When the car arrived, Raúl stepped out first and walked around to open the passenger door.
Raquel emerged wearing an elegant cream-colored dress, carrying a modest gift for Amina.
She smiled warmly.
“Your family has a beautiful home.”
Raúl looked at her with affection.
“They’ve been waiting to meet you.”
He led her inside.
His sisters came forward, smiling.
Then they saw her face.
Nadia’s smile disappeared.
Fatou stopped moving.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Raquel noticed their expressions and instinctively straightened her shoulders.
Raúl felt the atmosphere change.
“Everyone,” he said, trying to remain calm, “this is Raquel. The woman I love. My fiancée.”
Nadia stared at him.
“Your fiancée?”
“Yes.”
Fatou let out a short, disbelieving laugh.
“You cannot be serious.”
Raquel’s smile faded.
Raúl took her hand.
