*You ever been married?*

His expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker in his eyes that seemed like curiosity, maybe, or annoyance. I couldn’t tell.

I swallowed hard and continued. “My father was furious. He was embarrassed, scared of what it would do to his reputation if word got out, I mean, his business was already down bad. He threatened me, told me I had to take her place or else…” my voice faltered. “Or else he’d stop funding my mother’s treatment. Like she ...