Discreet café in downtown Valmont - The next day, 10 am
I didn't tell Enzo about Julia's call.
Yet.
Because part of me knew he would try to stop me. Or insist on coming along. And Julia was clear: alone.
So I lied.
"I'm going to the gallery," I said, kissing Bella. "Meeting about the autumn exhibition. I'll be back for lunch."
Enzo barely looked, focused on his laptop.
"Okay. Have a good meeting."
His distraction should have relieved me.
But it bothered me.
Since Rafael's visit, Enzo had been different. Physically present. But emotionally distant.
He worked more. Smiled less. Touched me less.
And I didn't understand why.
________________________________________
Café Vitória
Julia was already there. Discreet corner. Two cups of tea already on the table.
She was... impeccable. Eight months pregnant but well-dressed. Elegant maternity dress. Hair up. Light makeup.
Nothing like me at eight months pregnant—swollen, tired, living in pajamas.
