“You’re late again,” Mom greeted the moment I stepped inside. I had just gotten back from an out-of-town seminar—I thought maybe I’d get a little peace. I was wrong.

“I just got home from Baguio. Can I drink water first before the lecture starts?” I said as I reached for the tumbler on the dining table. I was exhausted, but apparently, that wasn’t enough to get a pass.

She was standing by the kitchen counter, arms crossed—like a teacher looking for mistakes before you even speak.

“What are you doing, Laura?”

I looked up. “Huh? Doing what where?”

“With Edward,” she said flatly. “Don’t even try to deny it. I’ve...