I didn't move. I didn't respond.
"You should be looking up to your sister," she continued, gesturing sharply toward Elena. "Look at her, composed, responsible, respected. And you, you come back into this house with a scandal?"
"Mum, that's enough." Victor was already on his feet, his voice sharp as he stepped forward and placed himself slightly between us. "You can't speak to her like that."
He stepped forward, but I pushed his arm away immediately.
"Don't," I said quietly.
My voice was calm, too calm, and that alone made the atmosphere in the room shift. My mother's anger faltered slightly, confusion flickering across her face at my lack of reaction.
I slowly lifted my head, then looked at them. All of them.
"People will talk?" I repeated softly, my gaze moving from my mother to Elena to Victor.
The room fell silent.
I turned fully toward Victor.
