Esmeralda nodded at Diego’s reassurances, though her thoughts remained elsewhere. His confidence in her felt hollow, almost performative, and she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease at his words. The weight of her decision to handle this situation on her own, to cut Santiago out completely, pressed heavily on her chest.
Diego stepped closer, placing his hands on her sides again, this time with a possessive air. He leaned in and kissed her lips softly, a gesture meant to convey affection, but one that left Esmeralda feeling trapped rather than comforted. She nodded in response, her smile strained but polite, and allowed him to guide her toward the car waiting in the driveway.
As they approached, Diego opened the passenger door for her, gesturing for her to get in. "You will be fine,
