I told Maria what I just heard coming out of Joseph’s room. And as I was explaining to her my theories, she just sat on the chair opposite me. Her face was expressionless.

“But you can’t think he would do that, do you? I mean, we are talking about Joseph and my sister. They don’t like each other in the slightest. You saw what was happening during dinner last night,” she pointed out.

“I know it’s crazy, but what can we do about it? Do you think we should confront them about it? Because I can’t stop thinking about it. And I couldn’t even sleep,” I told her.

She was silent for a while, then spoke, “I think we need to give them time to come out on their own. Surely Joseph can’t hide this from you for longer periods. He will get back to us very soon,” she spoke as she rubbed a hand on my arm. “I know this has had you startled. But I need you to relax and think about something else. We don’t have to give them an impression we know something. I know he is you friend and the news that he lied