“I’m not going to break up with Ivan,” I said, my voice trembling but firm. “Not for you, not for Isabel. If Ivan doesn’t want me, he’ll tell me himself. But I won’t let you dictate my life anymore.”

Mrs. Carlos’s face twisted with fury, her eyes flashing with cold malice. “You’re making a grave mistake, Vera,” she hissed. “You don’t want to cross me.”

Despite the terror creeping up my spine, I stood my ground. “I’ve already made my choice.”

Just then, the door opened, and Ivan stepped back inside. His face lit up when he saw me, oblivious to the tension in the room. “Sorry about that,” he...