Before Nathan could respond, Maria walked in, holding a tray with a dish and a bottle of orange juice. Her presence disrupted the charged atmosphere, and Martin’s demeanor shifted uneasily.

Maria set the tray down with deliberate precision. Pouring a glass of juice, she slid it toward Nathan, then took a seat on the sofa across the room, her gaze flickering between the two men.

“Do you love someone else?” Martin blurted, his curiosity refusing to be stifled.

Nathan didn’t answer, his ...