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 the past. I just want to apologize and ask for your understanding. This toast is for
a sip
glass and took a small sip in acknowledgment. It was
just feel like the house
didn't know whawt to
she bring that up
an
the air. I know there's been some
Selena's words were harmless, but they
them had moved on, the complexities of their past were something everyone in the family was aware
by not moving back home, mainly to avoid any
suggest that Jake was the one who listened to Keira
a dangerous game, indicating that "Keera" was
so, she was doing a damn good job. Keira placed her glass on the table with a sharp
be?" Selena feigned surprise. "Weren't you both in the same college?
used to hang on your every word. If anyone could convince him,
this woman trying
gave a short laugh. "What are you talking about? I grew up in Clance. How could I have gone
mouth to say something more, but Lewis cut her off, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Selena, if you're
froze, caught off guard by Lewis' sudden
didn't know about Keira and Jake's history,
like Selena, saw this as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot, and it seemed like Keira and Lewis were
He was completely
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