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.

out of line in

sip from her

raised her glass and took a small

"I know I've said some things that upset you earlier, Aunt Keera. That wasn't my intention. I just feel like the house is so empty these days. It got me thinking. I hope you don't take it the

didn't know

she bring

raised an

like to talk to him and clear the air. I know there's been some misunderstandings between us, and since Jake listens to you more than anyone

the surface, Selena's words were harmless, but they

on, the complexities of their past were something everyone in the family was

himself by not moving back home, mainly

Jake was the one who listened to Keira

a dangerous game,

Selena trying to provoke her? If so, she was doing a damn good job. Keira placed her glass on the table with a sharp thud. "I'm sorry, but I don't know

feigned surprise. "Weren't you both

word. If anyone could convince him, it would be you.

is this woman trying to

talking about? I grew

patience clearly wearing thin. "Selena, if you're not enjoying dinner, you can leave.

off guard by Lewis' sudden

glance. They didn't know about Keira and Jake's history, but they could

didn't like Selena, saw this as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot,

He was completely in the

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