Chapter 33: Threads of Deception

The clinking of silverware against porcelain echoed in the vast dining room. Mariana pushed a limp strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flitting around the room as if to escape the awkward tension. "This would be much more bearable alone," she muttered under her breath. Tiago's head snapped up. "What was that?" Caught off guard, she stammered, "Nothing, I… I didn't say anything." Tiago's gaze remained fixed on her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. He turned his attention back to his plate, the silence resuming its suffocating hold. Mariana found herself shovelling food into her mouth, desperate to break free from the awkwardness. Each bite was tasteless, but she forced it down, her only goal to be finished and escape. With a clatter, she placed her knife and fork down, pushing her chair back from the table. "Excuse me," she said, her voice barely a whisper. Before she could take a single step towards the door, Tiago's voice stopped her. "Mariana," he called