CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY EIGHT – A TRUCE FOR THE SAKE OF COMFORT

"I've been watching you this week," Raquel began, her tone unusually gentle. "You're unhappy here." Jasmine opened her mouth to protest, but Raquel held up a hand to silence her. "Don't bother denying it. I have eyes, you know." Raquel sighed, suddenly looking very tired. "I know I'm not the easiest person to live with. And I know this situation isn't ideal for either of us." Jasmine nodded cautiously, unsure where this conversation was heading. Raquel continued, her eyes fixed on her coffee cup. "When Don Cesaro asked me to take you in, I was... resistant. I've spent most of my life alone, and I like it that way. Having someone else in my space, especially someone from such a different world... it's been an adjustment." "I understand," Jasmine said softly. "And I'm truly grateful for everything you've done for me, Raquel. I know my presence here is an inconvenience-" "Let me finish," Raquel interrupted, but without her usual sharpness. "What I'm trying to say is... I may have be