ELENA

Rogerio’s approach to planning the wedding had finally pushed me to the wall, so I decided to call his mother. My family had spent the last few weeks reminding me that I’d thrown away my chances with the Thuthai family the first time, and I had to ensure the wedding happened this time. They didn’t care if I had to grovel or beg to become the next Signora Thuthai; they simply wanted me to do whatever it took to get it done.

I knew calling his mom was a power move. She wouldn’t entertain the flimsy excuses Rogerio had been giving me for not picking a date, and he’d...