Alina's voice trembled as she opened her mouth.
"Aunty… actually… I am in a relationship with Dante."
Aunt Lyla froze.
Her smile dropped. Her eyes widened. Her mouth opened, then closed, then opened again without a sound.
"…Alina… what are you saying?" Her voice shook, equal parts shock and fear. "He… he is the father of two children. You— you're barely even experienced in dating and he—he might even have a wife… you… you…"
Alina panicked when she saw her aunt's expression crumble.
"I know… I know he has children," she said quickly, her own voice trembling. "But he doesn't have a wife. He's… he's a good man, Aunt. A very good man."
But Aunt Lyla still looked deeply unsettled, her hands clasped on her chest, her breath uneven.
