“Sofia, what’s wrong?” My mother sets down the large platter she’s holding on the kitchen island and takes a closer look at me. “Have you been crying?”

She’s not aware of the feelings I have for Roman, nor do I want her to be. I feel like a fool after what happened in Papa’s office. The last thing I want is her pity. It will make me feel worse.

I also know that if I tell her what happened with Roman, she’ll have him fired immediately. Or ...