The morning light slanted through the curtains, too bright for how tense the room felt.
Raya's breath caught before she could stop it. Contacts. Right. Those nonexistent lenses she'd apparently 'worn to sleep'.
She forced a small, apologetic smile. "You're right, Mom. I'll take them off now."
Juliana's hand lingered midair, as if waiting for her to actually do it. The woman's gaze was too sharp, too focused. Raya's pulse spiked.
Think. Think fast.
She needed space. An excuse. Anything.
She reached for the sheet casually, pretending to stretch. "Can you maybe make me something light before we go out? I think I drank too much last night. My stomach feels a little off."
Juliana's face softened instantly. A mother's worry always trumped suspicion. "Of course, darling. I'll have Maria make you some tea."
Raya smiled faintly. "Thank you, Mom."
