CHAPTER 6: PLANNING TO GET MARRIED BY PROXY

"Cecilia, open the door!" Tatiana's voice was sharp, edged with frustration, though she tried to soften it. She rubbed her temples, pushing back the headache that had been building all morning. "Come on, sweetheart. We need to talk." Tatiana stood outside Cecilia's bedroom door, her knuckles red from pounding on the wood for the past few minutes. She paused, breathing heavily, and knocked again—this time with less force but more persistence. There was a muffled sound inside the room, but there was no response. Tatiana narrowed her eyes, tapping her foot impatiently. Her fist clenched at her side. She could sense Cecilia's stubbornness, the same unyielding spirit she had inherited from her father. "Cecilia!" she snapped, her voice rising. "I am not leaving until you open this door." A long pause followed. Then, faintly, Cecilia's voice replied, hoarse with emotion. "Go away, Grandma. Please... just leave me alone." Tatiana exhaled sharply, her brow furrowing in anger. "I can't do