Chapter Thirty One

Zara Howard

"No, absolutely not, Mom. You can't talk to Zara alone. There is no need," Asher states sternly, his voice filled with a mix of protectiveness and frustration. However, his mother ignores him, determined to have a private conversation with me. She links her arm with mine and starts leading me to the kitchen, where Mrs. Costanza, our housekeeper, is waiting.

"You were right. He was in her room," Sienna tells Mrs. Costanza, her voice carrying a hint of disapproval. Mrs. Costanza, on the other hand, flashes Asher a knowing look, as if she had suspected something all along.

"Of course, where would they be? They think I am old, so they believe I don't know what's going on with them," Mrs. Costanza remarks, her tone implying a mixture of amusement and understanding.

As we enter the kitchen, I feel a sense of unease, surrounded by these two strong-willed women who seem to have insight into the complicated dynamics between Asher and me. I brace myself for the conversation that is