I came back early and found my wife silently washing dishes; my own family had her hidden away as a servant, and when I heard them tell her, “You should be grateful to be here,” I knew everything was rotten.

“What’s going on?”

Vanessa laughed lightly.
“Don’t exaggerate. She wanted to help. We have guests, and she gets emotional trying to feel useful.”

Lucía lowered her eyes.
That told me everything.

“Look at me,” I said softly. “Did you want to be here washing dishes while they celebrate upstairs?”

She hesitated, glancing at Vanessa like she needed permission.