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.
"Aunt Keera, Uncle Lewis, I know I've been a little out of line in the past. I
took a sip from
with a slight nod, she raised her glass and
things that upset you earlier, Aunt Keera. That wasn't my intention. I just
didn't know whawt
she bring that up
an eyebrow.
you could ask Jake to stop by sometime. I'd 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 else, maybe you could help me
Selena's words were harmless, but they carried a hidden
with Jake, and even though both of them had moved on, the complexities of their past were something everyone in the family was aware
moving back
Jake was the one who listened to Keira the
clearly playing a dangerous game, indicating that "Keera"
damn good job. Keira placed her glass on the table with a sharp thud. "I'm sorry, but I
surprise. "Weren't you
to hang on your every word. If anyone could convince him, it
is this woman
gave a short laugh. "What are you talking about? I grew up in Clance. How
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 one
froze, caught off guard by Lewis'
and Ellie shared a glance. They didn't know about Keira and
like Selena, saw this as her just desserts. She was stirring the pot, and it seemed like Keira and Lewis
Gavin? He was
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