It was nearly 7 p.m. when Tessa arrived home from work. The day had been long and exhausting, and all she wanted was a moment of peace and the solemn magic of a good sleep.

As she stepped through the front door, she found Don Pedro in the bedroom, dressed in a suit and standing before the large mirror.

His face held no expression whatsoever, he was busy adjusting his tie and then styling his hair seconds later.

Pedro turned almost as soon as he noticed her enter. “You didn’t get my message to leave work early, did you?” he asked, his voice rumbled gently as he continued to scrutinize...