the mansion and out on the streets now appeared submissive in front of Romeo. The sight brought a sincere, satisfied smile to his face.
—That word you used… it's from your native language, Spanish, right?—he asked curiously, since he had never really learned it.
—That's right. I heard you were in Latin America on a mission. I thought you spoke Spanish fluently.
—No, haha… I learned the greetings and that's about it. Nothing beyond formal language. My missions were always focused on Europe and Asia, so it never crossed my mind to learn more Spanish—he replied, taking a sip of wine.
—I see… well, if you ever want to learn, you can ask me directly. It would be an honor to teach something to my brother-in-law.
—Heh… now I see why you're my father's favorite. You really are a great man, Romeo—Max said as he refilled his glass and stood up.
—It's getting late, so I'll head out. How about tomorrow you tell me a bit about the Dominican Republic? I'd like to learn about its culture.
—It would be an honor, mi socio.
Max left with calm steps, while Camila and Romeo also prepared to head out.
—I like Max quite a bit—Romeo commented, looking at Camila with a teasing expression.
—Tch… you like everyone if it means making fun of me, idiot—she replied, still blushing as she walked while holding onto Romeo's arm.
—Oh, mami chula, don't be like that—Romeo said in an overly flirtatious tone.
Camila grew even more nervous. Every time Romeo spoke in his native language, she weakened, overwhelmed by embarrassment and shyness, unable to hide it.
And so, the night came to an end. Everyone returned to their rooms, waiting for what the next day would bring.