CHAPTER EIGHTEEN - SURPRISE GUESTS

  Barnaby waved off her protests. "Nonsense, my dear. It brings me joy to know it will have a good home with someone who appreciates it. Now, how about a tour of this new palace of yours?" As Nia began showing Barnaby around, pointing out the features of each room and sharing her decorating plans, the doorbell rang again. She heard Maria answering it, followed by a familiar voice that made her freeze mid-sentence. Luis. Her brother was here. Nia's mind raced. She had invited Luis, of course, wanting to include him in this milestone moment. But now that he was actually here, in her new space, surrounded by her new friends, she felt a wave of panic. She excused herself from Barnaby and made her way to the living room. There stood Luis, looking uncomfortable and out of place, a bottle of wine clutched in his hand like a lifeline. The room had fallen silent, everyone sensing the tension that had suddenly descended. Nia took a deep breath, reminding herself that this was her home, her