Chapter 120 —She's Not My Mother

Narrator:

The routine at home had changed. Not because Roman had decided to change it. Nor because Aylin had decided to change it. But the changes were there, settling in with dangerous naturalness. At first, it was just one afternoon. Then twice a week. Now, Sasha asked almost every day if she could see Julieta. They no longer called her Miranda. At least not out loud.

The most disturbing thing was that Aylin and Roman were also getting used to it. To saying “Julieta” without thinking. To integrating her into the conversation as if she had always been there. As if they didn't know who she really was. As if that woman hadn't been the same one who disappeared, lied, betrayed.

But she was achieving her goal. Gently, patiently. Sliding into everyday life without making a sound, settling in where she had no permission before.

“Do you mind if I invite her over on Saturday?” Sasha asked that morning, sitting in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring her hot cho