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.
Uncle Lewis, I know I've been a little out of line in the past. I just want to
took a sip
Lewis, and with a slight nod, she raised her glass and took a small sip in acknowledgment. It
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
know whawt to
she bring that up
an eyebrow.
the air. I know there's been some misunderstandings between us, and
words were harmless, but they carried a
had moved on,
not moving back
was the one who listened to Keira
was clearly playing a dangerous game, indicating that
doing a damn good job. Keira placed her glass on the table with a
"Weren't you both in the same college?
hang on your every word. If anyone could convince him, it would
thought, "What is this woman
"What are you talking about? I grew up in Clance.
but Lewis cut her off, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Selena, if you're not enjoying dinner, you can leave. No one here is stopping
guard
Ellie shared a glance. They didn't know about Keira
already didn't like Selena, saw this as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot, and it seemed like Keira and Lewis were done playing
Gavin? He was completely in
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