Chapter 4: Patricia’s Sweet Mask
Over the next few days, Patricia was on her best behavior.
She cooked Emiliano’s favorite meals. She played with the girls in front of him. She even praised Rosa once or twice when he was watching.
But Emiliano saw through it now.
He noticed how Patricia’s smile never reached her eyes when she looked at his daughters. He noticed how Sofia and Martina only relaxed when Patricia left the room. He noticed how Rosa always positioned herself between the girls and Patricia whenever possible.
One evening, after the girls went to bed, Patricia sat beside him on the couch and rested her head on his shoulder.
“I’ve been thinking,” she said softly. “Maybe it’s time we consider sending the girls to boarding school. It would be good for them… and for us.”
Emiliano looked at her.
“Boarding school?”
“They need structure,” Patricia said. “And honestly, Rosa spoils them too much. They need to learn independence.”
Emiliano was quiet for a long moment.
Then he said, “I’ll think about it.”
But he had already decided.
May you like
He was not sending his daughters anywhere.
And he was no longer sure Patricia belonged in this house either.
