“I went to your apartment because I didn’t know where you were.”

“After you saw the picture.”

He had no answer.

“The money didn’t change who I am, Hugo. It changed the way you looked at me.”

He covered his face.

“I love you.”

“Then tell me the last time you defended me.”

His hands dropped.

“When Carla criticized my clothes?”

Nothing.

“When Olivia stopped being invited?”

Silence.

“When Mauricio was told to clean his hands before touching the furniture?”

His face twisted.

“I laughed.”

“Yes.”

“I was uncomfortable.”

“Your discomfort became his humiliation.”

He nodded.

“When Carla decided I wasn’t polished enough to sit with her parents, who called me?”

“I did.”

“You didn’t simply fail to defend me. You delivered the message.”

“I thought giving in would make things easier.”

“It did.”

He looked at me.

“For you.”

Carla crossed her arms.

“I didn’t know this hurt you so much.”

“You watched me leave your house.”

“I thought you would cool down.”

“That is worse.”

Her arms loosened.

“For years, I wanted to know how you would treat me if you believed I couldn’t give you anything.”

My throat tightened.

“I didn’t expect the answer to hurt this much.”

Hugo looked toward the terrace.

“So last night was punishment.”

“No.”

“You invited everyone we excluded.”

“I invited people I love because you decided I should be alone.”

“You posted the picture.”

“I posted a photograph of my Christmas dinner. I did not mention either of you.”

“Everyone is asking questions.”

“Then tell them the truth.”

Carla looked down.

“My parents are furious.”

“At me?”