Without further questions, she hurried to turn on the water heater and offered Marcia a change of clothes.

Marcia hesitated, rooted to the spot.

Elissa, feeling a knot of unease, tucked her hair behind her ear and reassured her gently, “I know this place is humble compared to what you're used to, Mom. Please make do for now."

After a long silence, Marcia murmured, "This place is fine."

It was clear to her that Elissa was content here, despite the simplicity of the space, which was scarcely larger than a bathroom in their family home.

Once Marcia had showered and changed, she appeared somewhat revived.

Elissa warmed up a bowl of mushroom soup that filled the room with a comforting aroma. Marcia inquired, “Did you make this?"

Elissa shook her head, "No, I'm not much of a cook. Raphael made it.”

Marcia nodded, and then quietly sipped the soup.

Though it lacked the sophistication of dishes prepared by chefs back home, the homemade quality brought a unique comfort. Halfway through, Marcia's expression grew troubled.

Noticing her mother's distress, Elissa gently prodded, "Mom, what's wrong?"

Suddenly, Marcia broke down in tears.

Overwhelmed by her emotions, she covered her face with her hands and sobbed uncontrollably, releasing a torrent of pent-up anguish.

She cried, "Elissa, your father is having an affair!"

Elissa remained still, not entirely surprised as Raphael had already informed her. She wondered how Marcia had come to find out.

Marcia swept back her hair, revealing a faint slap mark on her face.

Trembling, she disclosed, "I found records of him buying a house for that woman. She's about your age, young enough to be his daughter. They even have a son who's already in elementary school. He's hidden this from me for years. He's a monster!"

She looked earnestly at Elissa and added, "No wonder he's been so heartless to you. He plans to leave his fortune to his lover's son! He's so cruel."

Elissa was speechless, grappling with shame for having known about her father's affair but not sharing it sooner with her mother.

Marcia suddenly laughed bitterly. “You knew all along, didn't you? Raphael even arranged the boy's schooling. That's why your father never confronted him. But it was inevitable that I would find out!"

Elissa whispered an apology, "I'm sorry."

Marcia responded sternly, "You're foolish. Your father has done something like this, and you said nothing. Did you think by keeping silent, I could somehow be happy? He doesn't care for our family. If he could drive you away, one day, he might turn on me too!"

Elissa doubted that Yousef would directly harm Marcia, but given his character, she couldn't help but agree that her mother's future looked grim.

She contemplated discussing with Raphael the possibility of Marcia living with them.