CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN - WHEN HEARTS COLLIDE

   "A good job that I worked hard to get. Why can't you be happy for me?" Luis leaned forward, his eyes intense. "We want to be happy for you, Nia. But we've noticed changes. You're different. It's like you're losing yourself in this new life." "Losing myself?" Nia repeated, incredulous. "I'm finding myself! For the first time, I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. Doing something that matters." Maria reached out, trying to take Nia's hand, but Nia pulled away. "Cariño, we're just worried you're setting yourself up for heartbreak. These men, they're not like us. They live in a different world." Nia stood up abruptly, her eyes flashing with anger. "A different world? Is that what this is about? You think I don't belong there because of where I came from?" "That's not what we're saying," Luis protested, standing as well. "We're trying to protect you!" "Protect me?" Nia scoffed. "From what? From success? From being more than just a cleaning lady?" Maria's voice took on a plead