“My mother told me everything,” he spat. “You insulted her. You spilled tea on her on purpose. You even threatened them.” His face twisted in anger. “Do you think that’s amusing? Huh? You think that makes you strong?”
I tried to speak—but another blow came before I could form the words.
Harder this time.
My head jerked sideways, pain exploding down my neck and spine. I tasted blood.
Then Lena’s voice drifted down from the stairs, soft and sweet like it belonged to something poisonous.
“Vincenzo… don’t bother yourself with her,” she said gently. “She’s not worth your anger, baby. You know she’s unstable.”
And just like that, his rage shifted.
He turned toward her, and in an instant, his expression softened—as if someone had flipped a switch inside him. As if I’d never mattered at all.
“You’re too forgiving,” he said to Lena. “That’s why she keeps stepping out of line.”
Lena made a small sad face. “She’s been weird all day. I tried to understand her, but… she really hates me. I can feel it.”
On the couch, Noel didn’t even pretend to care. His headphones dangled around his neck while music still played. He looked at me and smirked.
To him, this wasn’t conflict. It was entertainment.