(Chua residence- Lara POV)
The Chua residence was always warm.
Not in the gentle, cozy sense like the Lui household — no.
The Chua home was warm in the way of pressure, expectation, prestige.
Like polished cherrywood floors and sharp-eyed portraits of ancestors silently judging you from the walls.
Lara had walked through this foyer thousands of times, but today her feet felt heavier.
Her parents were waiting.
Her mother seated with perfect poise on the velvety cream couch.
Her father standing near the window, brows furrowed, posture sharp.
Just great.
"Sit," her father said. Not unkindly — but not kindly either.
Lara obeyed.
A beat of silence.
Then—
"Explain," her father demanded. "Explain how you and Steven Sy — after YEARS — suddenly end."
Her mother added softly, "We were very disappointed, dear. You and Steven were a good match."
Once upon a time, those words would have gutted her.
Now?
They only pricked.
Lara inhaled, steadying her voice.
