Part B: Chap 19

Mariana's Pov

My eyes are dried of tears, my emotions put under control. I’m seated in the silence, feeling my mother’s gaze on my face.

The silence lingers for a while. And then she breaks it. “What did you mean by what you said, Mariana? Does Radimr have a brother no one knows of?” She asks, curiosity laced in her tone.

I thin my lips and blink once, steadying my voice before answering. “Yes.”

Mother nods, a hum rumbling in her throat. “And you think you might feel something for him?”

“Yes.” I breathe.

Mother falls silent again—silence that lasts only for a moment. Our eyes meet and hers reflects the understanding of the matter. She understands that this is beyond my control, that the heart can’t be controlled.

“Does he feel the same?” She finally asks, breaking the awkward silence.

I pull my bottom lip into my mouth, nibbling with my teeth, my mind running in circles, weighing the gravity of the situation. “I don’t know, mamà?” I answer, my voice monotone.

“What does that even mean