The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the far end of the table, where Selena was holding her hand over her mouth, looking nauseous.
Gavin leaned in, worried. "What's wrong?"
Selena shook her head, unsure herself.
Maybe it was the knowledge that the soup had been tampered with. After all, she knew what had been added.
One shouldn't have felt anything—unless one had colon cancer.
Confused, she glanced at Gavin. He'd had some of the soup, too. Shouldn't he be feeling it by now?
Maybe the effects just hadn't kicked in yet.
"I'm fine," she said with a forced smile. "You should have some more soup."
Gavin seemed reassured and went back to his meal.
Selena's condition had worsened, though the doctors had told her that cancer patients who remained unaware of their condition often lived longer—months, even years.
It was psychological, they'd said, but in the end, it was just a temporary comfort.
Gavin continued drinking his soup, his mind elsewhere, before absentmindedly reaching for some vegetables slathered in peanut sauce.
Meanwhile, Selena set her utensils down and turned to Gavin. "I'm going to propose a toast to my aunt and uncle."
Selena walked over to where Keira and Lewis were sitting.
I know I've been a little out of line in the past. I just want to apologize and ask for
sip from her
glass and
intention. I just feel like the house is so empty these days. It got me
didn't know
would she bring that
an
talk to him and clear the air. I know there's been some misunderstandings between us, and since Jake listens to you
Selena's words were harmless, but they carried
had history with Jake, and even though both of them had moved on, the complexities of their past were something everyone in the family was
had distanced himself by not moving
suggest that Jake was the one who listened to Keira the
clearly playing a dangerous game, indicating
job. Keira placed her glass on the table with a sharp thud. "I'm sorry, but
Selena feigned surprise. "Weren't you
hang on your every word. If anyone could convince him, it would be you.
this woman trying
talking about? I grew up in Clance. How could I
her mouth to say something more, but Lewis cut her off, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Selena, if you're not enjoying dinner, you can leave. No
froze, caught off guard by Lewis'
shared a glance. They didn't know about Keira and Jake's history, but they could sense
She was stirring the
was completely in
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