The warmth in my eyes disappeared.
"Lilian was the reason Nana collapsed."
My voice turned cold.
"And you're still bringing her up?"
Aunt Angela fell silent.
For the first time, she looked uncertain.
But only briefly.
"If not Lilian, then someone else."
She straightened.
"There are countless women from respectable families."
"Women with proper backgrounds."
"Women who actually belong in this family."
Something inside me snapped.
I slowly rose to my feet.
The conversation was over.
"I need some air."
I turned toward the door.
"Alexander."
Her voice sharpened.
"Are you really walking away because of that woman?"
I stopped.
Then slowly turned my head.
For a brief moment, our eyes met.
"This is the last time you will speak about my wife that way."
Even I was surprised by how cold my voice sounded.
Aunt Angela froze.
I continued calmly.
"My marriage, my family, my child."
"They are my responsibility."
"And my decisions."
I paused.
"No one else gets a say."
