The kitchen went silent for a moment, and I became painfully aware of the other maids standing around. Then the whispers started.
As expected.
"Look at her now. How the mighty has fallen."
"Moon Goddess's curse is no joke. Who would've thought?"
"Even her sisters despise her. Imagine being hated by your own blood. Are we supposed to respect her?"
Juana pulled back from the hug and turned to defend me once again.
"Do you have no shame? Señorita María José is standing right here, crying, and this is what you choose to do? Backbite her? Do you even have hearts?"
The maids exchanged awkward glances, some muttering half-hearted apologies, while others quickly busied themselves with their tasks but not without telling Juana to mind her business.
At that moment, the kitchen door swung open, and the butler, a tall man named Don Federico, walked in. His sharp eyes landed on me immediately.
