The tension in the bedroom was palpable – it was so much that it was causing a near migraine to pound in Christian’s head. He rubbed the back of his head gingerly as he waited for something–good or bad– to come out of this discussion.

For over one hour, he had been trying to make Antonia see why he needed to do this with Laura. Why it was important for Laura and the kids to come and live with them.

Antonia kept pacing the length of the room, giving out a long sigh each time she had to reach the end of the room and turn back.

Just when Christian...